This is the best time to try some of the all time favorites as well as new restaurants who have challenged the winter months to serve our need to enjoy dining without the crowds. I have selected a sample of ethnic and traditional restaurants for this issue.

Please note that several of these new restaurants are on my television for you to view and have a taste (gregariously)...

SOLE BRASILIA, SYRIAN FALAFEL MELT, RUSSIAN OYSTERS, COCONUT CURRY CHICKEN, PORTUGUESE SOUP...
all at one table at NAPI'S in Provincetown. The melting pot of cuisine inspired by Helen and Napi, who love food and my favorite country Portugal. You may ask for the recipes: Fillet of sole sautŽed with Butter and just the right squeeze of lime accompanied by Black Beans and Rice topped with gazpacho garnish and a crisp Banana fritter. Oyster with Sour Cream and Black Caviar. Coconut Curry Chicken in a bed of Bok Choy, Basil, Ginger, Garlic and red Peppers. Portuguese Soup with lots of love...combines Linguica, Onions, Potatoes, Beans, Kale....simmered all winter long. (P.S. No Recipes given ...only on my television show, Channel 8 - Lower Cape on Mondays at 6PM)
(508) 487-1145

BEEF LOCK LACK, BAR BONG, SUM LAW KTESS, CAMBODIAN PALM FRUIT PUDDING...
is the combination of Cambodian/Vietnamese entrees and desserts I discovered at STIR CRAZY in Pocassett. What a find! Excellent and authentic Cambodian and Vietnamese foods. Beef Lock, sautéed sirloin tips with garlic and onion served over watercress salad with a special dressing. Bar Bong, chilled soft angel hair noodles mixed with fresh salad and topped with strips of pork, egg rolls, coconut and peanut sauce. Or you may try my favorite, Sum Law Ktess, spicy Cambodian curry dish, with a choice of shrimp or chicken.
Open for dinner only on 626 MacArthur Blvd. Pocasset, 508-564-6464. (see their recipe collections on Mondays at 6 PM (Channel 99 Falmouth, Channel 11 Mid Cape, Channel 20 Mashpee)

EQUINOX, CHICKEN HAVARTI FLORENTINE, SEAFOOD VERA CRUZANO, THAI FRY, CAPE COD QUESADILLA, CHICKEN SALTIMBOCCA, HOT APPLE COBBLER...
is just the variety of the Equinox menu found at the BOBBY BYRNE'S Eating, Drinking and Talking Establishments. My first choice was the Chicken Havarti Florentine, baked chicken stuffed with leaf spinach, fresh roasted tomato and Havarti cheese, served on a pool of light chardonnay dill cream sauce. I had to try the Seafood Vera Cruzano, a combination of sautŽed shrimp and scallops with tri-colored peppers and chopped tomato in a cilantro, garlic and lime butter sauce tossed with farfalle pasta. Both of these entrees are on the regular menu. Even though the newly decorated Mashpee location offers a unique and wordy dining room, you must stay and ponder awhile at the international language wall then sit again and savor the Thai Fry of fresh assorted vegetables in a ten (10) spice Thai sauce and served atop soft Chinese noodles with Shrimp and Scallops; Cape Cod Quesadilla of scallops, shrimp, tomatoes, jalapenos, cheddar cheese, chili and selected spices, wrapped and grilled in flour tortillas served with guacamole...two sensational tasty menu items...and I must not forget my dessert....Hot Apple Cobbler, a New Englander's dream come true....just tart enough with a touch of sweetness.
Open daily: lunch, dinner and Sunday Brunch. Mashpee Commons 477-0600; Route 6A & Tupper Rd. Sandwich 888-6088; Route 28 & Bearses, Way, Hyannis 775-1425. View the wall and the Equinox Menu, Mondays & Thursdays 6PM (Channel 11 Mid Cape, Channel 20 Mashpee, Channel 99/1 Falmouth)

PEPPER CRUSTED PORK TENDERLOINS, GRILLED STRIPED BASS, YELLOWFIN TUNA, ATLANTIC SALMON, SPIT ROASTED CHICKEN, GRILLED PROVIMI VEAL RIB CHOPS...
need I say "Grilled" again since I have enjoyed Spring, Fall, Winter at STEVE VINING'S BISTRO, Chatham - a true concept restaurant! (What does that mean?) Just try the restaurant, you'll understand, mainstream dining. Spit roasted Chicken in a Garlic, Lemon herb marinade with roasted mashed Potatoes, seasoned grilled Vegetables; Pepper Crusted Pork Loin with a taste treat of Bing Cherry chutney; Yellowfin Tuna with fresh Mango/Pineapple chutney...and do taste the Jasmine Rice; and I must add a taste treat, the SHRIMP PAD THAI, Rice vermicelli stir fried with Shrimp and Peanuts, Bean Sprouts and Steve's Thai spice.
508-945-5033.

AARDVARK CAFE/BISTRO, Route 6A, Yarmouthport. Outstanding as a Coffee Cafe, now a full restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. You'll enjoy the decor and creativity of the menu. A must for Vegetarians!

Email us: dine@capecod.net

"DINNER IS THE MOST WONDERFUL PERIOD OF THE DAY AND PERHAPS ITS GOAL - THE BLOSSOMING OF THE DAY. BREAKFAST IS THE BUD." Novalis

"As always, do everything in good taste," JR