Delicious Airport Food?

May 4, 2009 2:28 am

Forget five-star dining, linen tablecloths and candlelight if you are craving a bowl of that beautiful bicuspid the clam and in chowder form head over to the Martha's Vineyard Airport. Yes, airport. Hands down, this is the BEST clam chowder I have ever had the privilege of eating (sorry Mom) was discovered in a tiny airport cafe in Martha's Vineyard. A torrential down pour left my boyfriend and myself more or less stranded at Bob Jackson's little café in Vineyard Haven, MA and, on a chilly, rainy afternoon I couldn't think of anything better than a cup of warm and creamy chowder.

Made with Quahog clams, secret spices and exhibiting a rich texture, this clam chowder reminded me of having an almost Vichyssoise-like consistency, only piping hot! The vegetables matched the chopped, steamed clams in their size. This makes for a delightful mouthful as everything is cooked perfectly and the clams are never gooey or chewy. And, having had this chowder three times within the past month it appears the quality is consistent.

The Plane View Café is owned by Bob Jackson who has lived in the vineyard since he was eight and had the café for ten years. While he won't divulge his prize-winning recipe he does enthusiastically rave about how his chowder placed first in a contest. "The Vineyard Chowder Contest" he says. 'Of course,' I think and then giggle to myself.

At the Plane View Café the décor is simple and clean. On a clear day the café is flooded with ample sunshine from the numerous windows. And, on a rainy afternoon it's cozy and a great place to watch a brewing storm. The place is always filled with friendly people, often there are excited pilots who boast of the craft they are flying with the elation parents have for their children. There are families dining, couples making googly eyes at each other and other people (regulars I assume) who sit at the counter harmlessly ribbing the staff.

Unpretentious and un-paralleled, you won't clam up when telling people about this chowder!

—CJ Lester

Plane View Café
71 Airport Road
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568