Cookbook Talk: The Making of "The Sea Table"

The Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to welcome Shelley Edmundson, executive director of the Martha's Vineyard Fishermen's Preservation Trust, and Catherine Walthers, cookbook author and culinary instructor, for a discussion about the making of the new Martha’s Vineyard-based cookbook, “The Sea Table”--a true collaboration between local chefs, fishermen, and photographers. 

This event will be held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, March 31st at the Katharine Cornell Theatre, located at 51 Spring Street in Vineyard Haven (above Tisbury Town Hall). Free and open to the public. No registration required. 

This is the third of three Sea Table events hosted by island libraries: January 31st at 1:00 pm at the Chilmark Free Library, March 14th at 3:00 pm at the Aquinnah Public Library, and March 31st at 6:00 pm at the Katharine Cornell Theatre, hosted by the Vineyard Haven Public Library. 

About the cookbook:

“‘The Sea Table’ is more than just a cookbook. It’s a tribute to the waters that surround Martha’s Vineyard and to the fishermen who work hard to bring seafood to our tables. It features 75 recipes curated from island cooks, chefs, and fishermen; involves 19 seafood species found in Vineyard waters—from bay scallops, to fluke, to yellowfin tuna; profiles 21 local fishermen; and invites you into a world where fresh, sustainable seafood is a way of life. Whether you’re a seasoned cook, a seafood lover, or just someone who cares about where your food comes from, this book offers an inspiring—and delicious—way to eat locally.

‘​The Sea Table’ was created by the Martha's Vineyard Fishermen's Preservation Trust, in partnership with cookbook author, chef, and writer Catherine Walthers. The food photography for this book was created by local photographer Randi Baird, and black and white portraits of fishermen were captured by Brook Bartletta. Other contributing professional photographers include Claire Callagy, Alison Shaw, Ben Scott, Larry Glick, Bob Avakian, Parker Bradlee, Susie Middleton and Lisa Vanderhoop.”

About the presenters: 

Shelley Edmundson, Executive Director, MVFPT, spent every summer with her family on Martha’s Vineyard exploring the island’s shores and fishing off her grandfather’s boat, the Seabird. Shelley received her PhD in Zoology/Marine Biology studying channeled whelks (nicknamed 'conchs'), marine snails that support one of the Vineyard's largest commercial fisheries. Throughout her research, Shelley collaborated with many local fishermen with the goal of helping protect the species and sustainably manage the local fishery. Shelley’s love of the Vineyard, marine biology, and the commercial fishing community drives her passion to work for the Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust. 

Catherine Walthers is a Martha’s Vineyard-based writer, culinary instructor, and private chef. A former journalist, she is the author of 4 cookbooks, including “Kale, Glorious Kale, Soups + Sides,” and “Raising the Salad Bar.” Catherine Walthers is also the food editor of Bluedot Magazine. She also wrote an environmental guidebook called “A Greener Boston” published by Chronicle Books in 1992. 

For more information, please contact the library at vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org or (508) 696-4211.