May Special

As innkeepers, we are constantly learning. One thing we always stay on top of is how far in advance we are booking, what our average daily rate is, and how our occupancy levels compare with previous years. This helps us set our rates and minimums with somewhat of an educated basis rather than arbitrarily setting these policies. As the economy has taken a downward dip over the last couple years, we have had to react accordingly, though we have been lucky and while we haven't raised rates in 2010, we have a busy summer on the horizon. There is a week, however, between the end of our winter rates and Memorial Day (the official kick-off to summer) that is looking a bit bleak. So, this is one example of looking ahead and reacting accordingly - and you, as guests reap the benefit!

Between May 19th and 25th, inclusive, book two nights or more and receive a 20% discount off your entire stay. This brings the rates during that time period from $260-$475/night all the way down to $208 to $380/night - almost as low as winter rates! To receive this rate, you must mention our May special. We're sorry, but we are unable to extend this special to existing reservations. We hope to see you to enjoy the beautiful spring weather we are experiencing.

Spring Events on Cape Cod!

For the first time I can remember in the six years I've lived on the Cape, we are actually experiencing a beautiful spring climate. Starting in late March, temperatures suddenly spiked into the 60’s and while we still suffer the occasional cool, rainy period, the majority of days now require just a light jacket, sunglasses, and occasionally I’ve broken out my favorite flip flops!

With the pleasant weather come several spring events well worth taking advantage of. The Dolphin Fleet has started its annual whale watching expeditions – a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike. We have already had guests take advantage of this activity and were able to see nearly a dozen whales on one trip!

Also coming up is the annual Nantucket Daffodil Festival on the weekend of April 24 and 25. A day trip to Nantucket from Chatham is easy on the high speed ferry and well worth it, particularly this weekend with over 3 million daffodils of every bloom and color imaginable.

Finally, did you know that April 24th is National Go Bird Watching Day? What better place to attempt to see dozens of species of birds than Cape Cod, home to the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, one of Massachusetts Audubon's largest and most beautiful sanctuaries. Also, just down the street from the Captains House Inn is Monomoy Wildlife Refuge which provides important resting, nesting and feeding habitat for migratory birds, including the Federally protected piping plover and roseate tern.

Not only are spring activities becoming more doable now that the weather has improved, but some of our favorite restaurants are opening for the season including the Cape Sea Grille, now opened, and Pisces of Chatham, opening April 29th. Don’t miss out on the first spring the Cape has had in years and book your reservation at the Captains House Inn (winter rates are still in effect!) today.

Norabella in Dennis Hits Homerun!

Though it is about to celebrate its one year anniversary, I hadn't known about Norabella's existence until just recently. With just eight tables in a cozy, yet uncrowded space, it is no wonder the chef/owner at this Italian eatery feels no need to advertise. Word of mouth seems to do the trick, especially when diners are given no reason to spread anything other than glowing reviews amongst family and friends.

While the menu is not extensive, it is certainly much larger than I would expect from such a tiny establishment. In fact, with three entree specials in addition to their regular offerings, all three diners in my party had trouble deciding. In the end, we settled on a spinach and mushroom vegetarian lasagna, a double cut pork chop with pancetta and mushrooms and caramelized onions demi glaze, and on the waitress’s strong (and accurate) rave review of the chicken marsala, I opted for this special dish of the evening. For appetizers, we shared another special – calamari soup as well as Melanzana all griglia – grilled eggplant with spinach, roasted tomatoes, basil and smoked mozzarella. Everything was outstanding, particularly, in my opinion the specials – clearly the chef utilizes the freshest ingredients he can find in all his cooking, but the specials really stood out and exemplified his use of creating distinctive, flavorful dishes based on these fresh, seasonal ingredients. Unfortunately we left no room for dessert, but were almost tempted by a unique variation on traditional canolis – these made with pistachios, candied orange, and chocolate chunks.

While I can’t speak highly enough about the exceptional food at Norabella, the service almost outshined the meal. Our waitress was extremely personable without being intrusive. She knew the menu inside out and was happy to offer ordering advice and recommendations when requested.

Situated right on route 28 along a less than scenic strip, this inviting eatery is truly an unexpected gem. Reservations are accepted (508) 398-6672. Open year round starting at 4:30 pm. Closed Mondays. Wine dinners are held monthly.

The Joke's On Us....Huge April Fool's Savings!!!

It looks like this year, we're the fools - at least we must be to be offering such significant savings. Here's the deal - book any night with us during the month of April and receive the second night for just $4.01 plus tax. And the savings don't stop there...book two nights, receive two nights for $4.01 each and so on which basically means nearly 50% off any length of stay the entire month! There are a few rules, but not many:

• This offer cannot be applied to existing reservations


• A minimum stay of two nights is required


• You MUST mention our April Fools Day special when booking your reservation (if booking online, simply type "April Fools" in the special needs field)


• To receive this discount, your reservation must be made on April Fools Day (April 1st) and may be booked for any days during the month of April
  

To book your reservation, you may call 508-945-0127 or book online. Remember, reservations must be made on April 1st...Happy April Fool's Day!

Ocean House Open for the Season

While March always feels like the longest month of the year, particularly for us New Englanders who have a severe case of spring fever and know warm weather is a good month away, the month always holds a sense of excitement and anticipation as restaurants begin to open for the season. Despite the fact that the Cape is still quiet in March, restaurateurs tend to open their doors several weeks before the crowds flock over the bridge, allowing them time to fine tune their menus and service during the slower pace.

On Wednesday, March 10th (which also happens to be my birthday), the Ocean House Restaurant in Dennis opened for the season and James and I were lucky enough to dine at a coveted window table. We hadn’t been to the Ocean House in about five years, but left feeling much the same we had when we had been previously. The food was exceptional, the acoustics were a bit loud, and the view was lovely. But let me start from the beginning.

During the shoulder season, the Ocean House offers a three course price fixed menu nightly for $26. For each course, there is a large range of choices and I would be surprised if ordering off the regular menu made any difference on portion size. We started with filet mignon lettuce wraps and vegetarian spring rolls, both beautifully presented, and more importantly fresh and tasty. I moved on to a gourmet thin crust pizza topped with rosemary chicken breast, spinach, mushrooms, and goat cheese – yum - and James enjoyed pork tenderloin with barbequed white beans and shallot crackling. Dessert was the only disappointment – while I licked my chocolate pudding cake off the plate, James’ blueberry buckle was little more than a mediocre blueberry muffin.

The service was a tad rushed – from start to finish, we were there exactly one hour, which, for three courses (and a rare opportunity to linger over a child-free meal), we felt the pace could have been a bit more leisurely. Still, it was opening night, and this is one of the minor glitches that we’re sure will be addressed as the season progresses.

The view from our window seat, even after sunset was lovely with spotlights highlighting the Nantucket Sound. We highly recommend requesting a window seat – while the other tables are adequate, housed in a wood paneled open dining room with exposed brick fireplace leading to the bar, they pale in comparison to the water views.

The Ocean House is currently opened for dinner Wednesday through Sunday and reservations are suggested. Dessert disappointment and pace aside, for exceptional food and gorgeous views, this is one restaurant we will recommend and return to again.

Mad Hatter High Teas During March

During the month of March, join us at the Captains House Inn in "Wonderland" for our Mad Hatter high teas. While we serve traditional English high tea year round, our daughter's recent obsession with Alice in Wonderland inspired us to develop a Mad Hatter Tea menu as a fun twist during the month of March to liven up the winter with whimsical cookies and cakes, colorful tea pots, and mismatched China. Our daughter's fascination with wonderland landed at an ideal time as Disney celebrates Alice's "un-anniversary" and Tim Burton's release of the film makes its way to theaters.

All Mad Hatter tea guests will feast on treats like dice cookies, ischel tea pots, fondant dragonflies, and savory favorites such as stuffed mushroom caps, egg salad stacks, and cheese crisps. Everyone will go home with an Alice in Wonderland themed favor and a keepsake menu as a memento of their crazy tea experience. Mad Hatter teas are served daily between 3:00 and 4:30. The cost is $18/person and reservations are required. Don't be late for a very important date!

Captains House Inn Cookbook Released

It has been a long time in the making, but finally, after over a year in production, we have released our first cookbook featuring 100 of our favorite recipes. Selling a cookbook has been a project I have had in the back of my mind since taking over ownership of the inn nearly four years ago. But until last year, the project has existed only in my mind until Rebecca Anne Chapman, an intern from 2008 to 2009 approached me with the idea of finally publishing all the recipes frequently requested by guests. "Go for it," I encouraged, "but you have no idea how time consuming and tedious this is going to be." I figured I had scared her off, but Becky persevered and several months later, with the help of our Executive Chef, Kevin Case, had submitted our most popular recipes to an online cookbook publishing company and was ready to go to print. It took me almost another year to proof the book, and finalize decisions like layout and photo selection, but the endless project is now hot off the press and available for sale.

The cookbook includes breakfast recipes like Eggs Italiano and Apple Dollar Pancakes as well as high tea treats such as Traditional Scones and Pineapple Right-Side-Up Cake. You can purchase the cookbook for $9.95 at our gift shop during your next visit or at our online store and we'll ship it to you. Cookbooks also make a wonderful gift and are a great way to remind that special someone of the wonderful time you shared at the Captains House Inn.