Grist for the Mill

This winter issue of Edible Cape Cod marks the completion of our fourth year as stewards of this venerable magazine. We‘ve come a long way since our first issue as publishers. The feelings of being overwhelmed by the process of producing that spring issue in 2020, multiplied ten-fold by the unknown new pandemic world we were operating in, now can bring a smile to my face. I chuckle at the thought of that feeling of accomplishment like the race was won, and it was time to put our feet up and relax when we finally uploaded our first files to the printer. And, how fleeting that satisfaction was as the realization hit me that we needed to start the whole process over for the summer issue right away.

We may have ultimately found our groove in the production process. However, the fun and fascinating stories we discover in the local food community are a constant source of awe. Whether it’s establishing a brand, building a business, carrying on a tradition, or helping those of us who need it, I remain inspired by the tireless efforts and generosity of our neighbors as our talented contributors continue to tell their stories within these pages.

People like Bob Wells whose Eastham business, New England BioChar, creates a soil additive that helps the local environment and businesses alike. In “Turning Sand Into Soil”, John Greiner-Ferris takes an intriguing look at how Wells and his team are helping the soil in other communities as well, building retorts that burn waste wood scraps and turn them into nearly pure carbon that provides a home for the soil’s nutrients and microbes to thrive.

Thriving long-term in the Cape Cod restaurant industry is a challenge, to say the least. We sat down with John Reid of Chapoquoit Grill in West Falmouth to find out how “Chappy” changed people’s expectations for dining out when it first opened and has continued to impress for thirty years.

One area we have yet to turn our eye to is Nantucket. There are some remarkable people with interesting stories of their own on the island; local folks working hard to protect the island’s way of life, and we’re excited to bring them to you starting with a couple in this issue. Islander Leah Mojer, a talented new voice in our pages, joins our ranks with “Nantucket’s Changing Tides” about Carl Sjolund, a second-generation island fisherman still plying his trade as a bay scalloper at nearly eighty years old in a story of a once-thriving commercial fishing industry on the island.

Longtime contributor Susan Fernald grew up on Nantucket and, while back for a visit, found the quintessential meeting place right in downtown a few blocks up from the wharf. “Meet Me at The Corner Table Café” shares the story of this necessary point of community connection, and how it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.

You may be saying to yourself, “What is Edible Cape Cod doing on Nantucket?” Good question. Another one would be, “What about Nantucket having its own Edible title?” To that, I say, “yes”. Someday, hopefully soon, there very well could be and should be an Edible Nantucket to give the proper spotlight to the island’s local food ecosystem. Until then, we’ll bring you a small taste of island food life in addition to our usual complement of wonderful Cape Cod stories and recipes.

So, until the crocuses push through the earth, the forsythia explode with color and the daffodils bloom, have a wonderful holiday season and a warm and safe winter.

And, most importantly – thank you for your continued support. If you’re reading these pages, are featured in these pages, or have an ad in these pages, just know we couldn’t do it without you!

Larry