Arts
The New Provincetown News
Tantric Tools for Self-Discovery
Community Compass
The
New Provincetown News
by Merle Exit
"No:
candy, popcorn, fudge, eggs benedict, egg foo yong, artichoke hearts,
artichoke livers,... one potato, two potato, three potato four,... pommes
anna, ban anna,... steamed mussels, sore mussels and/or leg of lamb."
Needless to say, you can expect humor at Norma Glamp's at 212 Commercial
Street. Owner Steve Katz, has maintained this unique shop noted for its
hilarious greeting cards, which will set the mood of a town that everyone,
including straight folks, seem to need to escape to.
New shops and restaurants have opened
up and transportation around town has gotten a bit easier. Carriage rides
have been replaced by Ptown Pedicab, a bicycle cab; the taxis are charging
$4 per person anywhere in town except places like the airport and McMillian
Pier, where it's $6; and the shuttle bus is the cheapest thing going.
For $1 you can go from North Truro to the beach or just about any place
in P'Town. As far as transportation to P'Town, you can get from Boston
to P'Town in 90 minutes via the Fast Ferry with Boston Harbor Cruises.
I note that the trip was quite comfy. Along with outside decks to catch
the breeze, there is both seating with tables and theatre-like chairs.
Walking is not a bad thing, either. From the East end where Bradford and
Commercial streets cross, it is about 1 1/2 miles to the middle of town
and even I did the walk at least once a day.
The new library is open and running.
Instead of signing up for a free half-hour spot to use the Internet, you
get a numbered card and wait for one of six computers. However, Wired
Puppy, located just across from Womancrafts, had its recent opening. It's
a retail store selling organic coffee and teas with two laptops for your
use on the Internet and at no cost. Or you can purchase an iced latte,
sit just outside (no indoor seating) and plug your own laptop for wifi
use.
Take advantage of a great food
bargain at the Aquarium Mall. Grab a sandwich and gelato and sit by the
water. Hit Jacqui's Juke Joint for the main course. Former P'Town deejay
Jaqui Mac has turned owner and chef at this sandwich shop where most of
the fare is store-made. Jaqui cures the salmon for a bagel with chunks
and the works (cream cheese, tomato, onions, capers) for a mere $6. For
the same six bucks you can get a Billy Bob's Chicken Deluxe: grilled chicken
breast, mixed field greens, tomato, onions, bacon, avocado, and herbed
mayo on rosemary foccacio bread.
Just across the way from Jaqui's
Juke Joint is I Dream of Gelato where I will forever dream of the absolute
best gelato I've ever eaten, including any Italian neighborhood in the
US. Owners Michelle Jafee and her wife Barbara Grasso have something far
better than any ice cream joint in town. Michelle prepares the base from
scratch and flavors are imported from Italy. Including sorbets, there
are 24 flavors to chose from. It is no wonder that Europeans have been
flocking here, as they know what should be expected in the way of both
taste and consistency.
Gelato, for those who have never tried
it, is a sort of cross between ice cream and ices. It contains less fat
and less air than ice cream and so is it a bit denser. Fruit gelatos have
real fruit and the sorbets contain no dairy. You won't believe the pink
grapefruit sorbet that is extremely creamy: the best hit of vitamin C
around! Gelato flavors such as: cherry chocolate (highly recommended),
amaretto, tiramisu, peanut butter, chocolate mint, pistachio, banana,
apricot and orange, and blueberry (as well as chocolate, vanilla and strawberry).
The Café Blasé,
located just next to the old library, has been replaced with The Patio.
Esther's is out, Enzos is in. Same owner of Bubalah's. Gifford House's
Stillwater is now a Thai restaurant.
The location may be old, abutting
the movie theatre across from the Post Office, but the Lagniappe (lan-yap)
Café is only a few seasons old. The name Lagniappe means "a
little something extra." Great place for some Cajun fare. On a warm
day, you'll love the gazpacho with just a hint of spicy and a great source
of veggies. Their BBQ pulled pork sandwich is tender and not overpowered
by the sauce. Best eaten with the cole slaw in the sandwich.
Not new but worth mentioning is Fanizzi's
by the Sea, 539 Commercial Street. Quiet east end of town and great water
view. No particular cuisine. You can get an appetizer of a Mediterranean
Plate, Ultimate Nachos, and Fried Calamari. Some entrée choices:
Seafood Pasta by the Sea has fresh lobster meat, scallops and shrimp sautéed
in a tomato saffron and leek broth and served over penne pasta. You have
to love the taste of saffron for this one. If not, opt for the Grilled
North Atlantic Salmon served with wild rice and steamed haricot verts
finished with a black rum glaze.
I want to make sure that I mention
a few of the entertainments around. Miss Richfield 1981 performs at the
Crown and Anchor the rest of the summer. This is one "drag show"
that is non-stop hilarious. If you like Dame Edna, you’ll really
love Miss Richfield. If it weren't for Poppy Champlin performing at the
Post Office Café, I would have no reason to go there. She is one
funny comedian and should be back in town for September. Don't miss her!
Legitimate Theatre is finally back
in P'Town! The brand new Provincetown Theatre is located at 238 Bradford
St. and offers the opportunity to see both brand new plays presented by
the Provincetown Repertory Theatre and ones "on the road" (such
as Elaine Stricht At Liberty).
Merle Exit is a travel writer based in Woodhaven, New York. More articles
on dining and entertainment are on her website: www.merleswhirls.com