Author Talk: A Culinary History of Martha’s Vineyard

On Thursday, September 5th, at 4:30pm, at the West Tisbury Library, local authors Thomas and Joyce Dresser will discuss their newly released book, A Culinary History of Martha’s Vineyard. Books will be available for purchase and signing. This event is free and open to the public.

About the book:
“Martha’s Vineyard is known as a popular vacation destination with high profile visitors. Below the surface, however, bubbles a culinary melting pot. 

Native Americans, Blacks, European settlers and Azoreans all contributed to the island’s diverse culinary history. The Scottish Society still celebrates Robert Burns annually with a feast. Two towns have streets called Chicken Alley for the Portuguese families who raised chickens there, while native beach plums are used to create a delicious jelly that can be found across the island. Restaurants like Giordano’s and the ArtCliff Diner have been in business for more than fifty years and are still putting out great dishes. Learn the back-story of the island’s first—and only—commercial vineyard. 

From codfish souffle to espirito santo soup, local authors Tom and Joyce Dresser share the ingredients, recipes and images of this flavorful island.”

Thomas Dresser taught elementary school for ten years, was a nursing home administrator for twenty years, and drove a school bus for fifteen years.  He has enjoyed writing all his life, but found his niche on the Vineyard, joining Island writing groups, writing for the local press, and publishing a number of books on Vineyard history. He lives in Oak Bluffs with his wife Joyce, a retired West Tisbury teacher.

Joyce Dresser has lived on the Vineyard since 1969, taught on the Island for thirty years, loves to garden, cook, and is part of the program at the West Tisbury First Congregational Church that serves meals during the winter months.