A Weekend in Salem, Whales and More Restaurant Experiences in Provincetown

ormally, Pia and I switch off every other week writing the blog. This week and next, however, I hog the blog.

I must start with a trip I took to Salem, MA two weeks ago with Troy. That’s right, the Georgia Peach made another trip up to Yankee land for some fun. It was his spring break week and he decided to come for a visit (as you already know if you read the April 7th blog entry). He overcame the fear of flying the Cape Air puddle jumper and made the 20 minute flight. He has now seen the gradual awakening of Provincetown from its winter slumber in January to stirring of activity in February to the pre-season busyness in April.

The growing crowd at The Porch Bar and more stores opening on Commercial Street were plenty of reason for me to escape town. The North Shore of Boston was our destination. We met my friend Jack in Swampscott for lunch at Hawthorne by The Sea. This place is a throw back to different times. Besides the awesome views of the Atlantic Ocean and Boston skyline, the waiters wore captain jackets as if we were on a cruise. It was a very nice touch. The food was good and it was nice catching up with Jack.

Then we toured the cliffs in Marblehead, the homes on Marblehead Neck and drove through Old Town. We walked the Salem Common which was very similar to Forsyth Park in Savannah, but on a smaller scale. We ran into my friends Chris and Stefanie who were contemplating adopting a baby. How precious! We found the statue of Elizabeth Montgomery commemorating the television show “Bewitched” and took some photos.

Then we checked into The Hawthorne Hotel. Which overall, I must say, was perhaps the best experience in service I’ve received at a hotel in many years. The interaction with front desk clerk to the room service was wonderful. If you like historic inns and find yourself north of Boston, be sure to check it out.

That night we had dinner with friends of mine I had not seen in awhile. We took a trip down nostalgia lane and supped at Gourmet Garden (formerly Bejing Palace) where we used to chase away the Sunday night blues by means of a scorpion bowl or two. This was when I worked in the corporate world and dreamed of moving to Provincetown. Troy, Chad, Glen, Buddy, Rick, Mark and I enjoyed a scrumptious meal and wonderful catch up stories but no scorpion bowl. Afterwards, we walked around Salem and I was tuned to be a second degree Reiki Healer. Yes, I’ve been a first degree Healer for about two years.

The next day, Troy and I went to Crow Haven Corner, Inc. and had our fortunes told by Laurie. Great energy! What fun! And although I’m gay I must take this time, and Troy is in agreement, to compliment Laurie on her enormous breasts. She gives Dolly a run for her money.

Then we drove back to Provincetown.

Right after Troy left, the Right Whales came a feeding in Cape Cod Bay. John and I were able to watch the whales breach right from Race Point Beach. It was a remarkable experience and the first time I’ve ever seen this in the five years I’ve lived here. Please check out the video link at the end of this blog entry if you’d like to see it.

Here’s a strange one for you. This past weekend Mark and I saw a large, feline type animal run across the street right in front of us as we were driving to my house. It was late Friday night. At first we thought it was a coyote, however, it was large, not shaggy, had a long smooth tail and looked like a lioness. You may think we’re crazy, but it resembled a medium sized wild cat. Apparently, when I shared this story the next day with locals, I was told that there have been a few sightings, of what is best described as a Puma, from Provincetown to Wellfleet. Weird. I’ll let you know if there’s anymore news on this one.

Rich, Mark and I dined at two restaurants in Ptown this weekend. Friday night we ate at Bayside Betsy’s. It was crowded but we were able to get a seat by the window with a view of the bay. The service was good with lots of humor injected. Betsy came by twice to check in. The appetizer of mozzarella crustini was fabby. We all got the fish fry. Beer batter cod and fries with coleslaw. Yummy. This was bad for the diet, but delicious. The food was good, service prompt and priced right in the budget. Bayside Betsy’s gets 5 monuments.

Saturday, we walked into The Lobster Pot without reservations at 7PM. We were lucky enough to get in right away. We were ushered upstairs and brought to our table within 10 minutes with a smile and great attitude. This was a display of great skill by the greeter and the seater while utter chaos of a crowded restaurant was happening. Our waiter was a butch guy named Pete. He is adorable, efficient and great at his job. Fresh from New Orleans for the summer, he is in for quite the season. Our appetizer was the mixed seafood grill and blackened shrimp. These were really good. The meals were served promptly and delicious. I got the baked cod. Rich got the fried clam strips which I thought were very tasty. Peter kept checking in, was thorough in his presentation, flirtatious and cute as heck. The Lobster Pot gets 5 monuments and Pete gets my number (jk).

I told you I was pretty easy (regarding restaurant critiquing that is). Something really has to be awry in order for a restaurant to lose a monument or two.

There was a play in town this weekend at The Provincetown Theater, “Sixty Years with Bruhs and Gean.” It is about a long term gay relationship…true story and perhaps inspirational to someone like me who really doesn’t think long term gay relationships are possible. But no one wanted to see it and John, my theatre buddy, is in Florida on vacation. The reviews and word of mouth has been good so if it comes to a theater near you, check it out.

It was Brad’s birthday last Tuesday and we went to see a political satire, “Elections and Erections” in Cambridge. I’ll tell you all about it and our trip in next week’s blog. Perhaps I’ll have more restaurant reviews too.

Have a wonderful week, thanks for your emails and feel free to send more.

Whale blog link www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ0ehV7teJQ

Hawthorne Hotel www.hawthornehotel.com

Fortune Teller in Salem www.crowhavencorner.net

Spring is Here

The weather is warming up and tourists are anxious for the summer. Monday was Patriot’s Day and it brought a plethora of Boston boys to town for the long weekend, fleeing the crowds of The Boston Marathon. When I drove down Commercial Street on Saturday I thought that it was summer. The street was packed with straight, gay and lesbian shoppers. Some of the boys even had their shirts open showcasing their springtime abs that they probably worked all winter to get.

This week, I’ll be writing about my visit to three local restaurants over the weekend. I’ve decided to create a rating system for local eateries. Some of the seasonal restaurants have raised their prices. I have nothing against a business owner balancing out the rising price of gas and supplies and making a profit, however, it better be worth it. I’m pretty easy as a judge too. Just so you know I’m not a persnickety, picky queen. So, on a scale of 1-5 monuments, 5 being the best, I’ve developed this rating system based on price, quality of food and service.

Now that pre-season is here, most of the restaurants are open in town. Besides the local establishments that provide great service and food over the winter- Bayside Betsy’s, Fanizzi’s, The Mews and Michael Shays, summer favorites like The Lobster Pot, The Post Office Café, Ross’ Grill and The Red Inn opened this weekend. Bubula’s opening is delayed due to the visa issue facing local business owners and seasonal employees.

Friday night Rich and I ate at The Central House. This is the restaurant in The Crown and Anchor. They had just re-done the patio and it looks lovely. We sat outside and enjoyed watching Commercial Street. The server was prompt and friendly and knew her menu. The appetizer, a two beet salad was savory and the bread was pretty good. About 10 minutes after we finished our appetizers, the manager came to our table with a free lobster appetizer due to a pending delay in our food. I appreciated the gesture. Fried lobster has never been a choice for me so I can’t rave about it but it was good. Then twenty five minutes later the food arrived. However, it was so late that we had to get it to go due to my plans. There were apologies but the damage was done. I really wanted to enjoy a good meal and didn’t get the chance. My assessment is that the food is probably good if I could have eaten it. The server was excellent but the kitchen needs to get it together considering the restaurant was not even half full. I’ll have to give The Central House 3 monuments and I hope they improve before summer. 

Saturday night, Rich, John and I ate at Ross’ Grill. Extraordinary service, delicious, well prepared food and excellent atmosphere were ingredients for a flawless dining experience. Rich did gripe because the prices have increased. But at Ross’s you get what you pay for and there are no complaints from me about pricing. We started off with an appetizer of sweet turkey sausage and pate. The presentation was wonderful. Tasty too. My meal, Salmon over rice, was served in a prompt timeframe. It was seared, practically raw, just as I like it, just as I ordered. Ross’ Grill gets 5 monuments and maybe another just for kicks. This year they take reservations so plan ahead.

Sunday Rich, John and I went to Jimmy’s Hideaway. The frenzied atmosphere is pub like and casual and the food is exquisitely prepared. We started with the whole belly clams and spring rolls. Both were really good. The bread was awesome, best yet. I ordered the pan seared Halibut over black rice. It was prepared perfectly and was absolutely delicious. The service was good and even the host, not server, kept checking in. Unfortunately, the ball was dropped at the end. We ordered desert and coffee. The coffee was served timely but it took almost 15 minutes to get the desert. A neighboring table had ordered and recommended it to us (they did not wait 15 minutes). When the desert finally arrived, it was delicious. I understand the craze of the restaurant biz (I worked as a bus boy and room service waiter years ago) but the crowd had thinned and the least the server could have done was kept our coffee hot. She literally disappeared. The service lacked at the end putting a damper on an otherwise good dining experience. Jimmy’s Hideaway gets 4 monuments and I’ll be back to make sure they do better

I’ll be trying different places throughout the summer and letting you know how they are. Once again, I’m pretty easygoing so if a place screws up, you should know that it is major. Let me know if you have a local favorite you’d like me to eat at.

Have a good week!

Pia Interviews Her Daddy

Pia: You have been able to show how living here in Provincetown year round takes creativity and travel, especially during the winter. You’ve brought bloggers along two winter trips. But daily life during the winter is still pretty full for you. Please take me through your typical week.

Mike: I have a job that consumes much of my time, even on days off. That combined with my volunteer work, creative endeavors and socializing, keeps me busy.

Monday: This day starts with an office meeting at work which is Atlantic Bay Sotheby’s International Realty (when repeating put an echo on the international) (http://www.atlanticbaysir.com) . Afterwards, I record “The Closing Table” at local radio station WOMR 92.1FM. Check it out from this website if you’d like (Click Here). I focus on marketing on Monday during the day. This includes compiling information for provincetownrealestatenow.com and ptownma.info. I wrap up the day with a sales team meeting in the afternoon. Monday evenings are filled with personal administrative tasks…budgeting, bill paying and all that fun stuff. One Monday every other month, I attend a Board of Directors meeting for The AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod (http://www.asgcc.org) and a meeting for the Development Committee for the AIDS Support Group.

Every Monday at 8PM I also try and get together with a group of local guys for casual socializing…if I have enough energy.

Pia: That’s a pretty busy day! Do you have a weekend?

Mike: Yes, Tuesday. This is my Saturday! Depending on the time of year this day could be spent off cape, doing yard work, catching a matinee. I usually have a standing lunch engagement with my friend Bill. Tuesday is my first day back at the gym after my weekend. I usually go at night. And as you know, Pia, both Tuesday and Wednesday are days I spend with you since I’m not working.

Wednesday: This is my Sunday and I try and get some relaxation in. I may head over my friend John’s house for movie night, go to The Cape Inn for free movie night or just catch the nature around here. It is starting to warm up and I want to take advantage of the natural beauty around here this year. I usually have lunch with my friend Bill again just to stay in touch. In the evenings I go to the gym. Right now I am coordinating a planned beach volleyball game for Wednesday nights during the summer. If so I’ll let you know if this happens as anyone can partake.

Pia: Volleyball sounds good. Can I use my snout to bounce the ball back and forth?
Mike: I’m not sure if that will be a good idea. It may hurt and besides, I don’t want you running amuck on the beach. There is the coyote factor to consider.

Thursday is my Monday! Its back to work for me. I compile more info for our real estate blog provincetownrealestatenow.com and send the info to the webmaster (http://www.pcfdesigns.com) along with a real time photo of the week (I snap a pic of Ptown just prior to sending blog to all clients). Every other Thursday I tour new listings on the market in Provincetown as part of the multiple listing service tour. I set up appointments for the weekend and get settled back in the office. After work I head home to walk you and then its off to the gym!

Friday: I start this day by weighing myself before I eat anything. I feel that physical health is paramount to successful attitude and ambition. Then its off to work. Besides working on appointments, I record another version of The Closing Table at Dunes 102.3 FM (Click Here) in the afternoon. Right after work I walk you again and head off for casual socializing with local friends. After which I go to the gym for my final workout before the weekend! I have dinner with friends from Boston who come to town pretty much every weekend and we end the night at The Porch Bar.

Saturday: Busy, busy, busy…even off season in Provincetown. Many folks are coming to town to check out real estate. In the evenings I usually have friends or clients in town. We go to dinner and whatever form of entertainment is happening. The movie theatre in Wellfleet is open year round and there is live theatre as well in Provincetown and Wellfleet. Dinner parties are very popular year round here.

Sunday: Another busy day for real estate. When it is slow I get caught up with maintaining my listings and other administrative tasks pertaining to real estate. After work, I relax at home or go to a movie. Its usually a calm night for me.

Pia: How do you maintain your energy?

Mike: I start my day off early, around 6:30 or 7AM, pretty much when you wake up and come bounding out from under the covers. I read the paper, watch The Today Show and eat a full breakfast. It’s the best way to start the day.

Pia: Do you mind living here year round?

Mike: No I absolutely love it. The off season is actually my favorite time of the year. The seasonal workers are back in town now, tourists are visiting on the weekends and the town is waking up. Although summer brings in lots of visitors and I meet people from all over the world, I prefer the fall and winter. I keep busy and for me, living here is just like living anywhere else, I just get the benefit of not being in the hustle and bustle of civilization. If I get cabin fever, I go away. It’s no different for me than when I lived in Boston, only that I love my work and the ocean surrounds us. The fact that this is the largest gay and lesbian population in the world makes it very accepting to all walks of life. I can literally be myself here without the hidden and overt prejudices that I faced in the corporate world.

Broadway on the Cape?

I can’t believe it is spring already. If you’ve been following this blog, which started just after New Years, you know that living out here year round can be trying at times. Sometimes the cold dark winter months can be quite lonely and seem to last forever. However, this winter has flown by in comparison to my four previous at Lands End. Now that spring is here, the town slowly warms to the upcoming season. Having lunch at Café Heaven the other day, I watched as the boys strolled by. Summer is definitely on its way.

One thing that I neglected to do over the past few months is take advantage of the theatre that Provincetown offers off season. With my trips to Atlanta, Savannah and New York City, I haven’t really focused too much on winter activities in town. This past week, though, I took advantage of some of the local shows that were at hand.

“Anna in the Tropics” by Nilo Cruz was playing at The Provincetown Theatre through April 6th. It was very entertaining. The cast, a mix of superb actors from New York and Provincetown, seemed to delight in their roles. Although The Provincetown Banner, Cape Cod Times and my friend Rich did not share my fond feelings for the play, I found it amusing and a little sad. Love unrecognized is a terrible thing and then to have it discovered only to…. Oops…. can’t give away the ending. Anyhow, the play was put together well both on stage and behind scenes. No complaints here. Although this run is over, be sure and check out all productions at the Provincetown Theatre.

“The Last Train to Nibroc,” playing at The Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theatre was a brilliantly put together performance. The two characters held the storyline and almost perfected the southern accents. It was a love story about lovers afraid to profess their feelings for one another until…. I was completely entranced by the storyline and believed that the actors were indeed from the south. Troy, visiting from Atlanta, snapped me back to reality when he told me that the accents were part of the act. Great job though. The theatre itself is an exquisite piece of architecture. This play runs through April so check it out if you are in town.

Finally, The Provincetown High School produced “Grease.” Although some of the leads had a hard time hitting their notes, the acting and choreography was well worth the price of admission. The timing was near perfect and the acting was pretty good for a high school play. At times I felt as if I were watching the pros off Broadway, especially during the Beauty School Drop Out scene. The solo performed by young actress Kim (no last name here) was suitable for American Idol. Unbelievable pipes on her!

Well, as I had said before, Troy is here for his third visit in just as many months. We just returned from a night at The Mews Coffee House where we dined with Ron and Ed. Local favorites Peter Donnelly and Matthew Paige performed some great songs. Quite a few artists sang love songs which made it a little sad, but the food and company was excellent as always.

Tomorrow, Troy and I head to Salem to catch up with old friends of mine Jack, Chad and Glen. I’ll tell you more about it next week. And then Pia interviews yours truly. Have a good week.