East coast style subs

Growing up with a mother from Massachusetts, I spent my fair share of vacations in the state. One of the best things about returning to her oceanside hometown is the obligatory visit to Victoria's Subs in in Hingham (the next town over). It's a no-frills joint and one of many excellent sub shops that dot New England towns all the way up to Maine. Locals know to call in their orders ahead of time and I have always the same thing waiting for me: roast beef with provolone, lettuce, tomato, onions, "hots", oil, and spices. Cape Cod potato chips are a must as well. The subs at Victoria's are so good that I, along with the rest of their large clientele, put up with the snarling, grumpy man behind the counter. You'll want to do the same should you find yourself in these parts.

Victoria's Subs is located at 345 Rockland Street in Hingham, MA.

Our last visit was in April during a snowstorm. Ah.....Massachusetts...

Bia Bistro in Cohasset, MA

Since my mom grew up on the South Shore of Boston, I've spent considerable time in the area.  For a bunch of small towns, there are a lot of great food opportunities to satisfy even the city folk from Boston, who often come down for dinner.  Bia Bistro in Cohasset is a favorite of mine.  A laid-back Mediterranean-style restaurant, it sits directly in the center of town.  In the summertime, a seat on the front patio is always lovely, but be sure and eat before dusk falls, or you will be forced inside by the mosquitoes as we were one night.

The food at Bia is classic Mediterranean fare-- simple, but wonderfully cooked and with an elegant finish.  On one evening, I enjoyed a perfectly cooked duck accompanied by vegetable risotto and tender carrots. 

Bia Bistro is located at 35 South Main Street in Cohasset, MA 

 

Hingham Lobster Pound

This was the weather we found ourselves in last summer when we were back east in Massachusetts visiting relatives.  While the weather currently gracing us here in the Pacific Northwest leaves a lot to be desired, I hear New England is having beautiful spring weather.  On a night you don't feel like cooking, leave it to the pros and stop by the Hingham Lobster Pound.  It's a great bang for your buck and sure beats breaking a sweat in the kitchen when the mercury is triple digits.  I recommend the fried clam strips and homemade onion rings which hit the spot on a spring or summer evening.  

The Hingham Lobster Pound is located at: 4 Broad Cove Road  Hingham, MA 02043.  Ph: (781) 749-1984

What to Do in Martha's Vineyard in the Offseason

{The Hob Knob Inn}

In all the times I've spent back east on the South Shore in Massachusetts, I had never ventured beyond Cape Cod. Last October, we decided to change that and booked a long-weekend stay on Martha's Vineyard. I loved the hotel we stayed at in Edgartown, The Hob Knob Inn, and we were lucky enough to be able to take advantage of the low-season prices.  They serve a lovely, delicious breakfast and afternoon tea/snacks (there's lemonade in the warm season).
Tip: If traveling by car to the island, you must buy/reserve your ticket in advance through Steamship Authority (well in advance if during the high season).
Where to stay: Hob Knob- a luxury boutique hotel in Edgartown- the main town on the island. Rates are steep during the high season (between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day Weekend.) Try booking an off-season stay.  Enjoy an afternoon on the porch with a glass of lemonade and an intriguing book.  
What to Do: Take a drive around the island for scenic views. Don't confine yourself to the picturesque yet touristy towns like Edgartown and Vineyard Haven. Wander into a local, independent bookstore and be charmed by the local authors, including a personal favorite, Susan Branch.  Be sure and check out Oak Bluffs and its beautiful "gingerbread" style homes.  Go off the beaten path and head towards a less inhabited part of the island- venture down to Aquinnah, a beautiful seaside village with a spectacular view, a historical lighthouse, and a bit of history to go along with it.
Where to Eat: Despite the well-to-do crowd of vacationers it attracts, Martha's Vineyard is unfortunately lacking in restaurant choices- both in terms of quality and variety.  Waterside Market in Vineyard Haven was one of the few places that satisfied- go there for lunch- they have a large soup and sandwich menu.

{Gingerbread-style architecture in Oak Bluffs}

{Ferry from Woods Hole, Cape Cod}

{Gay Head lighthouse in Aquinnah}