2012 Cape Ann Guide – Experience Cape Ann…serving Essex, Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Rockport. Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce.
Issue link: http://capeannguide.epubxp.com/i/133875
The Restaurant Scene: Cape Ann Style CAPE ANN Dining Spotlight F M E US IC CR ED AC IT CE CA PT RD CH ED S IL DR EN O UT 'S SI M EN TA DE DI KE U N -O IN LO G UN UT A CA GE VA IL TE AB R LE LIV IN G IN EN TA LU LB N RE CH AK DI FA N ST N BR ER UN CH O PE N M O N TH S PR IC ES BR EA KF AS CO T NT DE SC RI PT IO N M AP LO CA TI O N rom all points headed towards Cape Ann the feeling is inescapable as the sights, sounds and scents of the sea permeate your senses. Whether it is Route 127, 128, 133 or the MBTA that gets you here it all changes the moment you reach our region, just 30 miles northeast of Boston. Cape Ann's salt air and cool ocean breezes also have the remarkable effect of whetting the weary traveler's appetite for a hearty meal. With so many amazing choices on Cape Ann you are guaranteed to find something to love. Cape Ann restaurants offer something for everyone whether it is casual dining, a view of the harbor or perhaps a romantic night on the town. The decision to go to one place versus another is tough, especially for the tourist who has a limited time to sample the varied delicacies that come at you from every direction. Many factors can help a good restaurant sustain a long life but great customer service and excellent food preparation always top the list. Getting good food at a fair price is also important and helps to bring return customers. One common thread between the tourists and the local clientele is seafood. Each of the four Cape Ann communities relies on the ocean's bounty that has shaped our region's heritage and there is no shortage of great places to select from. For starters clam chowder and fried clams are a must but local restaurants are robust with choices of haddock, lobster, mussels and host of other aquatic options. According to Heather Atwood, food writer for the Gloucester Daily Times, good food can be found here at any time of the year. But she has her favorite time to sample the flavors of Cape Ann. "I like fall because it has such beauty and there is such a variety of seafood. The bass are still running and the bluefish along with the lobster are delicious. The freshness of the vegetables is also special as well." Atwood also says that certain restaurants have a special appeal for both their ambiance and their choice of beverage. Some folks like the vista that a waterside table has to offer in the summertime, while for others winter can offer up a cozier, quaint appeal. Margaritas may be the choice of one customer while others may choose Fisherman's Brew, a Beauport vodka or a New England wine that blends well with their entrée du jour. Many area restaurants participate in Cape Ann Restaurant Week which occurs twice during the year. The 2013 springtime event will take place April 28-May 3 while the fall showcase will be October 20-25. Beautiful coastlines, food that pleases all palates, a variety of beverages – the restaurant scene has something for everyone on Cape Ann. ❖ RESTAURANTS G C8 Small neighborhood pub with homemade soups, sandwiches, and desserts SUBWAY 25 Railroad Avenue, Gloucester, MA 01930 (978) 281-1160 • subway.com G A5 Fresh sandwiches, salads and soups. TOP DOG OF ROCKPORT 2 Doyles Cove Road, Rockport, MA 01966 (978) 546-0006 • topdogrockport.com R C8 Have to stop hot dog shop, oceanview dining TOPSIDE GRILL & PUB 50 Rogers Street, Gloucester, MA 01930 (978) 281-1399 • topsidegrill.com G C6 Seafood, lobster, steaks, local cuisine. WINDWARD GRILLE 109 Eastern Avenue, Essex, MA 01929 (978) 768-0050 • windwardgrille.com C E5 Dine in warmth of a New England Farmhouse! • • Year-Round $5-15 MC V AE D • • • • STONES PUB & EATERY 242 Main St, Gloucester 01930 978-515-7366 stonespub.com • Year-Round $4-8 MC V D • • • • Apr-Oct $3-20 • • • • • • • Apr-Jan $9-25 • • • Year-Round $3-32 MC V AE D • • • • • • MC V AE D DC • • • www.capeannchamber.com | www.capeannvacations.com | www.rockportusa.com 53