Spring 2006, Vol. 2, No. 1 | Index


Romantic Great EsCapes


Valentine's Day will be here before you can say Godiva chocolate, so if you’re seeking a restaurant with a romantic air, here are some great ideas from your co-workers.


Katherine K. Newhall (Josephine Bay Paul Center) recommends Ciro and Sal’s Italian in Provincetown. “The decor is really nice, Chianti wine bottles hanging from the ceiling, very dark and candlelit, it’s a hike to get there, but I love it! The food is really good, too!”

Barbara KR Burbank (Research Administration) recommends The Island Merchant in Hyannis — ”Very small, friendly, couple-owned bar serving ‘island’ infused appetizers/dinners and drinks – features nightly music, art exhibits, dinner and movies, etc. and serves the late-night crowd ‘til midnight. Nothing fancy, just a feel-good place; ask Joe or Bev, the owners, to make you a Mojito and tell them the “Killer B’s” sent you… ”

Barbara also recommends The Grand Cru Wine Bar in Hyannis — “Small, intimate wine bar for the middle-aged crowd, with padded booths, high-top bar tables and stools or a nice bar; excellent food and desserts as well as unique drinks. Friday/Saturday nights feature very talented jazz combos. Closes early if I remember – 11pm!”

Pam Oldham (Housing & Conference Services) says, “It’s a little far to drive, but Fire & Ice in Providence is great! It’s right next to the Providence Place Mall. We went last year and we loved it. Very eclectic.”

Mike Elias (Plant Operations & Management) says, “The one place that my wife and I go to is the Belfry Inn in Sandwich. They have a special three-course meal reasonably priced. The atmosphere is in an old church. The reason we go is that the food is great and they don’t rush you, that is very important.”

Lydia Mäthger (Marine Resources) says, “My pick would be 902 Main in Yarmouth. It’s a little pricey (roughly $30 entrees) but the food is awesome and the atmosphere of the place is great. Very calm, small place. Very friendly staff . . . we had a very relaxing time when we were there and I’d go again for sure.”

Sue Huse (Josephine Bay Paul Center) says, “My husband and I have always liked the Aqua Grille at the Sandwich Marina. The food is excellent - fine European menu, which is quite different than most of the usual Cape Cod fare. The restaurant is beautiful, plenty of seating, not too loud, good service. Best of all they have a wrap-around enclosed porch with plenty of seating that looks out over the water and the marina, which is beautiful and shows the sunset well. We have never felt overcrowded. I am not sure on their winter hours, though.”

“Amari’s in Sandwich is another we like; large portions, pleasant ambience, somewhat louder and less intimate but still excellent.”

Carol Schachinger (The Biological Bulletin) recommends Abbicci in Yarmouthport.

Antoinette Steinacker (MBL Summer Investigator) suggests, “the Japanese restaurant in Homeport that is identified only by a sign saying SUSHI on Jones Road.” (Telephone: 508-540-0886)

Richard Cutler (Facilities Director) recommends Crane Brook Restaurant & Tea Room in Carver; Huttleston House in Fairhaven (508-999-1791); and Kinsale Inn in Mattapoisett. “Neither of these is what I would put in the high romantic category, but the pricing isn’t bad and they all have a different ambience.”

Carol Wagner (Housing & Conference Services) writes, “Here’s truly a ‘Great Escape’ – one I recommend for winter since the prices at the hotel are at their lowest. Take a drive to Newport, RI and spend a night or two at the Mill Street Inn – centrally located above the yachting center, Thames Street shopping, etc. It’s a small European style hotel operated with the amenities of an inn. There is garaged parking under the hotel and once you’ve parked you never really need to drive anywhere during your stay. Have dinner one night at the historic White Horse Tavern—be prepared to pay far more for dinner (with cocktails, wine etc.) than you are likely to pay for your hotel stay—and you have a very romantic getaway.

“My husband and I have had dinner at the Tavern on one visit –but are on our fourth visit to the Inn.”

Jane MacNeil (Equal Employment Opportunity Coordinator) says, “While I’m not sure about ‘moderately priced,’ I’d like to put a pitch in for the Crane Brook Restaurant & Tea Room just off Rt. 495 in Carver. It has a very appealing atmosphere and delicious food — just right for Valentine’s Day romance.”

Adrian Green (The Ecosystems Center) likes Inaho Japanese restaurant in Yarmouthport (Telephone: 508-362-5522). “It’s easily the best sushi restaurant on the Cape with great atmosphere and excellent service. Fun for special occasions, if you like sushi.”

Do you have a favorite place or activity on the Cape or near the bridges?
E-mail it to for possible inclusion in an upcoming issue of The Collecting Net.