Shopping the Wharf on Nantucket | Table No. 1

Shopping the Wharf - Table No. 1 Nantucket interior

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.

Shopping the wharf - Table No. 1 on Nantucket

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.

Shopping the Wharf - Sarah Powers of Nantucket's Table No. 1

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

Shopping the Wharf - Table No. 1 Nantucket interiorWhen 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.”

Shopping the Wharf - Table No. 1 wine wall

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.”

Table No. 1 Nantucket wall

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

Table No. 1 rosé

Table No. 1 beer

a delicious assortment of artisanal cheeses,

Shopping the wharf on Nantucket - Table No. 1 cheeses

special items for the pantry

Table No. 1 Nantucket honey

or attractive accoutrements for serving or table

Table No. 1 Nantucket wine carrier

Table No. 1 Nantucket  Laguiole

fresh flowers (supplied by Flowers on Chestnut),

Flowers at Table No. 1 Nantucket

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

Lulu Powers book at Table No. 1In 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.

Table No. 1 take out platter

Table No. 1 entertaining platter

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

7 thoughts on “Shopping the Wharf on Nantucket | Table No. 1

  1. I love the name and concept and wish her continued success! But I had to smile that our local Isle Saint Pierre rosé was featured throughout…from a relatively small producer in the Camargue…what the owners would think if they knew some of the ‘high and mighty’ that were drinking their wines! ;)

    • Yes, Heather, lots of delicious, lesser known and reasonably priced wines with a very deep selection of rosés! Cheers!

  2. Such fun! Wish our beach area was more like this. Los Angeles/Santa Monica are such city coast towns. Love seeing and reading this….this was fun to see

  3. I’m SO excited that you highlighted Sarah!!! I just bought a case of the Isle Saint Pierre. Love, love her “coffee” cheese and her spicy chocolate almonds! My new favorite shop on Nantucket….and Sarah and Lulu are the best!!!

  4. I am so glad that you reminded me of No. 1, as it was on my list to visit this week. The story of how the name came to be is so great. I’ll think of it every time I make Mr Powers famous broccoli soup from Lulu’s cookbook!

    I’m sure this is a favorite new addition to ACK!
    ~ Elizabeth

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