Captain's House Inn

Ocean House Open for the Season

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:47:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 14:02:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:59:00 +0000

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.

Nauset Beach Club Restaurant Hosting Italian Wine Dinner Specials

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 14:37:00 +0000

During the next few months, the Nauset Beach Club, an Orleans eatery specializing in Northern Italian cuisine will be hosting regional Italian wine dinners. The first dinner will be held at 6:30 on Friday January, 29th and will focus on Puglia, a region located in the very south-east part of Italy. Cost per person is a very reasonable $45.00 excluding tax and gratuity, but inclusive of wine. The four course menu is enticing:

Antipasti

Marinated Mixed Olives and Pickled Baby Eggplant with Homemade Sun-dried Tomato Focaccia

Zuppa

Chickpea Soup with Short Pasta Tubes

Secondi

Individually Rolled Stuffed Veal, with Italian Parsley, Pecorino Cheese and Roasted Garlic, Apulia Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Roasted Fingerling Potato, Sautéed Broccoli Rabe

Marinated Grilled Lamb Sirloin, Salentino Rosso Wine Sauce, Fava Bean Puree, Wilted Farmed Dandelion and Preserved Lemon Rind

Dolce

Pecorino Romano Cheese, Crenshaw Melon with Drizzled Reduced Negroamaro Rosso, Almond Biscotti

Wine Selections

2008, Cantele, Chardonnay, Lecce
2004, Salice Salentino Riserva, Lecce

2003, Tormaresca, Negroamaro/Cabernet, Bari

As future dinners are announced, we will keep the blog updated. In the meantime, if your plans include a visit to the Captains House Inn to include January 29th, consider having us make you a reservation for this authentica Italian feast!

Jill's Top Ten Easy Peasy Holiday Decorations

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:49:00 +0000

It is less than one week until Christmas and the Captains House Inn looks beautiful. I have to admit, though, that I cannot take credit for the festive holiday decorations this year. With two daughters under two, I left the tedious task of decorating to our more patient staff and James with a lot of help and orchestration from the masters of decorating, James' parents, Lynne and Lou. For them, fussing over lights, tinsel, and garland is a labor of love - they look forward to the annual chaos of it all while I am much happier inside with a mug of hot chocolate reading "That's Not My Santa Claus" over and over with my daughters. There are, however, some decorations I enjoy digging out every year - I call them Jill's Easy Peasy decorations and they require close to zero time and most importantly, zero frustration:

1. Santa Claus Hat Chair Covers - You can find holiday chair covers in many different designs. We use the santa hats at the inn - all you have to do is fit them over the back of your dining room chairs and - voila - the room is instantly festive!

2. Glass Snowflakes - These oversized ornaments can be found at most places that sell holiday decorations. We have a bunch in different sizes and hang them in windows and from ceiling hooks. The best part is, they can be left up all winter!

3. Wreath Magnets - If you're a wreath person, these are worth the investment. You can easily hang wreaths in windows and on glass doors without dealing with wire or ribbon.

4. Festive Hannukkah Candles - Since I am part Jewish, we celebrate the eight nights of Hannukkah at our house. While there aren't many Hannukkah decorations out there, I like to buy festive rainbow candles to add a little pizzaz to our menorah.

5. Become a Collector - My mother in-law is the biggest fan of Santa Claus over the age of five. She has wooden santa clauses, stuffed St. Nicks, santas made of glass, porcelin ones, mini ones, giant ones - and every year, she puts all her regular knick knacks in a big box and displays all the santas. Likewise, my father-in-law somehow became a collector of pig christmas tree ornaments - they buy a tree specifically for all the pigs. Find your holiday passion and make a show of it!

6. Charlie Brown Christmas Tree - Every year, James and I pick out the worst looking tree at the nursery. We've had short trees with big bottoms and tapered tops, trees with gaping holes in the branches, lopsided trees, and trees that were so stunted they were too small for our Christmas tree stand. But inevitably, with a bunch of lights and sparkly ornaments, our Charlie Brown trees wind up looking - well, passable anyway. It is a great way to save a few bucks and start a fun family tradition while you're at it.

7. Stocking Hangers - As a little girl, I remember my dad hamering nails into the brick surrounding our mantle so we could hang our stockings. It is probably common knowledge that they now make decorative hangers to place on the mantle, but I didn't discover them until just recently so to spare anyone trying to drill nails into brick, these hangers make my list. Pottery Barn makes them with picture frames to easily identify the stockings.

8. Holiday Card Tree - This wirey tree with clips for photos is perfect to display all your holiday cards. Then, no need to find storage for it when the holidays are over. Simply remove the cards and clip snapshots to it instead.

9. Advent Trees - My mother in law invented a fun tradition for our girls. Instead of traditional advent calendars, she bought each of them a mini pre-lit Christmas tree and two dozen mini ornaments. Our older daughter, Abigial caught onto the tradition quickly and can't wait to meticulously select a daily ornament.

10. Baby Pointessa Staircase - To jazz up your staircase for the holidays, buy 7-10 (depending on the size of your staircase) mini pointsettas (they usually sell them right in the grocery store) with different color foil surrounding the pots. Place one on every other stair and carry the holiday spirit from one floor to the next. The only caveat is that you will have to water the plants, but you can always cheat and buy fake ones - there are a lot of decent looking silk imitations out there now.

Regardless of your holiday decorating scheme, try to remember that unless you own an inn, there's no need for your home to scream Martha Stewart. Just have fun and embrace the holiday spirit. Happy holidays everyone and happy decorating!

Cape Cod Gift Ideas Part III

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:55:00 +0000

Here is our final installment of Cape Cod gift ideas that we have been posting every day on Twitter.

Idea # 21 - The book Still Alice written by Cape Cod author Lisa Genova.
Idea #22 - Cards from Cape Card.
Idea # 23 - A growler of beer (or a shirt or a hat) from Cape Cod Beer .
Idea #24 - A Cape Cod Hammock.
Idea #25 - A tie from Vineyard Vines .
Idea #26 - The Last Best League - a book about the Cape Cod Baseball League - order from Where the Sidewalk Ends.
Idea #27 - Baby Quilt hand made on Cape Cod .
Idea #28 - A Cape Cod weathervane.
Idea #29 - Community Cookbook created by the Chatham Women's Club - Peggy at 508-348-1938.
Idea #30 - Maybe the best of them all - a gift certificate to the Captain's House Inn.

We hope you all have a Happy Holiday!

Cape Cod Gift Ideas Part II

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:59:00 +0000

For those of you following us on Twitter, we now have posted twenty great Cape Cod gift ideas to help you with your holiday shopping. Over the next ten days, we will post ten more. You can learn about them on Twitter every day at noon, or we will post them here in ten days.

Idea # 11 - A sand snowflake ornament from your favorite Cape Cod Beach.
Idea #12 - A carved house number sign from the Chatham Sign Shop.
Idea #13 - A glass plate (or bowl) from Sydenstrickers.
Idea #14 - Gourmet oil and vinegar from Gustare - one of our favorites is the Cinnamon Pear Balsamic.
Idea # 15 - A Captain's House Inn robe.
Idea # 16 - A gift certifcate to Buca's - one of our favorite year round restaurants.
Idea #17 - A Cape Cod photograph from Jon Vaughan - the Peaked Hills is one of our favorites.
Idea # 18 - A subscription to Cape Cod Life Magazine.
Idea #19 - A "Dogs of Cape Cod" 2010 calendar.
Idea #20 - A Cape Cod doormat.

Cape Cod Gift Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:53:00 +0000

To help out with the holiday shopping, we have been posting Cape Cod gift ideas on our Twitter page. Every day at noon, we have been listing a great Cape Cod present to help you out with your shopping. We have posted 10 so far, and will do another 20. Follow along on Twitter, or wait 10 more days and we will update them here.

1) A wine club from Truro Vineyards.
2) A beautiful Cape Cod necklace.
3) An antique map of Cape Cod or one of the towns that make up the Cape.
4) Spa appointments at Sol Spa in Harwich or Le Petit Day Spa in Chatham.
5) Delicious jam and jelly made at Chatham Jam and Jelly shop.
6) Hire Bob Hessler to be your personal chef for a relaxing, romantic dinner at home.
7) An aerial tour of Cape Cod.
8) A Captain's House Inn mug - a great way to wake up in the morning.
9) Chocolate covered cranberries (or any thing else) from the Candy Manor.
10) A Nantucket Basket made on Nantucket.

Happy shopping.

Cranberry Pecan Bread Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:34:00 +0000

Part of the Captain's House Inn's holiday high tea menu...

Oven Temp: 350f
2 large loaf pans

4 Cups Unbleached all-purpose flour
1 Tsp Baking Powder
1Tsp Baking Soda
2 Eggs
½ Tsp Salt
½ Tsp Ground Cloves
½ Tsp Ground Cardamom
1 ½ Sticks Unsalted Butter,(melted)
1 1/3 Granulated Sugar
2 Cups Fresh or Frozen Whole Cranberries (coarsely chopped)
1 ½ Cup Pecans (toasted and coarsely chopped) - optional
Finely Grated Zest and Juice of 1 Large Navel Orange
2/3 Cup Buttermilk

Method:
Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cloves and cardamom into a medium mixing bowl. Set aside. Combine the melted butter, buttermilk, and orange zest and juice in a small mixing bowl .Set aside.

On a high speed beat together the egg and sugar in a large mixing bowl until they are thick and light yellow in color. Beat on a low speed the melted butter mixture. Scrape down the sides with a spatula several times during the mixing. Mix in the flour mixture and finally the cranberries and pecans just to combine. Pour and scrape the batter into the prepared pans and smooth the top with the spatula.

Bake until cake tester inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean, 55-60 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn the loaf out onto the rack. Set it aside and let it cool completely until slicing.

The baked and cooled loaf can be stored at room temperature, wrapped in plastic wrap, for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 1 week. It may be frozen for 3 months.

Skibo Castle Ginger Shortbread

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:29:00 +0000

Part of the Captains House Inn's holiday high tea menu...

Oven Temperature 350F
Yield Makes about 5 dozen
Pan Size 13 x 9 inch Metal Baking Pan

Ingredients (Shortbread Base):
1 ¼ Cups All Purpose Flour
3 Tbsp Granulated Sugar
1 Tsp Baking Powder
1 Tsp Ground Ginger
¼ Tsp Salt
1 Stick Cold Unsalted Butter, cut into pieces.

Ingredients (Topping):
¾ Stick Unsalted Butter
1 Tbsp Lyles Golden Syrup (British Cane Sugar Syrup)
1 Cup Confectioners Sugar
½ Tsp Ground Ginger
½ Tsp Vanilla

Method (Shortbread Base)
1. Sift together dry ingredients and blend in butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
2. Press evenly into bottom of pan. (Base will be thin)
3. Bake in middle of oven until golden and crisp. 12 - 16 minutes (at 9 minutes start topping).

Method (Topping):
1. Melt butter in a small saucepan and whisk in remaining ingredients until smooth.
2. Bring to a boil and simmer, stirring for 30 seconds.
3. Remove shortbread from the oven and pour topping over, tilting pan to cover.
4. Leave to set and cut into sqauares.

Holiday High Tea Menu Starting Soon

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:57:00 +0000

On November 28th, the Captains House Inn will kick off its annual holiday high tea menu. Served throughout the month of December, our festive menu includes treats like smoked salmon pate stuffed cucumber cups, vidalia onion and carrot tea sandwiches, homemade cranberry bread with citrus cream cheese and mouth watering desserts like our signature mini English trifles, Skibo Castle ginger fingers, and stollen scones.

Whether you are a guest at the inn and decide to add a high tea to your stay or you're a local resident in search of a special meal, the Captains House Inn holiday tea menu is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Tea is served daily with seatings from 3:00 to 4:30; reservations are required, preferably 48 hours in advance. Price is $18/person for outside guests and $7.50/person for in-house guests.

We look forward to making your 2009 holiday season special.

Cape Cod Fall Specials

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:23:00 +0000

With the off-season approaching, this is a perfect time to visit the Cape for some excellent deals. We are now officially in our winter rates and for extra value, offer a mid-week special starting in November.

Cape Sea Grille - Harwich - Has a $25 3 course special, which they are offering Thursday, Friday and Sunday all night and Saturdays between 5 and 545 pm.

DelMar Bistro - Chatham - Offering a $18 three course dinner Sunday through Thursdays. Jill had the pan roasted salmon which was delicous.

Ocean House - Dennis - Enjoy water views and a three course prix fixe menu for $26 Wednesday through Sunday evenings.

Wild Goose Tavern - Chatham - Thursday night is ladies night with 1/2 price apps from 3 till close.

November is an ideal time to visit the Captains House Inn and Cape Cod - with these great deals, a luxurious, romantic getaway is easy on the wallet and a much needed reprieve from the hustle and bustle of your daily routine.

Another Girl

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:10:00 +0000

Innkeepers Jill and James are happy to announce the birth of their second girl, Paige Elizabeth Meyer. Paige was born October 12th at 8:36am. She weighs 6 pounds 9 ounces and is 20 inches long. Mom and Paige are doing well and Dad realizes he is really out numbered now.

For everyone who had an entry in our baby pool, it was very close. Barbara Boni had the closest guess for birth date and time, the Lesh's were only 1 ounce away on the birth weight and there were two correct guesses on the length. However, the overall winners of the baby pool and the $250 gift certificate are Denise and Barry Lloyd. Congratulations to the Lloyds and thank you for every one who participated.

Cape Cod Vacation Itinerary Day Five

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 14:46:00 +0000

If you have enough time during your Cape Cod vacation, and you’re up for another jaunt to an island, head to Martha’s Vineyard where each of the island’s six charming towns boasts its own personality and charm. To get there, you can take one of two ferry lines – Steamship Authority out of Woods Hole, abut an hour and a quarter from the Captains House Inn and a 45 minute ride on the high speed ferry, or Hy-Line Cruises out of Hyannis, about a 40 minute ride from the inn and an hour on the ferry. You may also choose to fly out of Hyannis airport, which saves time, but is a bit more expensive and not ideal for anyone prone to fear of flying as the aircraft between the mainland and island are rather small! While there is the (quite pricey) option to take your car on the Steamship Authority ferry with advance reservations, we do not recommend doing this as the island has plenty of public transportation, cabs, and even rentals if you do prefer your own wheels.

Once there, many folks find a brief bus tour of the island is helpful in understanding the layout and getting a thorough overview before setting out on their own. Martha’s Vineyard Transportation and Tours offers several different tour options, the most popular of which is a one hour overview of the island. Next, take your pick of towns to explore – you may be inclined to head to Chilmark, a rural, unspoiled town, home to a small fishing village and a working sheep farm. Or, if you prefer more hustle and bustle, Edgartown, Oaks Bluff, and Vineyard Haven are the most popular destinations among tourists. Edgartown is renowned for its impressive ship owner and whaling captains’ mansions lining North Water Street. The downtown area offers upscale shops and gourmet restaurants, and nestled beside Memorial Wharf is the Chappaquiddick ferry transporting passengers to the “island within and island” where highlights include Mytoi, Japanese gardens, and a vast expanse of coastal nature preserves.

Vineyard Haven is the port where most ferries drop passengers and is home to a naturally protected harbor which was once one of the busiest in the United States and along which Gannon and Benjamin boatyards, one of the finest manufacturers of wood yachts, is located. Downtown, grab lunch at the Black Dog Tavern, a well known eatery attracting tourists from all over (though Vineyard Haven is a dry town, so despite its name, alcohol is not served here).

Don’t miss Oaks Bluff, the island’s liveliest town, particularly in the wee hours during the summer months. Take a ride on Flying Horses, the nation’s oldest operating carousel and explore Union Chapel dating back to 1870. For animal lovers, a visit to Island Alpaca, is a must. Here, the alpacas are bred, raised, and sold and visitors can enjoy a self guided tour and learn all about the gentle, unique creatures.

Clearly, Martha’s Vineyard is packed with sightseeing and activities that can easily fill a day, but be sure to head back to the Cape with enough time to get ready for dinner because tonight, you’re heading to the Impudent Oyster – an unfailing crowd pleaser and landmark in Chatham for over thirty years. Here, the fresh seafood and bustling atmosphere consistently earn rave reviews from guests. Finally, snuggle into our 600 thread count sheets with a full belly and visions of Martha’s Vineyard architecture, harbors, and alpacas dancing in your head.

Dining in Wellfleet and Provincetown

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:30:00 +0000

Just a few weeks before our second baby is due to arrive, James and I managed to squeeze in a one night getaway to Provincetown, complete with two uninterrupted meals and one uninterrupted nights sleep. We will look back on that 24 hour period fondly over the next few months, not only because of the peace and quiet we enjoyed, but because the restaurants in which we dined were exceptional - and good food, to us, is often the highlight of our fondest memories.

On the drive up to Provincetown, we stopped in Wellfleet, a small artist’s town, which, despite its diminutive size, is packed with galleries, boutiques, and great restaurants, most of which specialize in local fare. We had heard positive reviews about a place called the Bookstore and Restaurant and decided to give it a try. Though completely different from our expectations (we had envisioned a less modern, more cutesy Barnes and Nobel type operation), the Bookstore Restaurant was a fantastic kick off to our 24 hour escape. Overlooking the harbor, the eatery is a casual, family owned throwback in time. We dined on the glassed in porch just beside the makeshift oyster shucking bar where the young men casually shucked as if they had been doing so since they could walk (which just may have been true!). The menu is extensive with everything from salads to fried fare to sandwiches and burgers and plenty of Wellfleet oysters, of course. I enjoyed one of my all time favorites – a lobster roll, which, for $14.95 was packed with more lobster meat than some competitors’ $20 rival rolls. James ordered an oyster stew – a simple chowder base chock full of the local specialty, bursting with flavor and just the right consistency. After our meal, we sauntered over to the bookstore – talk about a throwback in time! The store was bursting at the seams with an eclectic collection of reading material and the woman who pleasantly greeted us warned us that if the dust was too much – “run for the door!” Book lovers could probably spend hours exploring the haphazard collections packed onto the shelves, but we cut our visit short and hit the road to our final destination – Provincetown – where we spent a leisurely afternoon working up an appetite for our next meal.

Dinner was booked well in advance as was recommended, at the Red Inn, a 200 year old property overlooking Provincetown Harbor. We were seated at a window table overlooking the water, where, as the evening wore on, we watched the tide gradually creep right up to the inn and wash away the single set of footsteps that were so perfectly plotted along the shoreline, it looked like a postcard. This was, by far, one of the most romantic restaurants we’ve dined at – the intimate, dimly lit dining room was arranged so we could hardly see other patrons and the old world, rustic feel complete with wide plank floors, a brick fireplace, and beamed ceilings, was just our speed. Pair the setting with world class food and an impressive wine list, and we could see why the Red Inn receives glowing accolades and requires reservations six weeks in advance in the high season. To start, I couldn’t resist the lobster and artichoke fondue in a sourdough bowl while James chose the bacon wrapped fried oysters. After my dramatic love affair with the fondue during which I actually silenced James so I could fully focus on the dish, my entrée, a special that evening, halibut with capers and Kalamata olives over Israeli couscous arrived along with James’ chili rubbed double thick pork chop. Both dishes were fantastic and we finished the evening with a big slice of homemade peanut butter mousse pie – okay, I ate most of it, but I’m eating for two and James knows not to take more than a taste or two of his pregnant wife’s dessert. We sunk into a food induced coma that night – our last sound sleep for awhile.

Both restaurants are open year round.

Gracie's Tables Makes the Cut

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 14:23:00 +0000

I must have driven by Gracie's Tables on Old King's Highway (a.k.a. route 6A) in Dennis dozens of times during my six years of living on Cape Cod. But it wasn’t until a friend suggested we go treat ourselves to tapas one evening that I knew it existed. From the moment I walked in the door, I was sold – a cozy bar area with high tops and a small, but well stocked copper bar is in the entrance leading to an intimate dining room. The room held just a handful of tables, which being nine months pregnant at the time, I was particularly delighted to find were surrounded by comfy banquettes and cushy throw pillows. Upstairs, I learned, were more tables making a relatively average size restaurant seem far more cozy. I hoped the food would measure up to the warm, inviting atmosphere and as luck would have it, I wasn’t disappointed.

A welcome diversion from traditional Cape Cod menus, Gracie’s Tables is the Cape’s original Tapas restaurant featuring Spanish tapas and petite entrees with influences from southwest France and northern Spain and an emphasis on local, organic ingredients. While the petite entrees were tempting (particularly the fish of the day – swordfish topped with local fried oysters), we stood by our original plan and sampled several tapas plates. The Pa Amb Tomaquet (tomato bread) is a must – bursting with tomato, sea salt, and garlic flavors, it was the perfect start to our feast. We continued with frog’s legs (the meat fell right off the bone and they were served with a tasty confetti of garlic, tomato, shallot and parsley) and beet risotto – not something I would typically order, but I was pleasantly surprised with a subdued beet flavor coupled with creamy goat cheese. Three more tapas followed - perfectly cooked, melt in your mouth scallop and chorizo skewers, spinach fritters with spicy aioli and chili sauce (though not labor inducingly spicy, unfortunately), and patatas bravas (a.k.a. French fries), which were not as crispy as I would have preferred, but the sweet and sour dipping sauce made up for the lack of crunch. We didn’t save room for dessert, but the couple next to us was drooling over something decadently chocolately looking which I learned was the house specialty Valhrona Chocolate Cake, made up of 70% dark chocolate – wow! My only complaint? To put it delicately, the garlic taste in my mouth didn’t quite dissipate until breakfast the following morning, but perhaps if I had indulged in that chocolate dessert, I could have warded off my pungent breath sooner.

Gracie’s Tables is open year round with limited days during the off season. Reservations are accepted.

Facebook and Twitter

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 21:25:00 +0000

The Captain's House Inn is slowly trying to catch up with the rest of the world. You can now be come a fan of the Captain's House Inn on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. Look for updates, information and new finds. The blog will also keep you up to date as well. Any ideas on how to make them both better are really appreciated. James is really struggling with both sites.

Cape Cod Vacation Itinerary Day Four

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:04:00 +0000

After a busy day on Nantucket, an R&R day is order for the middle of your Cape Cod week vacation. In previous blogs, I've discussed beaches and the Cape Cod rail trail, both of which fit the bill in terms of kicking back. If neither of those ideas appeal to you, or, if you come across a rainy day during your stay, how about a leisurely drive along Old Kings Highway (a.k.a route 6A) which runs along the north coast of the Cape. This scenic route is dotted with antique, glass, and pottery shops and the old clapboard homes and inns truly depict the charm of old Cape Cod.

Head west along the highway and don't miss stops at the Brewster General Store for a throw back in time, Sydenstricker Glass in Brewster which showcases a huge selection of glassware in a variety of designs, Dianne Heart Pottery in Brewster where Dianne creates one of my personal favorite pieces - a tea mug with a little slot for the teabag string, and The Barn and Co. in Dennis for one of a kind treasures many of which are created by local artisans.

Stop at the Brewster Fish House for an unbeatable seafood lunch. Don't miss the lobster bisque - some of the best I've ever had chock full of fresh lobster meat and bursting with flavor.

Continue west and eventually come to the village of Sandwich, the oldest town on the Cape and home of the Heritage Museum and Gardens which also houses an antique automobile collection and the Glass Museum where sometimes you can catch a glass blowing demonstration. Browse through the quaint downtown area in the many galleries, antique, and glass shops before heading back east, this time taking the more efficient route six.

For dinner, take a break from traditional seafood and head to Buca's in Harwich, just 10-15 minutes from the Captains House Inn. Buca's features fantastic northern Italian cuisine in a cozy, romantic setting. Every time we dine there, the authentic food, dim lighting, and red checked table clothes make us feel like we've been transported to Italy itself. No matter what you order, you can't go wrong, but don't skip dessert with a glass of Vin Santo, a traditional Italian dessert wine, perfect to cap off a relaxing day.

Enter Innkeeper's Baby Pool to Win $250 Gift Certificate

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:50:00 +0000

NOTE: DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS SEPTEMBER 28TH.

Innkeepers Jill and James are expecting their second baby at the end of October...or sooner!

On August 31st, at 32 weeks pregnant, I was rushed by ambulance to Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston with contractions two minutes apart. Luckily, doctors were able to stop the preterm labor with a series of drugs and released me back to Cape Cod where I have been confined to bed rest for the duration of the pregnancy.

Meanwhile, James has been stepping into my shoes as meeter, greeter, and breakfast server in the mornings and has thankfully been doing a far better job than if Iever had to fill his accounting and substitute chef roles! With help from grandparents, interns, and a babysitter, our16 month old daughter is in good hands while James manages the inn so all is under control - except of course, for my need to contribute to the operations of the inn.

Hence, a baby pool I've created from the confines of my bed...we invite all readers to participate in this fun contest for a chance to win a $250 gift certificate toward a stay at the Captains House Inn. Here is some preliminary information to point you in the right direction:

• We already have a sixteen month old daughter who was born at 33.5 weeks gestation and weighed 4.3 oz., and was 17 inches long.
• Until Sunday, August 30th, Jill’s current pregnancy was uneventful (though Jill is quite rotund). Then, at almost 32 weeks, Jill experienced regular contractions and was pronounced 2 cm dilated, 70% effaced, and the contractions were coming every two minutes. After being ambulanced to Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, the contractions were halted with medication and Jill was ordered to bed rest with hopes to prolong the pregnancy as long as possible.
• Jill’s due date is October 27th. She was confined to bed rest just shy of 32 weeks pregnant on August 31st.

All entries will be inputted into an online baby pool forum where we have a secure account and all guesses will be scored based on the system’s weighted scoring system (incorrect gender: 400 points, date & time: 5 points per hour, weight: 5 points per ounce, length:10 points per inch)

Copy and paste the following details into an email to info@captainshouseinn.com and as the subject of the email, simply put "Baby Pool Entry."

Your Name:
Your Phone Number:
Baby's Gender:
Date of Birth:
Time of Birth:
Baby's Weight (in lbs. and oz.):
Baby's Length (in inches):

OPTIONAL QUESTION: (does not count toward pool):
Suggestions for baby boy names (we have our girl name picked, but are struggling with the boy…middle name will be either Louis or William, last name is Meyer):

Thank you for entering and good luck!

Cape Cod Vacation Itinerary - Day Three

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 12:43:00 +0000

Depending on how long your Cape Cod vacation is, you may wish to dedicate a day to exploring either Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket. Either island is well worth a day trip if time allows and if you have time for just one, Nantucket would be my recommendation based on its easy navigability, renowned charm, and upscale shops and restaurants.

From May through September, take advantage of Freedom Cruise Line's high speed ferry out of Harwich Port. The ferry ride is 80 minutes and the port is located an easy 20 minutes from the Captains House Inn with free parking. During the non-peak season, you can travel out of Hyannis with Hy-Line Cruises or save time by taking a prop plane out of Hyannis Airport. However you choose to travel, allow the entire day to take advantage of all Nantucket has to offer.

To get the inside scoop on the island from a local's point of view, allow us to book you on one of Gail's Tours upon docking at the port. Gail will take you on a nearly two hour tour of Nantucket pointing out areas of interest you would never discover on your own. Wind up back at the port and right near the beautiful, cobblestoned downtown area where shops are plentiful and the scenery is postcard perfect. Stroll around and pick up a souvenir or two before heading over to one of Nantucket's finest restaurants, Toppers at the Wauwinet Inn. Topper's is listed in USA Today's top 100 restaurants in the U.S. and has received accolades from prestigious publications like Zagats, Bon Appetit, Travel and Leisure, and National Geographic. The restaurant offers both deck and dining room seating, both of which options enjoy spectacular water views coupled with locally influenced cuisine and an award winning wine list.

Walk off lunch with a leisurely stroll along one of Nantucket's many pristine beaches. Just down the road from the Wauwinet Inn, check out Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge, the largest red cedar, savanna, and woodland in New England. The refuge is a great spot to view Great Point Light House from the outside, and is covered with rolling dunes, bayberry, beach plum, heather, and beach grass. Guided tours are also available in season.

A visit to Nantucket wouldn't be complete without a quick stop at the Whaling Museum which was restored in 2005 and features a restored 1847 candle factory, expanded top-quality exhibition space, a fully accessible rooftop observation deck overlooking Nantucket harbor, and the sperm whale skeleton.

Finally, if libations are your thing, finish off the day with a visit to Cisco Breweries, the local beer brewery and also home of Triple Eight Vodka Distillery and Nantucket Vineyards Wine. Sample whatever you want and purchase a bottle or two to bring back to the Captains House Inn for a pre-dinner cocktail.

After heading back on the ferry, a casual, light dinner is likely in order. Head into downtown Chatham where the Squire has dished out pub fare and has been known as the local watering hole for 40 years. Indulge in some of the best fried oysters or chowder around before heading back to the Captains House Inn to collapse into bed after a jam packed day of fun.

Cape Cod Vacation Itinerary Day Two

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 20:21:00 +0000

Wake up on the first full day of your Cape Cod vacation to a tray of tea, coffee and juice delivered to your room. Linger over your morning caffeine fix outside on one of our private terraces in the summer or in front of your fireplace in the winter. Then, make your way to our dining room, or spoil yourself and order breakfast to your room - either way, enjoy a two course gourmet breakfast and an extensive buffet while reading the local paper and chatting with the interns and innkeepers about your plans for the day.

After breakfast, head North toward Provincetown, the tip of the Cape. Along the way, don't miss stopping off at the Fort Hill area in Eastham where you can stroll along the trails on the marshy shoreline, the National Seashore beaches such as Coast Guard Beach and Marconi Beach, the many lighthouses dotting the shoreline, and the artist's town of Wellfleet known not just for oysters, but for its many galleries. For lunch in the summer, you may wish to stop at Arnold's, famous for fried seafood and "the best onion rings around," or the Beachcomber at Cahoon Hollow Beach with a hopping scene overlooking the beach. In the winter, save your appetite for Napi's in Provincetown, a landmark featuring a varied menu with something for everyone.

Provincetown offers a myriad of options, depending on the season and your preferences. From April through October, enjoy a whalewatch with the Dolphin Fleet where year after year, tourists can view whales frolicking in the water just beside the boat. Another popular choice is taking a four wheel tour of the Dunes with Art's Dune tours where you can see "the other Provincetown." Don't miss strolling along Commercial Street, Provincetown's main drag where the people watching alone is worth a trip. On the return trip to Chatham, stop off at Truro Vineyards if time allows. There, you can enjoy a tasting of their wines under a tent and learn about their winemaking process.

Finally, head back to the inn to unwind before heading out to dinner. To complete your day of seaside fun, head to the Cape Sea Grille in Harwich Port for some of the best food around. There is a nice variety of seafood on the menu in addition to several land options - no matter what you order, you can't go wrong. Finish the evening with a plate of homemade cookies and hot tea or coffee from our open kitchen before resting up for another fun filled day tomorrow.

Golf specials in Brewster

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 17:33:00 +0000

For those of you looking for a last minute getaway (yes we do have a few rooms still available in August) or those of you wondering what to do during your stay at the Captain's House Inn, the Captain's Golf Course has some great specials in the month of August. With two par 72 courses, the Captain's Golf Course offers some premier golfing here on the lower Cape. And with specials in August, there's never been a better time to golf at the Captain's.

Cape Cod Vacation Itinerary Day One

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:23:00 +0000

Whether you plan to spend ten nights or ten hours on your Cape Cod getaway, there are plenty of activities and day trips to fill your time and the next few posts are suggested itineraries to ensure you get the most out of your vacation.

Day One

On your arrival day, if you're anything like me, you will want to unwind from your travels and get situated in your room before heading out to get your bearings. At the Captains House Inn, we are happy to bring a pot of tea or a glass of fresh lemonade to your room while you unpack, relax, and plan your afternoon.

I usually suggest guests head to downtown Chatham as their first stop. Main Street is lined with countless boutiques, galleries, and restaurants and one can spend an afternoon meandering along the mile long stretch window shopping or enjoying a full blown shopping spree. Don't miss some of my favorite shops - the Dalli Lama for unique silver jewelry, the Crooked Fence, set back from the street behind Carmine's Pizzeria, chock full of decorative home goods, and Where the Sidewalk Ends, an independent bookstore featuring numerous special events held throughout the year. Take a break from shoppping and grab lunch on the outdoor terrace at the Wild Goose Tavern - the chowder is some of our favorite and the menu is varied with fresh salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and a no frills lobster roll, which, as far as I'm concerned is the only way to serve this Cape Cod specialty properly.

Finish the afternoon with a stroll or quick drive down to Lighthouse Beach where you can snap a picture of Chatham's famous lighthouse and putter along the shoreline of the beach and maybe catch a glimpse of a seal or two. Then, continue down Shore Road to the fish pier next to Nickerson's Fish Market where you can watch the fishermen unload their catch as the seals linger in the water awaiting the occasional fish gone overboard. Finally, return to the Captains House to enjoy our cream tea in the dining room or outdoor terrace and relax with a good book in one of our adirondeck chairs scattered throughout the grounds before preparing to go out to dinner.

Complete the day with a casual, yet exceptional seafood dinner at Chatham's Pisces Restaurant, just ten minutes from the inn. Pisces is a small, chef owned eatery featuring some of the best local seafood around. Dishes are innovative without overpowering the fresh fish flavors and the ambiance will truly set the mood for the rest of your Cape Cod vacation.

Fabulous New Restaurant Off the Beaten Path

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 16:40:00 +0000

Have you ever accidentally stumbled on a hole in the wall restaurant to discover that your low expectations were way off base? Such was the case for us at a new eatery in Hyannis called Pain d'Avignon located on a tiny side street we would never turned down had it not been for a flat tire. Tucked away behind the main thoroughfare and nestled in what appears to be an industrial park, we happened upon a trendy European style café which masquerades as a bakery and sandwich shop by day and a French bistro restaurant by night. Waiting for AAA to come change our tire proved the perfect opportunity to sit at one of the outdoor tables and enjoy a bowl of carrot ginger soup and warm eggplant sandwich on homemade brioche. Wow. We couldn’t resist a couple huge oatmeal cookies for dessert which (and I know this is a bold statement) were the best I’ve ever had in my life. We made a mental note to return soon for dinner, and three nights later, found ourselves at the same table, this time with wait service and a menu featuring small and large plates, tapas style.

Between the two of us, we enjoyed a gnocchi dish with peas, carrots, morels and parmesan, a “Mangez a Trois” slider selection of truffled Kobe beef burger, lobster salad, and grilled eggplant, housemade ricotta, and tartare de boeuf with crispy shallots. Again, wow. We could have done shots of the tartare dressing, and the “undressed” Kobe beef burger was in no need of condiments, cheese, or even a pickle for that matter. We didn’t think the meal could improve, but it did. A trio of desserts – strawberry rhubarb pie (again, the best I’ve ever had in my life and I’m not exaggerating), raspberry panna cotta, and fresh strawberries with balsamic, mint, and crumbled biscotti. We left feeling pleasantly plump and planning a return visit.

We learned that the mastermind behind the exceptional food is Chef Toby Hill, formerly executive chef of a Chatham restaurant we once frequented. Chef Hill is notorious for combining unexpected flavors and producing some of the finest and most unique cuisine we have ever experienced.

With a great wine and beer list, European setting, outstanding food, and, of course, loaves and loaves of freshly baked bread, Pain d’Avignon is an off the beaten path gem we’re sure glad we found.

Cape Cod Offers the Best in Local Theatre

noreply@blogger.com (Captainshouse) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:04:00 +0000

In addition to dozens of beaches, scenic bike trails, and countless antique shops, Cape Cod also offers some of the best in local theatre and the Captains House Inn in Chatham is just minutes from several renowned venues. Located just a mile from the inn, the Monomoy Theatre in Chatham will open for its 52nd season on June 23rd and will kick off with the all American musical, Anything Goes. Also included in the line up for the season, the timeless love story, Romeo and Juliet, and a show-stopping comedy, Room Service.

Also just minutes from the Captains House Inn is the Chatham Drama Guild which will begin the 2009 season on July 17th with a rendition of the Velveteen Rabbit.

Other venues include the Academy of Performing Arts in Orleans, just 20 minutes from the Captains House Inn which is currently featuring the musical, Chicago with upcoming performances to include Sleeping Beauty and Godspell. The Cape Playhouse in Dennis, less than 30 minutes from the Captains House Inn will kick off its 2009 season with the Musical of Musicals on June 22nd. For for some risque entertainment, the Crown & Anchor in Provincetown is legendary for its leading drag entertainers and comedians, sensational singers and even world premiere theatrical productions.

Finally, for those who prefer the big screen to live theatre, the Wellfleet movie theatre is one of the few remaining drive ins in the country. Not only are the parking lots chock full of cars angled in to the giant screen, but the playground swarms with children winding down before the entertainment and the casual restaurant pumps out juicy burgers, fried seafood, and of course popcorn and movie snacks throughout the evening.

While many feel a trip to Cape Cod is not complete without lounging on one of its many pristine beaches, the Cape has now earned a following of theatre goers who round out their Cape Cod evenings with a healthy dose of entertainment.