You hear plenty of talk about the high prices on the island, and it's not without merit. If you want to go out and spend $100 on a dinner for two, there are many restaurants around here that could easily make that happen (and probably still leave you somewhat hungry on the way out). There are no fast-food chains anywhere to be found around here -- not a single McDonald's or a Burger King or even a Taco Bell -- and many places close down by 9 p.m., which puts a crimp in late-night dining.But there are some wonderful bargains to be found, if you keep your eyes and ears open. I had heard from my co-worker Scott about The Net Result, a seafood place just on the outskirts of downtown Vineyard Haven. He said the food was terrific and the prices were quite reasonable, which definitely piqued my curiosity. He wasn't kidding. It's a combination take-out restaurant/fish market, with one counter for meals (and sushi) and another for fresh-off-the-boat filets, clams, shrimp, etc. that you can take home and fix yourself. In between the counters is a large tank in which dozens of live lobsters are displayed for your viewing pleasure.
The Net Result is staffed by an energetic team of cooks and chefs, many of whom look like college students. But they've been well-trained: Your food arrives quickly and with ample amounts of tartar sauce and lemon on the side (they also have vinegar packets for people like me who like to sprinkle it over their fish and fries). Their crab cake sandwiches are a mere $4 each and come equipped with a fat, perfectly fried crab patty, lettuce and tomato; for most people, I suspect one would be enough to make a respectable lunch. They also offer the traditional fish and chips meal, with three pieces of haddock buried beneath a generous portion of fries; it's $10, but it's a filling meal. While I can't imagine ever having a better fish and chips meal than the ones I've had in London, The Net Result knows how to put together a delicious basket.
The Net Result is staffed by an energetic team of cooks and chefs, many of whom look like college students. But they've been well-trained: Your food arrives quickly and with ample amounts of tartar sauce and lemon on the side (they also have vinegar packets for people like me who like to sprinkle it over their fish and fries). Their crab cake sandwiches are a mere $4 each and come equipped with a fat, perfectly fried crab patty, lettuce and tomato; for most people, I suspect one would be enough to make a respectable lunch. They also offer the traditional fish and chips meal, with three pieces of haddock buried beneath a generous portion of fries; it's $10, but it's a filling meal. While I can't imagine ever having a better fish and chips meal than the ones I've had in London, The Net Result knows how to put together a delicious basket.
The seating is all outside, at picnic tables that are thoughtfully covered by umbrellas. The tables are also under surveillance -- by some little birds who eagerly await any dropped crumbs or abandoned leftovers. They're feisty, but not obnoxious. Like many a household dog, they make their presence known and then lurk on the sidelines to see who's feeling generous.
On the other end of Vineyard Haven is Sandy's Fish & Chips, which has a similar set-up and equally outstanding food. At Sandy's, there is only one lengthy counter, with one side for take-out and the other for shoppers. It must be a neighborhood staple, since the cooks and cashiers tend to greet customers by name.The fry cook seems to know the regulars so well, she can predict their orders. One afternoon, I overheard her challenging the guy who was taking a pick-up order for a fish sandwich over the phone. "Ketchup, lettuce and onion," he had told her, but she was skeptical. "Mac's getting lettuce?" she said. "Are you sure it wasn't mayo?" Oh yeah, the cashier realized, it was supposed to be mayo. The fry cook went back to preparing the sandwich with a satisfied look on her face: "Yeah, Mac getting lettuce: I don't think so!"
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