The Black Dog at Martha's Vineyard

Every now and then you come across a place so cool, so authentic, and so good, you just don't care about anything else. The Black Dog at Martha's Vineyard may have launched a bit of a clothing line and may have a sort of cult following out there (two things that normally do not bode well for this restaurant critic), but what it does have is the best lobster roll on the island and one of the most picturesque little locations you could dream of.

I started, of course, with some fried oysters. I wish the portion had been smaller because I was in serious danger of not making it to the next courses.

As my wife pointed out, the tartar sauce itself was a meal. For all I know every appetizer was this good, but there is no chance I will ever find out. Fried oysters for me. Always and forever.I had clam chowder in about ten places last week at Martha's Vineyard (counting breakfast). I had some spectacular cups of chowder, one poor cup, and a few just "really good" ones. But I had nothing like the Quahog Chowder at The Black Dog. Perfect thickness. Perfect texture. Flavor galore. And clams. The right kind of clams.

But yes, the Lobster Roll takes the cake. And what a lobster roll this was. I am pretty sure the lobster recreated itself atop my brioche roll as it never seemed to go away. Sweet, juicy, lightly seasoned, and just deliciously placed in a perfectly toasted roll. This was what I was thinking about when I booked this trip.The setting in Vineyard Haven is simply perfect. Sailboats surround you and the small unassuming wooden house draws people in for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Tourists, sure, but ample amounts of locals who know it is the best restaurant in town. A great place to bring kids - a great place to go for a date - or a great place to go by yourself with a book - I have a new lunch place to call home in Martha's Vineyard.