Shopping the Wharf on Nantucket | Table No. 1

While there are many mainstays on the island, shopping the wharf on Nantucket can be a little like musical chairs. Some businesses start here and then move on “uptown” to more permanent lodgings but some remain, finding a fit with the seasonal charm of the small shop spaces. This week I took a trip to see what was new. My first destination was Table No. 1, Sarah Powers’ new wine and cheese emporium.

A seasoned professional with years of experience helping to market a variety of international lifestyle brands with a focus on food, fine wines and spirits, from Champagne Krug and Cakebread Cellars to Johnny Walker Blue and the Wines of Chile, Sarah’s passion is to spread the word about these people and their brands, as well as the many other farmers and artisans she has met along the way.

These include the makers of her curated list of favorite wines, farmstead cheeses and charcuterie, whether from local sources or around the world.

When I asked Sarah, a longtime summer resident, what made her finally open a store on Nantucket, she shared, “In Nantucket, friends and neighbors join to celebrate and preserve a distinctive way of life, most often enjoyed through the pleasures of the table – free-spirited food and drink and festive entertaining. Food is Nantucket’s greatest equalizer and, more than any one contributor, brings people together. This is my inspiration.”

Table No. 1 is, however, more than just a shop. It’s a gathering place where people can learn about and feel a connection to what Sarah deems worthy “small batch, high quality and hand crafted” goods. Her goal is to make shopping for and eating great food and wine an “enlightening, approachable, fun and delicious experience.”

Whether seeking wine or beer for casual cocktails or formal dinner,

a delicious assortment of artisanal cheeses,

special items for the pantry

or attractive accoutrements for serving or table

fresh flowers (supplied by Flowers on Chestnut),

or, the latest addition, Sarah’s sister Lulu Powers‘ wonderful cookbook, Table No. 1 has you covered.

In addition to providing provisions, Table No. 1 also assembles beautiful entertaining platters and tasting plates (a couple from their Instagram feed below), hosts private evenings, cellar stocking, catering and of course wine gift cases or gift cards.

And if you’re wondering about the name, the explanation will give you a better idea of the spirit of Table No. 1. When the Powers family was initially disappointed to be seated at Table #83 at a wedding, Sarah’s father Jimmy decided that they were all in need of an attitude adjustment. He reminded them that no matter where you are seated, if you are surrounded by family, great food and conversation, then you are in fact at Table No. 1. Sarah thinks of this lesson daily and welcomes you to experience the type of hospitality that comes from a positive attitude at Table No. 1!

Stop back next time for more shopping the wharf on Nantucket.

all photos, unless otherwise specified, by Quintessence