The Enduring Chart Room

This season has certainly lived up to the "February, March, March, March, June" joke about spring on the Cape. The sparkle of bright blue skies, puffy white clouds, and balmy air on Saturday afternoon hinted that better days are on our doorstep. Time to stop being mushroom people and get outside!

One of the nice things about living in a seasonal community is the feeling of anticipation. It's fun to watch a sleepy place come alive. The shrink wrap that turned boats into ghosts has been peeled off; ice cream stands are open for business, and nurseries are overflowing with flowering plants. Okay, I know that it also means bridge traffic and crowds, but the season is new, and I'm going to revel in the positives for awhile.

One of the real positives, in my view, is the fact the the Chart Room in Cautaumet is open and, if last night's crowd is any indication, thriving!   

In a world of constant change, there's the stability of the Chart Room. Nothing has changed (but the prices!) in more years than I can count. Having a drink seated on an old Adirondack chair by the side of Redbrook Harbor is one of life's greatest pleasures. And if you happen to be there at sunset, it's pure magic. It also has the best lobster salad anywhere. The menu says that it's served in a tomato. Forget that. Have it on grilled Portugese bread. It's the size of two regular lobster rolls, and will become your standard by which all future lobster rolls are judged!

You're going to hear lots of cheers and jeers about the Chart Room. To many people, it simply means summer on the Cape. They look past the long line at the outdoor drink window and see the boats bobbing in the harbor. They settle on a rickety old chair on the crushed shell patio and are well aware that their reservation might be called a bit late. They know that the Chart Room doesn't serve fried seafood. It's all good. To others, it's crowded, loud, overpriced and doesn't have air conditioning. Needless to say, I'm in the first camp.

If you've never been, for the best first impression, go on a weekday evening or for lunch. Friday and Saturday nights are the most crowded. Sit on the porch. With the plastic sides rolled up, it's like being outside. Summer is fleeting. Head for the Chart Room before the season is over.