Food Trucks to Find on Cape Cod

by Jeff Shaw

A growing number of high-quality food trucks, offering an array of tasty options, can be found throughout Cape Cod. It’s an exciting development, fueled by the ‘grab and go’ [to the beach] summer culture, and of course, the extended dip in sit-down restaurant visitation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed, many diners prefer quick meals outside. Food trucks fit the bill.

For operators, the overhead of a food truck is less costly than maintaining a storefront, though many food trucks on Cape Cod are an extension of a brick-and-mortar restaurant. Unlike street food vendors/carts, food trucks have the ability to cook items to order because they have kitchens, making them more appealing (healthier?). No doubt, food trucks ironed out their place as a reliable food option found throughout Cape Cod.

But understanding the food truck scene is a bit like dumping out all the pieces of a 500-piece puzzle and trying to put it back together in the dark.

Most communities have strict regulations on where food trucks can operate (i.e., not too close to brick-and-mortar restaurants, residential communities, etc.) as well as times (i.e., after-hours at beaches, so not to compete with ice cream trucks; or parking lots where Cape Cod Baseball League teams play, so not to compete with the volunteer snack bar, etc.). Each town has its own application for food truck operations.

While each town has a list of food trucks through licensing, that information is not easily found online. Beyond town lines, there is no central website, whether by industry, region or even aficionado, listing the location and schedule of food truck operations. Some Cape Cod towns do have regular food truck vendors at certain locations (Nauset Beach, Orleans) or events (Mondays on Main Street, Chatham) throughout the summer season. But they are the exception, rather than the rule.

So, the information below is my initial attempt to solve the puzzle – with a flashlight (to continue the darkness analogy above). It is incomplete, as the applications of food truck operations in many Cape Cod towns are still pending for the upcoming summer season. But let’s take a peek of where to find some food trucks on Cape Cod.

Beaches

The majority of beaches do not have an on-site snack bar, making the mobile food truck a great solution. Well, so long as ‘ye olde ice cream truck’ does not already have a contract to operate in the area. 

Perhaps the best example of the versatility of a food truck is at Nauset Beach in Orleans. Due to shoreline erosion, the famous Liam’s at Nauset had to be razed back in 2018. The following summer, the town experimented with a handful of food trucks operating in the parking lot. By all accounts, the experiment was a rousing success, both financially as well as in popularity. 

Last summer season, you could find Capeside Kitchen Beach Patrol Food Truck and the Polka Dot Panini, operated by the Chatham Filing Station, among others, at Nauset Beach.

Farther northeast along the Atlantic side is the Leeside Café Food Truck which can be found at Newcomb Hollow Beach, Wellfleet. It’s amazing just how good a simple grilled cheese (okay, okay, a three-cheese panini) can taste amid a warm summer breeze and the roar of the Atlantic between bites.

Currently, the Orleans Select Board is looking into allowing food trucks at Rock Harbor, Bay side, which is a go-to spot for catching the sunset on a clear summer evening. That pairing would be a home run.

Bike Trails

The Cape Cod Rail Trail, Shining Sea Bikeway, Province Lands trails and similar bicycle paths are visited by thousands of people throughout the day, many of whom are burning calories by foot or bike. While some restaurants, ice cream parlors and bike shops are just off trail, some of the larger parking lots have been identified as a suitable location(s) for a food truck.

As an example, in Chatham, you can find food trucks at the Old Colony Rail Trail parking lot on Route 137, from 11 a.m. to sunset most days.

Downtown

Mondays on Main [Street] in Chatham, [Harwich] Port Summer Nights on Wednesdays, Hyannis Main Street Musical Strolls on Fridays are just a few examples of seasonal events where food trucks tend to pop-up. Though town officials and even the business community are encouraged (if not pressured) to strike that delicate balance of the location proximity between established brick and mortar restaurants and food trucks.

One would think when the population quadruples in the summer, the addition of food trucks wouldn’t seem to siphon business from the established brick-and-mortar restaurants. Turns out that may not be the case.

Festivals & Special or Private Events

Whether arts and crafts festivals, parades, Shakespeare in the Park performances, summer galas or historic celebrations, there’s a good bet a food truck will be hired to provide the food and drink.

Doing so can be of great relief for event staff or volunteers, as catered events usually require some form of licensing, food inspection, and other logistics that may be better left to businesses that deal with those issues regularly. 

The Food Truck Festival!

“There’s only so much fried seafood you can have on a summer Cape getaway. After three straight days of scallops and clams, you’ll probably be looking for some variety. The Cape Cod Food Truck Festival is the perfect solution,” wrote Joel Ang in a 2022 Boston.com article. The article talked about the annual food truck festival on Cape Cod.

On August 5, 2023, the 11th Annual Cape Cod Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival will be held in Falmouth, MA. The event features some of New England’s most popular food trucks, dishing out fan favorites, and dozens of regional and national craft breweries. It may just be the ultimate food truck experience at The Cape Cod Fairgrounds.

Bonus: Reader Poll Top 3

A recent Cape Cod Times reader poll showed the three most popular food trucks on Cape Cod are:

Cape Cod Donuts (Sandwich)

Dancing Spoons (Orleans)

Off The Grid (Sandwich)

“Happy eating! See ya.”

May 15, 2023

National Volunteer Month: Water Watchers

by Jeff Shaw

The month of April has long been designated National Volunteer Month. In that spirit, this post highlights a wonderful volunteer program in Chatham – Water Watchers.

But first, a brief history lesson. National Volunteer Week began in 1943 in Canada and debuted in the United States in 1974. The week was dedicated to paying tribute to the unwavering contributions of women during World War II who would collect supplies and help wounded soldiers. It was in the early 20th century that organized volunteering reached its peak, with countless humanitarian service organizations, such as the Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity and others, culminating in National Volunteer Month in 1990.

In Chatham and in other coastal communities, the health of local waterways – the ocean, kettle ponds, lakes or streams – is arguably the most important challenge facing every Cape Cod town. The responsibility to protect our natural resources is shared by government, businesses, residents, and visitors alike, yet the day-to-day protection efforts are handled by volunteers.

Lauren Thonus collecting a water sample in the Mill Pond
using a Niskin sampler. Photo credit: FCW website.

One of the signature programs of the Friends of Chatham Waterways, in partnership with the Town of Chatham and the Pleasant Bay Alliance, is their salt water monitoring program, aka, the Water Watchers. During the high tourist season of July and August, when the population quadruples, these volunteers collect and test water samples in Chatham’s estuaries at least five times every 14 days. Should a water sample show a higher than safe level of bacteria, access to that area will be closed.

In 2022, 38 FCW Water Watcher volunteers monitored 15 stations in Chatham’s estuaries, completing the 23rd consecutive year of the Coastal Water Nutrient Monitoring Program.

Volunteers are trained by Dr. Robert Duncanson, Director of Chatham’s Department of Health and Natural Resources, to directly assess water quality by measuring water clarity, salinity, temperature and dissolved oxygen content and taking water samples at varying depths. Collected data and water samples are analyzed by the UMass School of Marine Science and Technology in Dartmouth.

The volunteer program began in 1994, the first on Cape Cod, which became a model for other towns. The first water samples were collected in 1999, modeled after the program in Buzzards Bay.

The Friends of Chatham Waterways also hosts an annual CoastSweep in September. Coastsweep deploys volunteers to collect trash along Chatham’s shoreline, to keep potential pollutants out of the waterways.

Bill Hayes, Dick Hoyt, Barbara MacLean, and Jean Hoyt at Coastsweep 2022.
Photo credit: FCW website.

FCW provides volunteers with debris grabbers and CZM contributes trash bags and gloves for collection.  The Ocean Conservancy supplies data cards for recording site findings, which are forwarded to the CZM and then sent to the Ocean Conservancy in Washington, D.C. for analysis and publication.  The data provided helps in the development of programs to reduce marine debris worldwide.

In 2022, 52 volunteers participated in Chatham’s 34th annual Coastsweep cleanup, collecting approximately 250 lbs. of debris filling 25 large trash bags.  The most numerous items picked up included:  small plastic pieces (345), small foam pieces (632), food wrappers (115), plastic bottle caps (106), plastic beverage bottles (121), and plastic bags (116).  The most interesting items found were:  a backpack complete with a BB gun, shotgun shells, a neoprene clamer’s suit, a derelict canoe and Sunfish, a mooring and chain, a wooden pallet, foam cushions, and swimming paraphernalia.

So, if you love playing in Cape Cod’s many waterways, please dedicate a few hours to help protect it. And in so doing, you’ll be able to enjoy these waters this summer, next summer and many summers ahead.

April 3, 2023

The Story of Chatham Village Croutons

by Jeff Shaw

“…the pungent aroma of baking bread, with a hint of garlic, will continue to waft through the air,” noted a SouthCoastToday article from 1997. The article covered the then-recent sale of Cape Cod based-Chatham Village Croutons to Lancaster Colony Corp., an Ohio firm. Fortunately, the then-company’s food division, Marzetti Foods, did not uproot the Wareham site and those delicious smells continue to waft through the salty Cape Cod air, albeit slightly off-Cape, all these years later.

I tracked down the above mentioned article because I did not know the back story of Chatham Village Croutons – and it was bothering me. I also had some suspicions. Was using the map of Cape Cod image and town name on the packaging just shameless marketing by some evil conglomerate, or was there a grain of sandy truth to the crouton’s local origins? 

As it turns out, the latter. Phew. The year was 1980, but the food was not croutons, it was potato chips. As it also turns out, the founders of Cape Cod Potato Chips also created Chatham Village Croutons! Two favorite foods for so many.

Those founders – Stephen and Lynn Bernard, both Chatham residents, operated a small, 800-square foot sandwich shop in Hyannis. The potato chips came first, so successful an experiment, that Bernards eventually sold the potato chip company to Anheuser-Busch to get the financial backing needed to go national with the product. (Talk about the phrase, “and as they say, the rest is history!”)

As the crouton story goes, Bernard sold croutons made from the leftover bread at the sub shop. This so-called second experiment evolved into a business selling packaged croutons under the brand name Chatham Village Market. The crouton company slowly grabbed a larger share of the national market every year that the Bernards moved the operation from their sandwich shop to its current Wareham site. The company is now branded as Chatham Village Foods.

As mentioned earlier, the crouton company has been owned by Marzetti Foods for the last twenty-five years. And yes, the same Marzetti brands known for their salad dressings and dips.

The croutons continue to do well in a multimillion dollar industry. Bernard once quipped, “You laugh at croutons making money, but just think how many salads there are between restaurants and homes.”

He was right, I have a healthy dozen or so Chatham Village Croutons in my salad right now. You can’t miss with the Caesar flavored croutons. 

March 8, 2023

Lesser Known Walking Trails of Chatham

by Mike Shaw

The view of Mill Pond from the new Overlook Trail. Photo credit: Mike Shaw.

During a recent weekend in Chatham, I explored two walking trails which may be slightly off the beaten path but equally deserving of a visit for a leisurely stroll.

The sign of the Sylvan Gardens path.
Photo credit: Mike Shaw

The first walking trail is Sylvan Gardens Conservation Area.  Sylvan Gardens was privately owned until 2004, when the town purchased the land with a conservation restriction.  The trail entrance is located just off Old Main Street and directly behind the Chatham Cut Restaurant on Route 28.  Handicap parking is available.  The path itself is ADA accessible for approximately 850 feet.  While cycling is not allowed on the trail, you may park your bike at the bike rack stationed at the trail entrance. The largest loop along the trail is Black Pond Loop, running approximately 1 mile and providing picturesque views of Black Pond.  Keep your eyes open for two white swans which are a permanent feature of the pond year-round.  There are several other smaller trails – including Azalea Trail, Bog Trail, and Holly Loop – which cover shorter distances.  

Mamou’s Bench at Sylvan Gardens. Photo credit: Mike Shaw.

As you walk along the trail, you’ll notice a number of benches which have been dedicated to the memory of deceased locals.  For arguably the best view, walk in the direction of Black Pond.  When you can’t walk any further – unless you wish to fall down the hill and into the pond – turn left and walk up a small hill to find “Mamou’s Bench,” with the following inscription:  “From the Sloan Family in memory of Chantal O’Hennin Sloan overlooking a place that she loved and knew well.”  Mamou’s Bench offers a beautiful view of the pond and a sense of peace which is likely what kept bringing Mamou back to this spot.

A pair of swans making the rounds in Black Pond.
Photo credit: Mike Shaw.

The second walking trail is Mill Pond Overlook Trail.  The trail is located off Stage Harbor Road and directly behind the Atwood House, home to the Chatham Historical Society.  The town opened the trail to the public earlier this summer.  

The Mill Pond Overlook Trail sign at the Atwood Museum. Photo credit: Mike Shaw.

The trail entrance can be found to the left of the Atwood Museum, adjacent to a grey cottage with a sign which reads “Nickerson North Beach Camp.”  The trail covers approximately 1/2 a mile and includes one partially paved loop, allowing walkers the choice of starting their walk uphill or downhill.  When you arrive at the end of the loop – regardless of direction taken – you’ll be treated to an expansive view of Mill Pond as well as some waterfront homes in the distance.  

The path to Mill Pond passes private homes en route to the water. Photo credit: Mike Shaw.

If you wish to enjoy this view for a bit longer, one bench is perfectly situated to afford you some extra time.  The bench is dedicated in memory of Evelyn Burckhart (1945-2022), with the following inscription:  “Dedicated staff member and friend of Chatham Conservation Foundation, Inc.”

February 1, 2023

“Hot” Concept: The Après Sea Lodge

by Jeff Shaw

One of two curling lanes at the Pelham House in Dennis Port. Photo credit: Pelham House.

For the third straight year, I’ve dedicated a winter post to snowsports. As you may have noticed, I like to ski. Sadly, Cape Cod is a desert when it comes to downhill skiing. No worries, a short-ish drive west will take you to the slopes. 

While plenty of winter wonderlands can be found on Cape Cod, particularly during the holiday weeks of December, a hot new-ish concept (and perfect pun) can be found in Dennis Port: an oceanfront Après Sea [Ski] Lodge! (The aforementioned perfect pun.)

Last February, The Pelham House in Dennis Port, launched “Cape Cod’s only curling and cozy winter dining destination.” The oceanfront Après Sea Lodge features curling, food and drink, live music with a ski village vibe. 

The fireplace behind the curling lane surrounded by Christmas Trees creates a winter village vibe at the Pelham House. Photo credit: Brad Joyal.

That’s right, the ocean giving the mountains a serious challenge for the much sought-after winter village experience. While the program is aimed at attracting visitors to boost off-season business, the après sea scene is a hot ticket with locals. 

The public access to curling lanes provides an opportunity to make new friends and try a new activity. The $50 price tag includes curling, but more practically acts as a dining credit, extending the evening.

Whether curling or dining, live music can be enjoyed from 6-9pm each Friday and Saturday. Currently, reservations are only available through January, though ongoing popularity might force an extension.

Either way, be sure to catch the Après Sea Lodge, the next winter wave on Cape Cod!