MY KINDA TOWN, P’TOWN

Short info about the Film Fest. I saw three movies: The Life of Reilly, a pretty much taped version of Charles Nelson Reilly’s stage performance; Pecker, directed by John Waters and starring Lili Taylor; and some new version of Lassie that starred Peter O’Toole. I enjoyed the three and there were many more. However, I had much plans for my week. I was hoping to interview any of the pending celebrities, but as of Saturday morning, not even Lili Taylor showed for the award ceremony that she was being honored at.

Let’s begin, with what’s new in town. The main movie theatre across from the Post Office has been renovated. It is now called Art House and one of the best things to happen to P’Town. There is a screening room just for movies and another theatre with a stage and screen for live performances. The “lobby” is a café called The Outer Crepe (508-487-9222, ptownarthouse.com), owned and “cheffed” by Sylvie Richard, who also happens to be the drummer for singer/songwriter Zoe Lewis. Grab a copy of the Banner and/or bring your laptop as there are loads of tables and chairs to relax on and hang out at this free wifi locale. The outdoor tables are for customers only, but I’m sure you’ll want to be a customer when you taste the absolutely best whole wheat crepes. It’s a build your own crepe venue. I had one with chicken, apples and arugula one day and one with eggs (cooked right onto the crepe), lox, cream cheese and capers as an early morning breakfast treat. The crepe itself costs $4; add $.75 for each item. A three item crepe with a Greek salad costs $8.25. Cinnamon, cocoa, powdered sugar, sugar and butter are gratis. Place your order at the abutting soup, sandwich, and beverage counter, run by Caesare Assad.

Continuing on with food, Susana, Veronica, Luis, Zoraida and Carolina are the family members that operate The Caribbean Corner Café (508-487-2023), located across the way from the Aquarium Mall. Before you start thinking “beans and rice” and “spicy food”, clear your mind and palate. They actually specialize in a cuisine from Venezuela. The most expensive item on the menu is their shrimp salad sandwich and under $10. Try a Venezuelan baked cake made of white corn meal and stuffed with shredded beef cooked with tomatoes, onions, peppers and fresh Caribbean spices for $5.25. Top it off with a juice beverage as all of the their fruit juices are prepared with fresh fruit. A 16 oz, ice cold cup of watermelon juice sells for $2.50.

On the mid-East end of Commercial Street and just before the art galleries, sits an eatery called The Commons (508-487-7800). Newly owned by Jerry Scally, a part-time New York City resident who sits on the board of the Alliance for the Arts, there are two restaurant spaces. One restaurant is called Level, a contemporary American Bistro, where you have a choice of eating at the front outside café, just outside the bar, the outdoor gardens in the rear, the upstairs bistro and the even further upstairs terrace which sports a view of the bay. Maine Crab cakes are served with a chipolte remoulade. A tomato based Portuguese Fish Stew has shrimp, scallops, clams, swordfish, kidney and cannelini beans and linguicia. Jerry came up with a great thin crusted pizza dough that still has some chew, vs. the consistency of a cracker, and the ingredients are spread to the ends. A juice bar called Pure will also be part of the complex.

Although the take-out is not new, the chef is. Jacqui Mac has retired her former Jacqui’s Juke Joint and adding to the already great reputation of Blue Light (508-487-3466), located a few doors down from Whaler’s Wharf. In particular, Jaqui is preparing her “from scratch” meals to go and her sister Jo, is baking up the cakes and muffins. Check out their flame grilled hamburger called The Hollywood, a $6.95 six-ouncer made with cheddar, avocado, lettuce, tomato, red onions and bistro dressing. The high-grade beef burger was cooked well-done and still remained juicy. What gives the “best burger” reputation is the added own-baked hamburger bun. It’s the best burger I’ve had in P’Town! Since all of their baked items on made on the premises, try a breakfast sandwich (served all day) on a buttered, griddle-toasted focaccia.

The Provincetown Art Association and Museum has a brand new building, located at 460 Commercial Street (508-487-1750). Great gallery spaces, gift shop and required-by-the-town public restroom. I am going to rest and continue next week with more on some great P’Town finds.

June 22, 2006 - Queens Times