Yarmouth House

The Yarmouth House is a family owned an operated restaurant that has been a presence on Cape Cod for over two decades. They consistently provide phenomenal meals and top notch service in a warm relaxed atmosphere. After visiting with Dad and the puppies, Adam, Mom and I headed straight for the bar where we were graciously welcomed by the bartender and a few minutes later greeted by the manager, Ted Zambelis. You can't miss him bustling about the dining room, welcoming regulars and out-of-towners with a firm handshake and a smile.

The bartender prepared an olive oil infusion in front of us, later topping it with fresh grated Parmesan cheese and serving alongside it a bread basket.

I drank a Corona with lime.

Adam and I both started with a Lobster Bisque ($8.50) Made fresh with chunks of lobster and a hint of sherry. This bisque was to die for. To be fair, I knew it was. I've had it before. The bartender was on point, offering fresh ground pepper to top the velvety smooth pool of goodness.
The thick creamy soup was loaded with chunks of lobster. I'm talking whole fresh claws of succulent sweet meat. The bisque is so plentiful and hearty, that I couldn't finish it. I happily took leftovers home though.From the hors d'oeuvres menu, this is the Seafood Sampler ($10.95). One each of Apple-Wood Bacon Wrapped Scallop, Grilled Garlic Shrimp and Oyster Rockefeller. I was nervous at first - would one each be enough?
More than enough! The apple-wood bacon wrapped scallop was a plentiful four or so bites. The plump shrimp was served over a crispy polenta cake which was a welcome and hearty surprise. I even slurped the piping hot Oysters Rockefeller up in two mouthfuls. This appetizer was a filling course after my bisque. Adam and my Mom both ate the Mussels Isabella ($11.95). Blue mussels simmered in white wine, garlic, shallots, leeks and fine herbs. Finished with a lime butter (Isabella) or simmered in a zesty red sauce (Marinara). Don't worry, it looked and tasted as glamorous as it sounds. The Yarmouth House serves some of the freshest native seafood, at extremely reasonable prices. Not a seafood lover? They also serve a number of mouthwatering Chicken, Veal and Steak entrees. The house specialties cater to a variety of tastes with plates such as Roast Duck, Prime Rib, Chicken Atlantis and Surf and Turf combos. I also noticed a few vegetarian options with appetizers such as Stuffed Mushrooms, Roasted Red Pepper Dip and a Stir Fry entree. You just can't go wrong and as cliche as I sound right now, there really is something for everyone. I highly recommend The Yarmouth House located at 335 Route 28 in West Yarmouth, if you are ever vacationing in or around the Mid-Cape area.

After our impromptu dinner we headed back to Mom's house to relax.

She has dueling hammocks in her backyard garden. I closed my eyes for a little bit but wasn't tired enough to fall asleep.

This guy on the other hand....

I wandered around the backyard and admired Mom's gardens. She has multiple small plots with everything from a vegetable garden growing tomatoes, snap peas and broccoli to an herb garden sprouting fresh basil, rosemary, tarragon and chives.

The garden boasts lots of special touches, like this birdbath. She adds clean water everyday and the birds really do come and bathe here.

This funky iron fence outlines the vegetable patch.
These seashells hang in a metal basket off a tree branch behind the hammocks.

Succulents grow from a terracotta pot.

Tiki torches, a bird feeder and a wind chime also dot the yard.
This backyard used to be nothing but grass. She created the entire landscape from scratch.

She also created this key lime pie from scratch.

Smooth, creamy, sweet and slightly tart.
Amazing.