With temperatures rising to the sixties and the colorful sails unfolding in the harbor, this popular waterfront town, Martha’s Vineyard, has natives congregating at local farms snatching up the prized delicacy found only in the month of June…Strawberries!  Growing only to the size of pea, yet bursting with the most intense flavor, they have become a prominent ingredient for Chef Chris Parsons as he approaches his second season on the island.  Parsons, chef/owner of the newly opened restaurant, Catch at The Terrace in the Relais & Chateaux property, The Charlotte Inn, takes the hotel’s vintage truck to the Thimble Farm in Vineyard Haven with his wife, Meg, and two young daughters, [under the age of five] to gather strawberries twice a week. These seasonal, tiny morsels are vibrant red with an abundance of complex fruit flavor, truly symbolizing the farm-to-table experience. Catch them if you can this JUNE! A few menu ideas from Chef Chris Parsons:

Fresh Island Strawberries, Lemon Yogurt, Local Lavender, Aged Balsamic
 
Sweetneck Farm Oysters, Strawberry Water, Champagne Gelée, Tarragon Oil
 
Roasted Local Diver Scallops, Foie Gras, Thimble Farm Strawberries, Porcini Mushrooms, Fava Beans, Strawberry Gastrique
 
Vermont Quail en Crempinette, Confit Leg, Sunchoke Purée, Morning Glory Farm Strawberries, Stinging Nettle, White Pepper
 
Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta, Up Island Strawberries Fresh and Dried, Strawberry-Rhubarb Soup
 
Macerated Strawberries, Warm Shortbread, Crème Fraîche Ice Cream, Mint Syrup