A quick restaurant review: The Summer Shanty, West Dennis, MA

I had gotten a coupon out of the Cape Cod Times this week for a place that I had seen but had never tried: The Summer Shanty at the West Dennis Marina. I am a big fan of this type of place being typically a bar where boaters can drop in after boating for the day. They usually serve "rough food", meaning no frills food served on paper with plastic utensils. One such place is the Sesuit Harbor Cafe which has one of the best Lobster Rolls on the Cape in my humble opinion. I decided to call up Sally Tomatoes and go to the Summer Shanty for lunch and grab a "Buy one, Get one free" Lobster Roll described on the coupon and on their menu as voted "Best on Cape Cod" by viewers of New England Cable News.

We got there at 1:00pm and were seated out on the enclosed deck overlooking a lovely view of the marina. It was, as expected, plastic flatware and paper plates but I don't mind that in this type of place. We both ordered the same thing: a cup of chowder ($4.99) and the large lobster roll ($24.99). The chowder was pretty tasty with a smooth velvety texture but not a lot of clams. It also had a delicious brininess that I do like in a chowder. Plus it was a very small cup of chowder for the price, perhaps 5 ounces.

The Lobster Roll was a disappointment. It was served on a very buttery toasted roll that was delicious and was accompanied by a slaw of cabbage, cucumbers, peppers and carrots dressed with a sweet vinegar dressing that was very yummy. Also on the plate were very crispy and piping hot French fries. The lobster in the roll was obviously frozen lobster meat. The texture of the meat was mealy and the huge pieces of meat literally shredded under my plastic fork. The dressing on the salad had a slightly vinegary flavor that made me wonder if this was "old" lobster salad. There was also way too much black pepper in the dressing.

I will, perhaps, go back for another try at this place so that I can try the fried seafood but if you are looking for a really great Lobster Roll, this is not the place. Try the Sesuit Harbor Cafe. It is miles above this place.