On Wednesday evening, Island businesses and members of the community gathered at the Farm Neck Golf Club in Oak Bluffs to celebrate the Best of the Vineyard, an annual party hosted by Martha’s Vineyard Magazine to highlight the finest in food, lodging, shopping, entertainment, and more.
The contest is open to voting from the public and, this year, more than 66,000 votes were cast by over 2,200 voters in 100 categories. Before the winners and runners-up were announced, Monica Brady-Myerov, publisher of the Vineyard Gazette Media Group, addressed the crowd, saying that locals and visitors use the award designation to guide them through the options on the Island. A win is something to “be very, very proud of,” she said.
Writer and comedian Charlie Nadler announced the results, including the addition of a few new categories. Best Island-Grown Oysters went to Cottage City Oysters and The African-American Heritage Trail of Martha’s Vineyard won Best Tour Company. There were some crowd favorites too. Coop de Ville won Best Wings, as it has every year since 2014. CB Stark Jewelers continued its clean streak: it won Best Jeweler this year, and every year since the inception of the awards in 1996. MV Salads won Best Takeout, Best Arts & Culture Organization went to the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, and Mocha Mott’s got Best Coffee.
To the awardees, the prize is validation of their hard work. Chris Miller, owner of multiple companies under the Miller’s Group umbrella, was there with members of his team to celebrate Millers Pro. Landscape’s win in the Best Irrigation Systems & Maintenance category and Millers Pools & Spa’s win for Best Swimming Pool Contractor.
“It’s a reward for the hard work that everyone has put in,” he said. “People recognize that we’re doing a good job.”
Misty Araujo was celebrating on behalf of Buckley’s Gourmet Catering, where she works as a cook. Buckley’s took home the win for Best Caterer. “It means we’re definitely doing something right,” she said. “It’s a great feeling.” Araujo was also happy to cheer on the other Island companies who’d been honored under the tent. “All the different businesses that are nominated – everyone is great. It’s so special to be able to see everyone here.”
For the full list of winners and runners-up, see the July issue of Martha’s Vineyard Magazine, which hits Island newsstands this weekend.
