Napi’s

By John S. Kelemen

This review will take us back to a Saturday evening in mid June when I was joined by four friends from New Jersey for dinner at what has been one of my favorite restaurants for twenty six years, Napi’s.

This two story restaurant was artfully crafted from salvaged materials including wood, brick, and stained glass garnered from several older buildings. Along with the antiques and artwork that have been used in the interior décor this has provided Provincetown with one of its most unique interiors and a worthwhile experience separate from merely dining. One town resident recently expressed the opinion that Napi’s has become primarily the destination of the blue haired tourist bus crowd. As far as I’m concerned more power to them. We’re all getting there anyway and Napi’s is still around for us in January and February when 99% of the Commercial Street restaurants are sealed up tight as a drum.

Among the many starters available from the menu we chose the always reliable Clam Chowder, Caesar’s Salad, Pear & Pecan Salad, and the Crisp Chinese Dumplings. All received thumps up from the group. Service of the first course was prompt but then the wait for entrées became somewhat excessive. Luckily a second basket of the excellent homemade bread kept our mouths too busy to do much complaining.

My favorite entrée has always been the Brazilian Shrimp and it did not disappoint this time either. The other entrees around the table included a special Lobster with Clam Stuffing, Chicken Stir Fry, Cod Provencal, and the vegetarianFelafel Plate. All of the entrees met with some approval with the Felafel Plate garnering the least favorable review.

Dinner was followed by coffee and three desserts shared by the group which included Tiramisu, Double Fudge Madness, and a special Raspberry Bread Pudding. The desserts were all excellent. Prices were generally in keeping with other restaurants in town.

In summation: the food was good: service okay; presentation good, prices reasonable; and the atmosphere, as always, nonpareil. It was not our best meal ever at Napi’s but still rates three and one half Provincetown Monuments out of a possible five. (III ½ )

Napi’s
7 Freeman St.
(800) 571-6274

Level Bistro

By John S. Kelemen

It has been a while since we have added a review to our collection. Mid August vacations and conflicting work schedules have wreaked havoc with any semblance of steady progress. Of the original Tfor3, Michael the Blogger has been running from pillar to post with his many obligations while Michael the Rubber can only be spotted on Commercial Street sporadically with his ubiquitous cell phone clamped firmly to the side of his head. As for me, I have been trying to sell some art before the end is upon us. As the high season draws to a rapid close we will try to regain our momentum and add an additional review from earlier in the season. But first let’s cover this week. 

On the eve of Carnival Parade Day a group gathered at artist Jack Zaner’s house and studio for his annual Carnival Cocktail Party. After that happy event I had the pleasure of joining four of our Vermont underwear boys to dinner at the Level Bistro. This dinner was definitely not preplanned or initiated by yours truly. I must confess to a certain preconceived negative opinion of the establishment generated largely by hearsay. I’m happy to say that I was wrong, wrong, wrong. Hearsay, especially dated hearsay really stinks.

Level Bistro at the Commons hotel complex surrounds a beautiful garden setting on multiple levels. Despite the busy night we were lucky to get seated on the bay view deck after only a ten minute wait. The space contains a bar and all of the tables refilled promptly as the early diners completed their dinners and left. The atmosphere was definitely enhanced by groups of people enjoying their food and drink on a beautiful Provincetown evening at summer’s peak.. 

Our young Russian waiter, Vlad, was both fast and efficient in taking our orders while at the same time good naturedly putting up with a lot of silly banter. Starters included clam chowder, warm beet salad, and coconut shrimp. Speaking for the clam chowder enthusiasts, I found the large number of tasty clams and lack of excessive thickening agent a welcome change from the clam chowder offered up in many establishments around town. Two of our party tried the coconut shrimp and said they could gladly order more and make an entire meal out of it. The warm beet salad also drew praise.

Our entrée courses included the swordfish, two orders of stuffed shrimp, lasagna, and the Maine crab cakes, which are on the menu as an appetizer but serve just fine as a smaller entrée. Everyone was well satisfied with their meals. Level Bistro also has individual pizzas, burgers and sandwiches for those wanting lighter fare. Prices of all items on the menu were very reasonable. Unfortunately after an evening of partying and drinks under our belts as well as dinner, none of us had room for dessert. The cakes we saw on display looked very appetizing.

In summary: we found the food very good; the service was excellent; the atmosphere was comfortably pleasant; the presentation was okay; and the prices quite reasonable. Level Bistro gets our congratulations and a full four Provincetown Monuments out of a possible five. (IIII)

Level Bistro at the Commons
386 Commercial Street
508 487-7800