Cape Fine Dining

Guess who's coming to dinner, Pearl?

A MEMORIAL DAY SNEAK PEEK: New Outer Cape Restaurant sure to wow Wellfleet

   Putting final touches on the dining room at Pearl prior to Wednesday evening's grand opening.

Last week when Dana Heilman said Pearl would be open before Memorial Day, I looked long and hard. Ankle deep in sawdust, contractors sweating to meet deadlines and a manager with a confident but concerned look on his face didn't exactly support Heilman's statement about the opening.  My doubt was not assuaged  after a quick tour of the progress and a rundown of what still had to be completed by General Contractor Lauren Stapleton, not to mention a visit to the roof decks that were still under construction.

But, what a difference a few days make!

The outside of Pearl prior to the unveiling.

Wednesday, I was witness to a transition that was nothing short of a miracle!  As I walked into Pearl I was greeted by General Manager Mac Gallant.  Mac was busy attending to a million last minute details.  As cell phones rang in the hands of dozens of busy workers, I just stood there in total disbelief!

Executive Chef Bob Wageman and his crew of many were busy cooking in the kitchen for that evening's opening. The before and after is something right out of Ripley's Believe It or Not!  Like a butterfly from a cocoon, a beautiful restaurant has emerged from hanging plastic curtains and cussing contractors.  Food was being prepared in the immaculate kitchens and the bar was fully stocked and ready to serve.   The bar itself has some unique features.  Most impressive being the window area at the back of the bar. The windows lift out to the rear deck where the back of the bar is now a serving counter for the outside deck as weather permits.

The antique material that had been recycled from on-site as well as other historic buildings has been masterfully transformed into walls, tables and the incredible bar.  Restaurant designer and metal artist Steven Swain's touches are beautiful and eye-catching from the moment you see the Pearl sign at the outside entry to the wall and bar lighting inside. "Swainer" as he is known to those close to him, was agreeing with Dana and the crew that Wednesday was the night, and to everyone's credit he was right.

Not a bad seat in the house

The open kitchen at Pearl inspires confidence.

There are many remarkable accomplishments at Pearl.  The fact that there isn't a bad seat in the entire establishment might just be highest on the list.  It is just as exciting to be inside as it is to be outside.  And it's always a comfort being able to see your food prepared.  The kitchen is worth a tour itself, very well thought out from prep to clean-up.  As you walk by the kitchen, look up and you'll see that the original Capt. Higgins building has been preserved inside the main building and now houses the state of the art kitchen.

Eat local, drink local

The owners, managers, and chef all boast about using local produce and seafood.  Chef Gallant is not shy about having the "best meat and poultry in the business" either.  The complete and modestly priced menu has something for everyone including a children's menu.  There are also a variety of appetizers, raw bar entrees,  soups, salads and a complete sandwich menu.  The land menu boasts Teriyaki Hibachi Steak, NY Strip, Filet Mignon and a Garlic and Rosemary marinated Bell & Evans Chicken Breast.  A crispy seafood menu is prepared free of all trans fats.  That and the full baked, grilled and steamed seafood menu will make your mouth water just reading it.  The bar is fully stocked with beer, wine and liquor.  Pearl has eight specialty drinks, especially tempting if you are a martini drinker.

Meet you on the roof

I have to say my favorite location, and I'm sure will be the favorite of many, is the roof deck.  There is a spectacular view no matter where you sit up there. Views of the harbor and glorious distant views as well.  Pearl is a real jewel.  Seating has been approved for 215, but all hands on deck were quick to point out that there will never be more than 213 seats in the Pearl.  "That's just the way we want to keep it," Mac was quick.

The locals seem to be happy about the opening as well.  Friendly people honk and wawve as they drive by.  When people stop by, Mac, Dana, Steve and the crew are quick to invite people in for a tour and have been from the beginning.  Whether it was in the middle of the winter or now the week of the opening, the crew of Pearl has always been inviting, grateful and gracious to those interested in what they have accomplished.

Capt. Higgins lives on in Pearl

During Wednesday evening's opening, the crew of Pearl hosted Betty Balch, owner of the former Capt. Higgins Restaurant, as Pearl's first dinner guest.  This Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect opportunity to give Pearl a try.  Stop in--the location and people are addicting.  It could become your favorite spot too.

Pearl is located at 250 Commercial Street on Wellfleet Harbor in Wellfleet. 508-349-2999 or visit the website here.  See the opening night photo's in on the Pearl site here.

   Another view of the dining room.

   The bar at Pearl oozes character.