We have so many excellent food memories from our trip to Cape Cod in October:
The Portuguese soup from the famous Lobster Pot restaurant in Provincetown. Tomatoes, linguica, potatoes, kale, spices. Mmmm, mmmm good!
The trutas (delicate pastries with sweet potato filling) and other beautiful baked goods from the Portuguese Bakery down the street. Unlike any we’ve ever had before.
The fully loaded cioppino at the Chatham Squire. And the lobsters from Dennisport Lobster Co. that Robert rolled up his sleeves and prepared in our borrowed kitchen.
But the most delicious take-away from this trip is the memory of our delightful weekday brunch at Hangar B Eatery, at the teeny-tiny Chatham Airport. If every airport had food this good, air travel would be much more enjoyable!
On a sunny and breezy autumn morning, we climbed on our bicycles in Harwich Port and rode five miles east on the Cape Cod Rail Trail to the popular breakfast and lunch destination, which occupies a small spot upstairs at the airport.
There, Chef Brian Erskine, a graduate of Johnson and Wales University, holds forth – solo – in a small kitchen with all the tools of his trade in easy reach. In peak season, he prepares and plates 300 meals a day, without benefit of a sous chef.
As for his food, it’s fresh, local and creative. The coffee is from Chatham Coffee Roasters, the juice is fresh squeezed, the jams, jellies and granola are homemade, as are the baked goods, like muffins and donuts. Made fresh each morning.
Robert ordered the omelet of the day, which was stuffed with roasted tomatoes, arugula and Vermont cheddar cheese and served with well-done home fries.
I feasted on Huevos Rancheros, a Mexican breakfast I am highly unlikely to make at home. It paired fried eggs, black beans, roasted tomatoes and avocado with toasted tortillas on the side for sopping things up – or slathering with jam.
Huevos Rancheros, Hangar B style
You’ll also find pancakes and waffles on the menu, as well as healthy fare like smoothies and oatmeal. Brunch for two, with juices, coffee, tax and tip, cost about $40.
We were so impressed with this place and its talented owner and so glad we visited in the off-season, when Chef Brian gets a breather and inquisitive diners like us get a chance to bend his ear.
From Hangar B, we pedaled to downtown Chatham, strolled its streets and park and browsed its shops, before hitting the rail trail again for the ride home – and to burn off some of that brunch.
Hangar B Eatery is at the Chatham Airport, 240 George Ryder Road, Chatham, MA. The restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch year-round, and has outdoor seating in season. In the off-season, Hangar B is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Information: 508-593-3655.