50°F Partly Cloudy [Cheap Eats
"Because cheap people need to eat too."Since 1999, our agency has helped place over 100 children with their new families, coming from countries including: Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine, China, Guatemala, Vietnam, Cambodia, and the United States. (Dennis)
Offering knowledgeable advice about opening your own ice cream shop and what you'll need to get started! A service from the owners of the successful Schoolhouse Ice Cream shops in Harwich & Burlington. (Harwich)
The Ultimate Cheap Eats - FREE !
Dave's Ribs bites the bullet so you can bite the ribs
Believe your eyes - Dave's Ribs on Queen Anne Road in Harwich (near the town recycling area) is giving away free samples.
And his smoked barbeque rib prices are 25% lower than last year too
Dave wants you to try his smoked ribs so badly he is offering free samples. Customers are given two ribs and two sauces for zilch. You can try a smoked pork rib and a smoked pork rib dit (the top of the line rib), and sample them with two different sauces at his neat little restaurant and take-out on Queen Anne Road between Route 124 and Old Main Street in Harwich abaft the Harwich recycling facility.
Dave says his largess is made possible by the additions to his menu. He used to only offer various smoked ribs (and their accoutrement), but this year he's added smoked fish and smoked fish pates so he can try some lost leaders to get new customers to try his fare.
He said that in the five days the sign has been out he has served almost a hundred free samples.
If you don't believe the sign, call Dave at (508) 432-1401 and ask him.
Whole health education, hands-on services, & mind-body techniques, to empower you while encouraging optimum health! Special classes in reiki healing, crystal healing, ear candling, hypnotism and more! (Mashpee)
Your online and print source for Cape-wide homes for sale and year-round rentals. Browse and search our listings online or order our free magazine. Distributed throughout the Cape. (Barnstable)
How to quell those Chinese cravings
Today is the first day of my no carb diet. I've really packed it on and we've got family shindigs coming up so it's time for action. According to my better half that is. So, like a death row convict, I requested my last meal: Chinese take-out and Tequila. That would explain why I'm still suffering from a double hangover--liquor and lo mein.
Now, everybody knows the Cape is not known for great Chinese. But I actually crave the food at one place at least once a week. I'm going to have to suspend that craving for a bit, at least until they invent no carb crab rangoon.
We always go to Quan's Kitchen in the Harney's Plaza on Route 134 in Dennis. It shares the strip with some other good shops, well, that is if you want over-priced groceries, a cheap hair cut and a 20 minute workout.
Upon entering, Quan's isn't anything to look at. Just your usual Chinese take-away (as the Brits say) with back-lit photos of Kung Pao Beef and a cooler stocked with sodas including Coke Zero, a new favorite.
But the food is really good. Like most folks, we typically order the same thing or at least a variation on the same thing: lo mein, crab rangoon, egg rolls, chicken fingers, wonton soup and sometimes pork fried rice. I've tried other things too--chop suey, beef and peppers, General Tso's chicken, beef and chicken teriyaki and the list goes on.
Often times Chinese food, especially take-out, can be greasy and globby, but we've never found that to be the case at Quan's. Fried foods like the rangoon and chicken fingers are always crispy and light. In the entrees, they always use white meat chicken and lean beef. Both meet the high standards of my better half who won't get within a half a mile of a piece of fat or grizzle.
The vegetables in the wonton soup and the lo mein are always fresh and crisp. The wonton soup is my absolute favorite. It has a tasty broth with savory wonton and crisp vegetables that have never seen a can. Peapods, bok choy, carrots and mushrooms take the front seat to the tasteless (and small in number) water chestnuts that typically make up the bulk of Chinese food vegetables.
And considering the quality of the ingredients and the quantity, the price is very reasonable. Dinner for two, only $14 with food left over. Who knew Chihuahuas ate Chinese?
No dishes, good food, courteous, fast service and an unbelievable aroma that makes you want to crawl into the back seat and tear open the bag on your way home, what more could you want for dinner?
Oh, and the fortune cookies. How could I forget the fortune cookies? Always crunchy and tasty, just remember, no matter how embarrassing, you must read your fortune out loud and you must add "in bed" to the end. It's even funnier than figuring out your drag name by combining the name of your first pet and the street you lived on. By the way, mine's Cookie Tinker.
Recession relief at Sam Diego's in Hyannis
Lunch from $6.95, dinner from BBQ baby back beef ribs $10.99
Sam Diego's is on Route 132 opposite the Cape Cod Mall, near Border's Bookstore.
Sam Diego's - Casual Dining with an Affordable Price Tag
Story & Photographs by Peter Robbins
Ever feel like an easy lunch or dinner without a hassle? Sam Diego's is the place to go. Located at 950 Route 132 in Hyannis, it truly has something for everyone. Lunch, Monday through Friday, features a chili, soup and taco bar all you can eat for $6.95.
This is one of the best Mexican Cookery and bars that I have found anywhere. There are luncheon favorites and combos from $6.95 to $8.95 and the portions are more than generous. The selection of starters, salads, sandwiches, burritos, enchiladas, tacos, chimichangas, quesadillas, fajitas, and combos will make your mouth water just reading them. If you are on the run, everything is available for take-out from 11:30am until midnight. The service is fast and courteous from the friendliest staff that always have a smile on their faces. Whether you are eating light or just having drinks, a generous basket of warm nachos with salsa is on the table as soon as you sit down.
Did somebody say "Barbeque?"
Did somebody say "Barbeque?" Every Tuesday and Wednesday, from 4pm until midnight, you are in for a real dining treat. For $10.99 you get BBQ baby back ribs, with either BBQ beef tips or asada chicken kabob, served with Memphis mashed potatoes, creamy coleslaw, onion rings and fresh corn bread. Bring your appetite for this one, it's one of my favorites.
The friendly atmosphere and the unique southwestern decor really makes Sam Diego's a fun place for the entire family. For more information go to www.SamDiegos.com . It's a really enjoyable and affordable place to eat.
Sam Diego's, 950 Iyanough Road Rte. 132, Hyannis, (508) 771-8816 Hyannis and 51 Main St., Plymouth, (508) 747-0048, website.
The Gourmet Brunch, Where Everybody Knows Your Name
Gourmet Brunch - "Where Everybody Knows Your Name"
Owner Joe Cotellessa greets you at the door of the Original Gourmet Brunch in Hyannis.
Photographs and story by Peter Robbins
Celebrating its 30th anniversary in busin
ess this June, when you speak of Hyannis and breakfast, the next words are "The Gourmet Brunch" at 517 Main Street in Hyannis. Open year-round from 7am until mid-day, or at least until everyone is served, it is a downtown icon for breakfast and brunch. You are always greeted by the owner, Joe Cotellessa, and he generally joins you at your table at some point with a colorful tale or some local news.
The walls are covered with celebrity photographs, and they have all eaten there. Well know for an endless choice of gourmet omelets, there is something on the menu for everyone. The price will surprise you for the quality of food served.
The Belgian Waffles are a specialty to die for. Topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream, they appear to be popular with the regulars. The Gourmet sampler is a treat for the hearty breakfast lover. It includes quiche, brunch mix, rolled stuffed ham and a selection of cheeses and fresh fruit all for $8.25. My favorite is the Eggs Benedict "Brunch Style". Two golden buttered English Muffins capped with lean ham, fresh poached eggs, topped with "Gourmet's" special cheese sauce on a bed of asparagus for $5.75.
Once you visit you'll be sure to return, saying that, ask for the free "Brunch Bunch Club" membership card. After six entrees, the seventh is free!
The luncheon menu is equally as good and interesting. They have a dieter's lunch, burgers and fixins and specialty sandwiches with very generous portions. They offer selected wines and malts and nothing on the menu is over $8.50.
If you plan to visit on the weekend, get there early! Seating is for 70 people and it fills up quickly. The Gourmet is a nice place to meet, eat and greet, and you never know who you will see there, I'm continuously surprised. You will be too!
Visit them at www.theoriginalgourmetbrunch.com.
Where the Locals Meet, Greet and Eat!
Jack's Outback II is alive & well and satisfying appetites in Yarmouth Port
Chef Ed Woelfie and server Peggy Boyne Bonaparte will fill your tummy at Jack's Outback.
The ghost of Jack Braginton Smith is still there
Peter Robbins
For those of you who reminisce about the old days when Jack Braginton Smith would either greet you sarcastically or fondly or just didn't acknowledge you at all, that was trouble, it seems his presence is still there. If not spiritually, at least through the stories and actions of the patrons.
The most expensive item on the menu is only $8.95Jack's Outback II at 161 Route 6A in Yarmouth Port, now owned and operated by Dona Baratta, has a charm and great food that draws the locals, visiting tourists as well as dignitaries. The varied and affordable main dishes for breakfast and lunch are a true example of good homestyle cooking.
The food is prepared before your eyes and the muffins are to die for. The most expensive item on the menu is only $8.95 whether you are there for breakfast or lunch. Scan the complete breakfast menu at the end of this post.
The service is great. If you are lucky, your waitress will be Peggy Boyne Bonaparte. Witty isn't the word! Full of energy, Peggy always has a quick comeback whether you are joking or serious. she has been there since Ms. Baratta opened and provides service with a smile, even to the "grumpy" ones that Jack trained.
Jack's Outback II serves breakfast Monday through Saturday until 11:30 AM and lunch until 2:00 PM, and breakfast only on Sunday until 1:00 PM. Before ordering make sure you check the daily specials, undoubtedly at least one will get your attention.
The tradition continues with the local gossip that Jack's has always been known for. Politics, religion, local complaints. If you are not involved in a particular conversation at your table, don't worry!
It won't be long before you'll overhear someone else's and you might just find yourself joining in, or them joining in yours! Jack's is a really great place to meet, eat and greet!
The Ultimate Cheapest Eats on Cape Cod
The Recession may be here, but Christy's is prepared
This may be the shortest Cheap Eats we will ever offer
Went to get gas & a gallon of milk at Christy's today and noticed a sign on the door offering:
If You're Ever in Mashpee
Don’t Miss Carbo’s Grill & Bar
Best Martinis on Cape Cod, are all 10 ounce drinks priced the same, at $11.
text & photographs by Peter Robbins
Located in the Deer Crossing Mall in Mashpee, Carbo’s Grill and Bar has something for everyone at a price you can afford. The " funky eclectic" interior with its oversized horizontal fans and hanging fish catch your eye as soon as you enter. Local patrons refer to it as the "Best Martini Bar Around". I’m not a martini drinker but the martini menu lists over 40 of them ! They are all 10 ounce drinks priced the same, at $11.00. (That's DOUBLE a large Martini any where.)
Lunch Specials from $4.95 
Daily luncheon specials starting at $4.95 with a one price kids menu of $6.95. Well known for its hand made pizza , sandwiches and burgers I guarantee you’ll take half of it home for the following days lunch. Pasta, soup and salads, and full diner entrees including cod, scallops, casseroles, and a wide variety of meat dishes also catch your eye. One of the local favorite is their overly generous Chicken Pot Pie, to much for me in one sitting.
There is a cozy bar off the dining area, and a feature I have always admired in a restaurant, a full view kitchen. Not many restaurants want you to see the food being prepared. At Carbo’s they welcome it. The friendly staff tending to your needs with appropriate timing was a joy as well. Head Chef Mike O’Brien is proud of the fact that the wide ranging desert menu items are all made there. " You know you go to some restaurants and all the deserts taste the same, because they are all bought ones ! Not here, we make every one our desert dishes from scratch , right here".
Plus live music on the weekends
Friday and Saturday nights the places rocks with live music.(call for show times) Friday nights features "Syndicate" and Saturdays "Plymouth Fury", from what I heard the "Joint Gets Jumpin".
I highly recommend from the soup and salad menu, the SALAD PIZZATI. It’s a white pizza with olive oil, roasted garlic, fresh basil, parmesan and mozzarella cheese, topped with a garden salad and finished off with their own house dressing, and a grilled chicken breast. Absolutely magnificent at $15.95. One problem, you can’t eat it all yourself. Without exaggeration, 2 very hungry people may have trouble finishing this entree. The presentation was so perfect it was worthy of a photograph. Luncheon for two with refreshments could get you out of there for less than $25.00. Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed !
CARBO'S Grill & Bar, 681 Falmouth Road (Route 28) (508) 477-5238
Great Food & Great Entertainment without a Performance
But already crowded by early Snow Birds
Sarah Swain & Jerry Smith Pack The House Again!
These two have something going!
and the food is great too
by Peter Robbins
Having so enjoyed the last dinner and performance, we decided to try it again. If you weren't there, you certainly missed out! Great gourmet food and entertainment that rocks! My wife and I went to the last performance of Sarah Swain & Jerry Smith at the Island Merchant. Last time, we had some difficulty finding parking and seating, so we decided to make reservations this time.
Barnstable little necks and stuffed oysters were out of this world. Better than the food was the entertainment. Sarah Swain & Jerry Smith rocked the house! Not a seat to be had, the bar full and a waiting line, the place was electric! Sarah's originals songs as well as her rendition of the Beatles song , "I'm Only Sleeping", was to die for. Sometimes the applause lasted as long as the songs! People young and old swayed in their seats.
What a great night out. I have to admit I haven't been there for other performers, but you know what? Who would want to be? These two make it sound lik e they are backed up by a complete band! What a wonderful atmosphere--this place is a winner! It's so comforting to see the east end of Hyannis lacking for parking spaces on a Saturday night again.
We had to park in the Cape Cod Times parking lot across the street! The Island Merchant, at least when Sarah & Jerry are there, may have to expand again. What a treat! I'm just going to follow these two. If the food is as good as the music where ever they are will always be a winner. But whenever they are playing at the Island Merchant, I'll be there.
Click here for a review of the food at the Island Merchant.
Show time at the Island Merchant in Hyannis
Dinner and a Song with Sarah Swain & Jerry Smith
Island Merchant is at the corner of Main and Ocean Streets in Hyannis.
A gem & a jewel for your Winter Blues
Text and Photos by Peter Robbins
Cape Cod in winter time, what to do? One sure cure for the cold-weather blahs is staking out Saturday night to see some music, enjoy some comfort food and swing a little in the company of Sarah Swain and Jerry Smith, a folksy, bluesy, country duo now on stage at the Island Merchant on Main Street in Hyannis.
If you haven't had dinner with Sarah Swain & Jerry Smith you're really missing a wonderful time. I can't remember when it was difficult to find a parking space at the east end of Main Street Hyannis, in the middle of January! Last night you couldn't! The Island Merchant, located at 302 Main Street in Hyannis is a real gem of a restaurant. It's no wonder they were 2007 Boston Magazine "Best of Boston Winner". Your greeted at the door by co-owner Beverly Dunn, with a smile and this wonderful look on her face that without words, assures you you are going to love the people, food and entertainment. I wasn't disappointed in any of the three.
The patrons and the employees were all a delight, it was like everyone in the place were all friends. The cuisine had something for everyone, influenced by a touch of island flavor, they use as much local product available on Cape Cod. They boast an extensive entertainment schedule, and never charge a cover. A visit to The Island Merchant website shows the menu and entertainment schedule.
Here's what the Globe said
The Island Merchant, 302 Main St., Hyannis, (508) 771-1337
Locally based seasonal cooking is the strong suit. Good casual fare includes pulled pork sandwich with a side of macaroni salad. Dinner only, closed Tuesday. Sandwiches and entrees $12-$25.
Above, entertainer Sarah Swain Arriving a little early for dinner and the show, only to find out that every table in the restaurant was already reserved, I was somewhat concerned. Bev Dunn commented, " Everyone loves Sarah". The intimate bar was an equally enjoyable spot for dinner as well as the show. There really isn't a bad seat in the place. The was a casual elegance about The Island Merchant that added to the comfort, and cleanliness was also remarkable.
At 7:00 Sarah Swain and Jerry Smith went on, and the Merchant quickly filled to its 65 seat capacity. What a great experience! If Sarah's smile didn't melt you heart, her music and singing sure will, she is a real Jewel. Her bluesy, country rock style singing is just a delight and very well complemented by Jerry Smith backing her up. Young and old alike were moving to the upbeat performer.
$2 Burgers from 10pm until 1am every night
It's no wonder she and her band opened for Richie Havens and Arlo Guthrie at the Melody Tent this past summer. Sarah released her own CD this past year, you can visit her website to learn more. If you missed last Saturday's you can still have Dinner with Sarah Swain and Jerry Smith on February 9th, and March 22nd from 7:00 to 10:00 PM at The Island Merchant, 302 Main Street in Hyannis, a wonderful dining experience, PLUS $2 Burgers from 10pm until 1am every night!!
Entertainment schedule;
MONDAY – $2 Burgers all night! Sara & Erica on bar
WEDNESDAY – Wicked Wine Night! Special Menu & Wine Pairings with dinner!
THURSDAY – 7:30 - Mike Brooke on the Baby Grand Piano!
SUNDAY – Jeff Conley’s Tin Can Tele (shown above) - 9:30
See the rest here.
Just for starters how about, full order/half order;
Griddled Brie $12/7
Jerk Chicken Skewers $12/7
"Jamaica Me Crazy" Peel & Eat Shrimp $16/9
Smoke Kielbasa & Linqua Plate ( a Portugiese-Polish delight) $14/8
Conch Fritters $14/8
This can be followed by;
West Indian Pumpkin Bisque $5
Smoked Conch & Corn Chowder $7
Cape Cod Beer Chili $9
Cuban Sandwich (outstanding) $12
Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich (side of mac & cheese) $12
And the entrees (we only list the unique one) are as wild and low-priced;
Homemade Macaroni & Cheese with Hot Dogs $13
Red Stripe (Jamaican( Beer-battered Fish & Chips $14
Guava Glazed Smoked BBQ Ribs $ 19
Merchant Fish Tacos $19
Cape Cod Potato Chip Encrusted Tuna Steak $26
Mojo Steak Tenderloin $25
About This Blog
Life is too cheap for short wine... It's "Not just Pheasant Under Glass" anymore on Cape Cod. As hard as it may seem on occasions, Cape Cod does have inexpensive, good places to eat without maxing out your credit cards.
Since we eat out six nights a week, it is purely defensive for us to find some relief for an over-taxed palate.
Recent Comments
- I know yer out there Peta...
"As I recall..."...
beneath
1 hr, 25 mins ago - Oh, well then she's already smarter than Whitney.
2 hrs, 46 mins ago - Karent:
That' really funny about the magenta house. I wonder if
2 hrs, 48 mins ago - To iseefirsthand, did you know her personally? run with her
2 hrs, 53 mins ago - Oh man... Miamia (~~054789~~?) why the venom after so much
3 hrs, 5 mins ago
CCT Blog List
- Newest Blog Posts
- Newest Comments
- Cape Cod History
- Cape Wide News
- The Savvy Thrifter
- Politicalendar
- Historic Harwich
- Cape Musings
- Seufert's Scenes
- Cape & Islands News
- One Day at a Time
- Entering Bourne
- Solon Economou
- EXTRA...
- Cape Cod Rock Hopper
- The Blogfather
- Robbins Report
- Myrbie & Dax
- Entering Falmouth
- Cape 20 Something
- Op-Ed
- Trail Hound
- The Great Gadfly
- State of Cape Cod
- Ray Gottwald's Blog
- Cape Cod Crusader
- Mahler's Music Notes
- MacMillan Wharf
- Cape Cod Maritime Museum
- Ned Sonntag
- The Opinionator
- Bismore Park
- Media Watch
- Buckley's Blog
- Brewster Readathon!
- Bogtrotter
- Massachusetts Democrant
- The Natural
- East of Boston
- Cape Politics
- Cheap Gas
- Conservative's Conscience
- Letters to the Editor
- Aaron Maloy's Blog
- Theatre
- Art vs. Life
- Brewster Rec
- Off the Shelf
- Tours of Cape Cod Video Contest
- Boston Bureau
- Over the Bridge
- Bree's Blog
- CasinoWatch
- Cheap Eats
- Anastasia's Blog
- Cape Cod Kidz
- Goose News
- Barnstable County Report
- Journo
- Editorial
- Footnotes
- Samizdat
- Sea Street
- Barnstable County Bill
- Renewable Energy Revolution
- Wavemaker
- Fish Out of Water
- Travel Tales
- Save ourselves
- Toward Democracy
Archives
- April 2008 (3)
- March 2008 (3)
- February 2008 (3)
- January 2008 (1)
- November 2007 (1)
- June 2007 (2)
- May 2007 (1)
- April 2007 (2)
- March 2007 (1)
- January 2007 (2)
- December 2006 (1)
- August 2006 (2)
- July 2006 (1)
- June 2006 (1)
- April 2006 (1)
- March 2006 (1)
- July 2005 (2)
Become a CapeCodToday Blogger!
Are you passionate about your community? Do you blog or at least harbor thoughts of doing so?
If so, CapeCodToday.com would like to host your blog on our CapeCodToday weblog publishing platform.
Blog Newsfeed
CapeCodToday uses standard web "newsfeeds" (RSS) to automatically update the latest blog entries in your browser or newsreader.
Use any of the links below in your newsreader or web browser to get "Cheap Eats" postings delivered to you, or use the RSS icon in your browser's address bar.
