October 28th, 2015

Osterville Eats!, Crisp, The Cape, Osterville, MA, Wood Fired Pizza, Pasta, Gluten Free Pizza, Full Bar, Fire Pit, Table Tennis, Opens Every Day, Sunday Brunch

I remember in 2008 when my late husband was diagnosed with Celiac Disease.  Immediately I jumped into the whole idea that I needed to know everything possible about this new way of eating for my family.  People with Celiac Disease, which is an allergy to wheat, only can get better by following a gluten free diet.

People would tell me then how lucky I was because a lot of them that had been diagnosed years before really had trouble finding good quality food and had more trouble having dinner at restaurants who really did not know what this “gluten free” way of eating was all about.

Now I tell the newly diagnosed Celiacs that they are lucky because it is a business.  Restaurants that thought this was a fad diet and who said “we are not a gluten free restaurant” have had to rethink and join the many other restaurants that are preparing delicious gluten free entrees for those that need this diet for their health.

Over the years I would say that the only think the business had not mastered was a good pizza crust.  In time this has also gotten much better.  I found a place in South Florida, one in Manayunk, in Philadelphia, and just a couple of weeks ago I found Crisp located at 791 Main St., Osterville, MA 02655 Tel. 508-681-0922.  Website? http://www.crispflatbread.com

If you have a gluten allergy, any of their pizzas can be made gluten free.  They also have gluten free beer.  My choice on that day was Glutenberg Red.  Refreshing and very good.

The regular dough uses organic flour, filtered water and Cape Cod Sea Salt for Crisp crust.

Crisp opens every day…Monday to Saturday from 11:30 on and Sunday Brunch begins at 10:30 a.m.  Supporting local farmers and using nitrate free meats and organic veggies is something this restaurant does whenever possible.  Their pastas and sauces, along with the flatbreads are all made in-house.

We chose a Margherita Pizza which had organic tomato sauce, house mozzarella, garlic, EVO, torn basil, organic tomatoes, Cape Cod Sea Salt, and a balsamic drizzle.

I had not had a pizza with clams, but I did on that day.  Mine was called the Wellfleet, which had cherrystones, garlic, house mozzarella, organic red and green peppers, and nitrate free bacon.  Loved it.  It hit the spot.

The fall season brings cooler temperatures to the Cape, but at Crisp you can still sit outdoors next to the fire pit.  Or, you can also play some table tennis.

Have a good one!!

September 21st, 2014

Fall Travels, First Congregational Church, Old North Vestry, The Tower, Nantucket, Massachusetts, 1725, Restoration, Preservation, Daily Visit, Worship on Sunday

Sunday, a day of worship for many and reflection.  While in Nantucket, MA, we visited the First Congregational Church and Old North Vestry located at 62 Centre St., which is a few blocks off Main Street.  It is the tallest white bell tower visible from anywhere in town.  Tel. 508-228-0950.  Website?  http://www.nantucketfcc.org.   Since 1725, The Vestry is the oldest structure for religious purposes on the island.  It may also be one of the oldest continuosly used church buildings in the U.S.

The older part of the church, “Old North Vestry” was built in 1725, but was not located on this part of the town.  It was about a mile north from this present site.  It was moved in 1765 to this more commanding position on “Beacon Hill”.

The Big Church as they call it was built in 1834.  A that time the church was composed mostly of women because the men were away at sea.  The box pews still carry the numbers of their original owners.

The original trompe-l’oeil painting was done by an Italian painter and is most unique, even now.  The chandelier measuring over 7 feet in diameter, weighs 600 pounds and was crafted in England.

The steeple rises over 120 feet and up to the observation Tower we went.  The original tower was built in 1795, and in 1800 a 1,000 pound bell was added.  For years the church had been going restoration and in 1970 it was completed and rededicated.  Photos of this journey can be found as you climb to the Tower.

It is a steep climb so be prepared.

From the Tower commanding views of Nantucket Island.

You are welcome to visit daily and to worship with the community on Sunday at 10:00 a.m.  Dress attire?  Come as you are.

Have a great day!!