Author’s Note: During a recent drive heading east along Route 6 on the Outer Cape, the beautifully sunny, breezy day got me pining for those simple, pandemic-free, lazy summer days. Trying to make sense out of everything happening in our communities, around the region, across the country even throughout the globe, is difficult to say the least. During a moment of escape, and while passing by restaurants, galleries, shops, etc, I realized that my usual haste to score a parking space at the beach — and justify $25 daily pass – I’ve skipped out on trying many of those local businesses that make the area special. With that in mind, I’m going to make amore concerted effort to “stop and smell the roses,” and actually stop and support these local businesses I’ve been otherwise driving by for years. While my spending isn’t going to save any business struggling through the pandemic, perhaps it will provide just a tad more hope in a world that needs all it can get.
PJ’s Family Restaurant – Something for Everyone
After sending a complimentary note to”friends I have not yet met” at the Cape Cod Fun Show andCapeCod.com, I received a delightful response challenging the premise of one of my food reviews. The post in question featured award-winning clam chowder that aligned with my palate. For whatever reason, I’ve grown accustomed to the taste of the robust — I like dark roast coffee, Double IPA brews, and relevant to this topic, thick and creamy clam chowder. Yes, my shadow may as well show my daily calorie count. I grew accustomed to the creamy & thick clam chowder versions of the world, and didn’t give other styles much of a thought;broth-based, tomato based, etc. You can imagine challenging that premise got my attention. It didn’t even take that many words, “I much prefer the version at PJs in Wellfleet–thinner and amazing–they open next month and it’s like a national holiday in Wellfleet!” I had to learn more.
According to their website, PJ’s Family Restaurant started in 1971 under John and Dorothy Reeves as a “Dari-Burger restaurant” dedicated to using local, quality products and providing a good value for families. PJ’s started with the usual summer fare of fried clams, hot dogs, burgers, homemade clam chowder and onion rings, and of course soft serve ice cream. In 1993, the menu expanded to include lobsters, grilled seafood, homemade soups (famous Portuguese kale soup), fried chicken, crab cakes and other specialty items. Multiple generations have worked in the kitchen and at the counter, solidifying a local and seasonal following attracted to the fresh meals at affordable prices. The restaurant is now run by Don and Denise Reeves, along with nephew Brian Reeves.
According to local intel, PJs is also a big fave of food TV star Duff Goldman who went to high school in nearby Sandwich. The restaurant has not strayed from its family-focused roots; just ask what the “PJ’s” stands for? The answer; John Reeves’ grandchildren always called him “Pa John,” and over time the family has come to think of “PJ’s” as meaning only one thing: Pa John’s Family Restaurant.
Back to my author’s note. Last weekend, I found myself once again cruising Route 6 east, this time with a destination in mind, PJ’s Family Restaurant. The objective was straightforward, try the “thinner and amazing” chowder. Not surprisingly, food-focused road trips have become a new normal family activity. The plan was simple, order take-out and head over to Mayo Beach to sample the goods while watching the bustling harbor life. It was a good plan, the food stayed warm and the beach parking lot wasn’t too crowded. Even the cars in the parking lot seemed to follow a socially distanced, two open spaces for each parked car, pattern.
Knowing what to expect, I opened the container to obvious broth that initially looked disappointing. That was until I dipped my spoon to the bottom to stir up what lay beneath the cloudy surface. Bam! My spoon filled with the fresh clams and an evenly diced potato bounty. For that first bite, the chowder was still steaming, sweet and much lighter than expected considering a generous portion of clam chunks. The lack of creamy base was not missed. Oyster crackers were not needed. Though, oyster crackers were used 2/3 of the way towards completion just to extend the chowder-eating experience.I’m no food critic, so all I can say is, I would definitely order the clam chowder again. Thank you Eric Williams for the laying down this clam chowder challenge!
All soups from PJ’s comes in sizes of 8, 12 and16 ounces and one quart. I opted for the middle portion as my better half had already offered to share the buffalo chicken salad. Good thing, because my mouth was on fire after one of those chicken fingers. Did not expect the heat!Well played PJs, well played.
What is your favorite dish at PJ’s Family Restaurant?