Random Ravings and New Beginnings

By John S. Kelemen

We bid a welcome farewell to 2008 and a wary welcome to 2009. The autumn ‘shoulder season’ of 2008 brought with it some ominous occurrences and more than a few rumors regarding the future of Provincetown’s restaurant scene. George’s Pizza was seized for back taxes but now has a sign in the window promising to open again soon (as George’s Pizza?). Twisted Sisters jumped into the pizza vacuum left by George’s and has been opened for weekends. Hopefully they will learn to be kinder to their employees than the reports of verbal abuse would indicate. Some eateries are reported on the critical list for 2009 high season, These include Clem and Ursies, Landmark, and Level among others. Is it a sign of the times or merely the normal ebb and flow of our resort town, quien sabe? Time will tell.

Autumn found us off for a few quick sojourns up-cape and a quick over night to Nantucket. Michael the Blogger and friend Tony accompanied me to dinner at LoLa 41 on the island and a meal at Colombo’s in Hyannis on the way back. We experienced two very different kinds of dining experiences, both of which merit a few remarks.

For those who might find themselves on the that little island to our south and have some extra cash in their wallet, try LoLa41 on South Beach Street which is within walking distance of the harbor, main shopping streets, and many guest houses. LoLa’s is comfortably decorated in what might be called a warm Asian Modern. The menu is a combination of Asian and American with a full array of sushi, tempura, and local seafood favorites. This is complimented by a bar menu which includes many martini specials.

We began with the house special nachos (not so special) and tempura style fried calamari. Halibut was the choice of all three and we completed dinner by sharing two excellent desserts which included a custard concoction (tres leches with berries) and a great chocolate mouse. The food was good to excellent. The outstanding entrée and desserts more than made up for some lackluster starters. Service was excellent, atmosphere pleasant and presentation okay. Prices, as might be expected on Nantucket, were high; $88 a head sans any alcoholic beverages,

If you’re on Nantucket and want to splurge by all means try LoLa41. In Provincetown we would rate it a high three out of five monuments.

The next evening on our way home we stopped off in Hyannis at a Main Street cafe and pastries establishment known as Colombo’s. Colombo’s also serves as a popular local sports bar.

We shared a plate of the stuffed mushrooms as appetizers which were very very good. Tony selected the Veal Milanese, Michael tried the special Turkey Bolognese over “organic” linguini and I opted for the Eggplant Parmigiana. All of the entrees were great with the Bolognese getting very high praise from Michael. In addition to serving an excellent meal at down to earth recession prices, Colombo’s has an awesome selection of Italian pastries. 

On your next trip to Hyannis do stop at Colombo’s. It was definitely kinder to our wallets than any comparable eatery of its ilk. Give it a high four out of five monuments were it in the hometown.

Meanwhile, let’s get back to Provincetown 2009, where, to all appearances, Napi’s, The Mews, and Fanzinni’s are still going strong despite a cold and snowy holiday season. Jo Mama’s has taken up off season residence in the Art House Theater replacing Frappo’s (most of us wouldn’t mind if that became permanent) with a variety of lighter fare including some excellent panninis. Vegans will definitely go for the ‘Effin’. Chach’s is open five days a week on Shankpainter Road while Jimmy’s Hideaway is open on weekends. Lest we forget, Farland’s is open every day with great take home entrée dishes, sides and baked goods as well as sandwiches that can be enjoyed right in the comfortable seating area on the premises. It comes very close to an old fashioned small town General Store gathering from morning until early afternoon. The classic Farland’s egg, cheese, and linguica breakfast sandwich on any kind of bread has no equal.

A final vote of thanks to The Mews for the Monday Night Coffee House with Peter Donnelly which is now in its twentieth year. I had the pleasure of attending the January 5th show at which Peter performed along with several other fine local talents. Where else can you get great free entertainment and an excellent full course dinner on Monday night in the dead of winter at the tip of the cape? Forget the previous review. The Mews gets five out of five Provincetown Monuments (V).

The Mews
429 Commercial Street
508 487-1500

Colombo’s
544 Main Street
Hyannis,MA
508 790-5700