Food Field Trip: Cape Cod Classics

So you may have noticed that Eating Around DC was somewhat quiet last week, but while the blogging was in short supply, the eating was not! I am back with Food Field Trip reports this week detailing my favorite summer beach spot: Cape Cod.

B and I were on our annual PILGRIMage (har, har); appropriately named because we always stay in Provincetown, the pilgrims' first landing spot and one of my favorite places in the world. And despite--or perhaps because of--an inordinate amount of rain in the form of the rare August Nor'easter, I have some great food finds to share and one to avoid.

So let's start with the Cape Cod classics: Lobster and Ice Cream.

For a traditional, but likely the biggest, lobster roll you have ever seen, the Raw Bar, was our first stop as we meandered up the Cape. The original location is in Mashpee, with a second location added this summer further up in Hyannis.

Yes, this lobster roll really is this big, bursting with tender tail and claw meat of what must be 2-3 lobster in just a slight smattering of mayonnaise.

My half (B and I split) pictured above was delectable, perfectly cooked and filling. I can't speak for the roll, since I could hardly make it through the lobster Do note that if you choose to share, you may be ribbed by some well-meaning regulars who seem to have an uncanny ability to consume massive amounts of lobster.  I think maybe I need to spend more time on the Cape to train my stomach.



Next it was onto Sundae School for what I believe is ice cream Sundae perfection. I have never tasted a better version, as this one is made up of all homemade ingredients from the numerous and ever-changing small-batch ice cream flavors, to the rich hot fudge and homemade whipped cream.

Served in the original location in a classic dish with a fresh cherry, this dessert is rich, creamy, and picture perfect. The fudge slowly melts the ice cream and results in a delightful mix of hot and ice cold. Pictured above is a sundae with my favorite flavor: coffee oreo. I recommend the original location in Dennisport for the old-time feel, complete with 100 year old soda fountain, and player piano, but the ice cream is equally as tasty at the other locations (we made a stop at the East Orleans outpost on our way home).



As with most things on the Cape, such simple classics don't come cheap. The lobster roll is $25 and the classic ice cream Sunday is $5.99. Service at both counter-service establishments is friendly and efficient.