Cape Cod 2011: Part 2: The Food

We ate SO much at the Cape.  There were a few places that were alright but nothing special but there were a few that are definitely on my MUST STOP list for future trips to the Cape. (In no particular order)

1 - The Pearl - located on the harbor in Wellfleet. 

We stopped in at lunch time and I was a little surprised at just how quiet it was.  The patio and 2nd level deck were fairly packed but inside was practically empty.  I would assume that it is probably much busier during the dinner rush.

It's practically a requirement to eat fried seafood at least once or twice while on the Cape.  Sadly, most of the restaurants fry their food in really heavy batters that leave you with more batter than food or so much grease is left that the food is practically dripping.  (Don't get me wrong, there's a time and place for that nostalgic Clam Shack type food but not really what I was in the mood for.)  We happily discovered that the fried food at The Pearl was done in a nice light batter that was well seasoned and crisp.  Meghan and I both enjoyed the fried shrimp, Lillie loved the fried chicken, and dad liked the fried clams.  Everyone else chose non-fried options and were just as happy.  Rachel had a tuna burger (which was orignally a tad dry) and she asked for a cup of guacamole that added just enough moisture to make it perfection. Uncle Dan had some fish tacos (that came with the guacamole that inspired Rachel).  Mom ordered the boiled lobster that was on special.

2 - Grumpy's - located in East Dennis.

Grumpy's is apparently famous for their breakfasts but it was always so busy that we never made it for breakfast ... next time.  However we did stop in for lunch on Wednesday when Uncle Ed and Aunt Susan were visiting.  We loved lunch.  George had a sandwich that was essentially Thanksgiving Day in one bite ... well many bites ... turkey, gravey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and then some.  I had a Southwest chicken wrap that was huge and delicious. I forget what everyone else got but no one left food on their plates.

3 - The Optimist Cafe - located in Yarmouthport.

We stopped in here for brunch with Aunt Mary, Uncle Frank, Aunt Cindy, and Uncle Dan to celebrate mom's birthday. They are apparently really big on tea.  If you order tea they bring you your very own pot (and boy oh boy do they have a variety of tea pots).  There were 5 different tea pots on the table when we arrived that looked like houses, elephants, and shops.  Then we ordered the food and you simply couldn't go wrong no matter what you picked.  We even ordered Lil her own fruit cup that was loaded with all her favorites.  We liked it so much that we went back for breakfast again the very next day.  On that trip almost everyone had the Cranberry Walnut French Toast and Lillie got a pancake (that was shaped like a teddy bear head when it arrived.)  Yum. Yum. Yum!