Almost Summer + Cape Roundup

Pictured: Lobster Risotto @ Mad Minnow, Harwichport | Toro Maki + Sashimi @ Mac's Shack, Wellfleet | Sunset @ Lewis Bay, West Yarmouth | Swordfish Cheeks + Soft Shell Crab @ Naked Oyster, Hyannis

Finally, some SUNSHINE! The beginning of May was entirely rain / cold / dark / drizzly and heat still blasting inside. That winter chill lingered just a little to long and it was rough on my spirit. In anticipation of consistently warm weather and trips to Cape Cod, here's a round up of some summer archive photos and fantastic Cape restaurants not-previously-blogged-about.

Mac's Shack | 91 Commercial St | Wellfleet

Mac is a local fisherman so a meal at his Outer Cape institution offers hands down the freshest seafood you'll ever eat; perfectly shucked Wellfleet Oysters and Littlenecks, dream worthy sushi + sashimi creations, inventive takes on classic entrees, plus terrific cocktails with a charming coastal atmosphere to match. My favorite way to end a day in Wellfleet - post hiking Great Island + playing in the dunes is hanging at their outdoor bar and patio area.

Mad Minnow | 554 Main St | Harwich Port

A summer gastropub that brings a fresh vibe to the neighborhood with a clean bright interior, an outdoor vegetable meets beer garden, locally sourced seafood, and stellar cocktails - you'll definitely want to #gethooked!

The Port | 541 Main St | Harwich Port

Across the street from Mad Minnow, a much older establishment with a classic and refined old Cape Cod vibe is The Port. You can't go wrong with $1 oysters nightly from 5 - 6:30!

Naked Oyster Bistro + Raw Bar | 410 Main Street | Hyannis

When I tell you that the above Soft Shell Crab + sweet corn entrée and the below Swordfish Cheeks are literally some of the best seafood dishes I've had on Cape Cod, ever, you won't hesitate to hit up the Naked Oyster next time you cross the Sagamore Bridge. My favorite way to dine is impromptu at the raw bar, a spot here feels like winning the lottery.

Eclectic Cafe | 606 Main Street | Hyannis
Venture to the other end of Main Street to dine under the stars on Eclectic Cafe's lush, warm and secluded patio. Pictured above is the Lobster Mac N Cheese appetizer with tarragon boursin, roasted parsnip, sweet peas and butter poached lobster. Pictured below is a Shrimp + Lobster Special wrapped and baked in phyllo dough. There is also a relaxed bar if you're in the mood to just grab a cocktail.

Seafood Sam's | 1006 Route 28 | South Yarmouth 

Seafood Sam's is clutch for a low key but satisfying meal. This local counter for take out or dine in (additional locations in Sandwich and Falmouth) offers moderately priced seafood - excellent lobster rolls, clam chowder, fried seafood and more. They also serve beer + wine!

FIN | 800 Main Street | Dennis 

Fin serves contemporary + sustainable seafood dishes matched by an eclectic wine list in a tastefully decorated two story antique home. Many incredible meals have been devoured here!

How many plates of oysters are appropriate to have/mention in one post?! These are Fin's signature Chilled Nobscusset Oysters with Pickled Ginger Granita and Wasabi Tobiko.

Also looking forward to....lazy summer days on Lieutenant Island and Great Island, both in Wellfleet, boat trips to Baxter's on Hyannis Harbor for fried seafood and frozen mudslides to-go, sunsets that set the marsh on fire, coffee ice cream cones with rainbow sprinkles, swimming in the salty ocean, being tan, nights at the Beachcomber! What are you guys looking forward to this summer?

Wellfleet Oysterfest

A pronounced brininess meets a mellow sweetness, where the meat is plump and they go down with a crisp, clean finish. The best oysters, no doubt, are Wellfleet's. Cultivated in the pristine, nutrient rich estuaries of Wellfleet Harbor, located in Northeastern Cape Cod Bay, the festival honoring them takes place on the third weekend in October. Yes, October. So I'm taking it back to 2014. 

Alex, Leah, Mom, Bob and I ran the annual 5K on Sunday morning around the windy, hilly roads down by the Harbor. Afterwards we walked into town, exploring art galleries along the way. Then we feasted. Raw Oysters. Grilled Oysters Rockefeller. Skate bites. Oyster chowder. Raw clams. Crab cakes. Sam Adams Porter. Clam chowder. More oysters. More dark beer. Bloody Marys. The oysters are the stars, but there is plenty of fresh seafood in a standout supporting role. What a day.