THE PARTY'S OVER

This street sign says it all. June 1 to Sept 30 is the SEASON up here in Nantucket. They are real fussy about parking during that time. After Sept 30, they no longer give a damn because everyone went home except the 7000 locals that live here all year. As I look back on the past 3 1/2 months I ponder "what have I learned?" Among many things, I have come up with my TOP 10 list for the island for places to eat and a couple of other things. You should print this and save it in case you ever come up here for vacation.

THE ORACLE'S TOP TEN

1) Best sandwich on Nantucket: Something Natural on Cliff Road. Right in the heart of one of the islands Ritziest neighborhoods. Sandwiches stuffed to overflowing with whatever you want and the bread is yummy. You only need a half...about $6.

2) Best Thai food: Siam to Go inside the Ice rink on Bacchus Road off Surfside, near the High School. It is the snack bar at the ice rink and is a real SHOCKER as to how good it is considering that the other customers are carrying hockey sticks. Strictly take out.

3) Best Bike Shop: YOUNG's on Broad Street. There are no bad bike shops but this one rivals any you would find in a big city. Harvey Young, the owner is on site 6 days a week and runs a tight ship. Brand new bikes...Trek and Cannondale. And their map is the best on the island.

4) Best Hand Made furniture: Stephen Swift on Main Street. Run by Louise Swift and Brad Fair. Their stuff is found in the finest homes on Nantucket and they ship to anywhere.

5) Best Breakfast and some great lunch items: Like their Philly Steak and Cheese sandwich, go to Downyflake on Sparks Avenue near the Rotary. Can be crowded but the food is worth it.

6) Best Jamaican Food: What? Yes, you heard me, Jamaican. There a lots of Jamaicans on the island and they have a place to go and you should too. It's the ROTARY Restaurant on of all places, the Rotary. #1 on my list is the Jerk Chicken and Rice and Beans, with a side of fried plantain. Hey, mon, it good nuh ras.

7) Best typical New England Burger/Lobster roll/Bar joint: Brotherhood of Thieves on Broad Street. They have a historic first floor, modern second floor, and an outside dining room too.

8) Best Bar that's too crowded to enjoy: LoLa 41 on South Beach Street about a block from where we live. Even New Yorkers would like this but leave your all black Gothic outfit at home, it's still Nantucket.

9) Best Chinese food: The Harbor Wok at the Jared Coffin House at the corner of Broad Street and Center Street. I recommend the General Gao's Chicken. They serve 22 ounce cans of Saporo Beer. They have real asians working there.

10) Best Pizza: Sea Grille near the Stop and Shop. It is a great sea food place that has an unfortunate institutional atmosphere. Their pizza is way better than what they try to sell you at Pi Pizza or Sophie T's. They do not sell any bad food. Reservations needed for a reason.

11) Best place to meet real characters who are the fiber of Nantucket: The Wharf Rat Club on the Old North Wharf. It is a block away from the busiest spot on Main Street but 1000 miles away spiritually. They enjoy guests. Bring your best jokes and stories and a bag of Pretzels. Leave your political correctness at the door.