By MARO V. TITUS
Those of us who remember Patti Page crooning about the taste of lobster stew served by a window with an ocean view, may find it difficult to digest how incredibly diverse our palate options have become. The Upper Cape is home to a vast array of seasonings from all parts of the globe, so while fried clams and lobster will always remain part of our native food pyramid, there is so much more to try year-round.
Maison Vilatte on Main Street in Falmouth. A selection of fresh baked breads.
Whether making plans for a trip to our area or merely looking to escape your own local kitchen, feel free to name your flavor and, with few exceptions, that menu item can be prepared for you. Let us begin our dining journey with a short hop across the pond. European options are plentiful in this part of the Cape. Early risers can start their day off right with a warm and tasty breakfast at Mary Ellen’s Portuguese Bakery. Walk down Main Street in Falmouth and you can get a taste of Italy at Osteria La Civetta and La Cucina Sul Mare (chicken limone is a must-try). If you change your mind while walking along, just stop in at Anejo and wash down some chips and guacamole with one of their inspiring margaritas. Keep your passport handy, though, for Ireland awaits at Liam Maguire’s Irish Pub, where the road and the Guinness stew will rise up to meet you.
While the lights may still be off on Broadway, here in Falmouth, the music never stops. There will be live music at Liam’s once again this summer. For a little extra Opa! in your ouzo, stop by Estia at either their newer Main Street or original Mashpee Commons locations. Their larger Falmouth spot features live Greek music on Saturday nights to enjoy with your beef kebab, spanakopita, and other Greek favorites.
Once you’ve had your fill of pita, a bread lover’s journey continues farther east to the Punjab Region of India and the menu selections at The Golden Swan. For the past 14 years, current owners have provided filling korma choices with a side of warm nan (traditional clay oven-baked white flour bread) to their customers. In addition to Punjabi music in the background, Shabad is being offered for customers while they dine…it is the kindness of prayer for those crossing paths with the staff and other customers. From one end of Main Street to the other, a world market opens up with one memorable stroll. And don’t forget a decadent French dessert at Maison Villatte, which also boasts some of the tastiest homemade bread in the area.
Our world tour Falmouth edition goes beyond the center of town. Falmouth Heights continues to light up as it has for decades, but now in green, white and red with Soprano’s Casino by the Sea.
Maison Vilatte on Main Street in Falmouth. Tarte Aux Berries and Chou A La Creme.
Okra and smoothies under the same roof? Yes, it’s true. Le Bon Jour in East Falmouth boasts a lively menu of healthy bowls, smoothies and sandwiches, while crossing the borders of multiple nations (France, India, Italy and Mexico among them). But be careful not to get sidetracked by the food truck just across the way on East Falmouth Highway: Wicked N’Wood street tacos and Cubano sandwiches can be quite filling!
If you’re just coming off a day at Old Silver Beach and don’t want to journey far for pasta, Bucatino awaits your arrival, right at the corner of routes 28A and 151 in North Falmouth. Further driving along Route 151 will bring you right to Cambodia, by way of Freshroll Restaurant, that is! Decade-long industry experts Channa (manager) and Chhay (head chef) Chou opened Freshroll as their latest venture. The only Asian restaurant with a completely vegetarian and plant-based menu, it was inspired by childhood memories of ingredients common to southeast Asia, particularly Cambodia. Freshroll will be featuring many new dishes this summer, including crepes filled with tofu and mung beans, trendy bubble tea, as well as standard menu options including four different varieties of their namesake item—the fresh roll. Creating a healthy environment inside and out is top priority for Channa; her team will be offering at three different farmers’ markets this summer (Chatham, Falmouth and Osterville).
Liam Maguire’s on Main Street in Falmouth.
Meat-eating lovers of this regional cuisine need not despair, for there are other Thai food options available in the area. If you’re craving pad thai to go, Tuk Tuk Thai Food on Shore Road in Bourne or Thai Kitchen on Teaticket Highway in East Falmouth are spots where curry scents fill the air and chicken satay fills the tummy. Another popular option is Bangkok Cuisine, with locations in both Falmouth and Mashpee, though currently offering takeout only. Cambodian cuisine is also available on your way on or off-Cape at Stir Crazy along MacArthur Boulevard in Pocasset. Stir Crazy offers sushi, traditional Thai noodle dishes and Cambodian favorites like lemongrass steak and Bar Bong, angel hair noodles mixed with salad, topped with coconut, peanut sauce and egg roll pieces.
Despite what the postcards may have visitors believe (and there are still postcards available to capture colorful details of your Cape Cod visit), not every day is bright and sunny here. On those days too rainy for the beach or when shopping is a must, get a global gastronomic experience at Mashpee Commons. Here you may enjoy traditional Chinese dishes and sushi at Asia, escargots and foie gras at Bleu Restaurant, or a warm bowl of pasta at Siena or Trevi Café. For groups with different craving preferences, Trevi’s broad Mediterranean menu offers something for many. After your meal at Trevi, merely wander across the water fountain outdoor seating area and Cynthia O’Brien, owner of the Market Street Bookshop can help you find the perfect cookbook to pair with your recent dining experience.
If you’re not up for travel and prefer to remain down on the farm, head to East Falmouth. Coonamessett Farm brings wonderful meaning to the phrase “think globally but act locally.” A hidden gem on Hatchville Road, the Farm boasts a vast array of international dining options. Home to Buffalo Jump Café and Peck O’Dirt Bakery, this year, guests have enjoyed dinners that include French, Thai, Senegal, Vietnamese, and Greek favorites. Buffalo Jump currently offers takeaway dinners three times per month, each featuring a different type of cuisine. Chef/owner Laura Higgins-Baltzley incorporates her own travels and interests into each selection. Those who frequent the Coonamessett Farm during the summer are familiar with “Jamaican Night,” a bountiful buffet of jerk chicken and other island delights. J-Night season begins on Wednesday in late June/early July and runs through the first week of September. Laura and her colleagues work to ensure that there’s something for everyone at the Farm. She welcomes visitors to “put their trust in the chef’s hands and give something new a try.”
Something new is the best way to think about what you’ll find to eat on the Upper Cape. I remember as a child, summer dinner out with my family almost always meant some form of seafood or a burger (fries with both, thank you) as the leading option. It’s wonderful now to take advantage of the multitude of flavors available within a 20-mile radius. Please note, however, that the restaurants described here are merely a taste of the international options available. Given the changing requirements for operating in the pandemic, you should check the restaurant website before your visit. All local businesses welcome your support in these challenging times. We encourage you to sample to your stomach and heart’s content…and find a world full of reasons for your taste buds to fall in love with Old Cape Cod!