The Mews

By John S. Kelemen

On the first Friday of October we finally got around to making reservations at The Mews a popular restaurant in the heart of Provincetown’s art gallery district. The Mews has been in town for almost a half century and in its present location for about fifteen years. One of the few restaurants that remains open during winter, it is also the venue for the popular off season Monday night talent show. For that alone it merits high praise.

Table for three was again a party of three with my house guest Steve joining us for dinner. Steve is a budding artist from Pennsylvania who enjoyed being the pupil and then the apprentice to one of Provincetown’s most successful artists this past season. We requested the upstairs dining room where the lighter bistro menu is available in addition the more formal menu of the lower level dining room. Both dining rooms have a terrific view of the bay and harbor.

All three of us had later commitments and needed to be out before 9PM. The restaurant manager was extremely gracious and we were seated before 7PM in the dining room of our choice despite a crowded reservation list. We began dinner with a shared appetizer special of proscuitto and fresh figs that was superb. For entrees Michael chose the scallop special while Steve opted for the pasta putanesca with chicken from the Bistro menu. I ordered a dish that I had enjoyed at the Mews in the past, roasted duck breast and pan fried shrimp over black sesame seed crusted sushi rice cake. While the duck dishes at the Mews are not quite of the same caliber as the Front Street specialty they are usually quite good. The duck did not disappoint this time either, however, the rice cake served with it had the consistency of a hockey puck. When this was pointed out to the waitress she offered substituting mashed potatoes which was politely declined. Michael and Steve were quite satisfied with their meals.

After dinner Michael and I ordered coffee. Michael was served immediately while I had to chase down the waitress to get mine. Unfortunately we did not have time to enjoy a dessert from the Mews dessert menu which I can testify is excellent from previous experiences. Come to think of it, our harried and discombobulated waitress never offered us the option anyway.

Without belaboring further a somewhat off night for the Mews, the food was between excellent and inedible, presentation okay, atmosphere good, service poor, and prices fair. This time around it’s only two and one half out of five monuments for the Mews. (II ½)


The Mews
429 Commercial Street
508 487-1500