Codo Mexican Kitchen in Chatham had its family-and-friends opening Thursday, with its public opening slated for last weekend. We tried it − from Mexican street corn with chips to still-warm-from-the-fryer churros, the food was fresh, fast and delicious.
For entrees, we shared a taco salad with shredded chicken and barbacoa tacos, with slow-cooked spiced beef reminiscent of short ribs. The was plenty of fresh cilantro. The menu featured burritos, tacos and salads, as well as apps and a half-dozen signature cocktails.
Codo Mexican Kitchen, which we introduced last week in the Tidbits column of Cape Cod restaurant news, would be the region’s newest choice for Cinco de Mayo dining, but since the holiday is Monday and Codo Mexican Kitchen is only open weekends in the shoulder season, you will either have to celebrate early or late.
Here’s what’s happening in Cape Cod restaurant news this week:
Back Door Donuts opens on Martha’s Vineyard
On Martha’s Vineyard, Back Door Donuts in Oak Bluffs was making our mouths water with videos showing what each customer ordered for opening day on April 11. The apple fritters are a given, but the bacon-and-maple doughnuts, and even the plain cinnamon variety, sure looked good on the ‘gram. Back Door Donuts is known for its quirky late night service, because when do you need a doughnut more than after the bar or movie? Posted hours as of now are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays for the Front Door; 7 p.m. to midnight Thursdays through Saturdays for those late-night runs to the Back Door. You’re welcome. One last thing: The Martha’s Vineyard staple also has a Boston pop-up at 1 Lansdowne St., open daily 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. with early 4 p.m. opening when the Red Sox play at nearby Fenway.
Changes coming at The Wharf Falmouth, 286 Grand Ave., Falmouth Heights
The waterfront restaurant that overlooks Martha’s Vineyard on a clear day is going through some changes.
“The Wharf Falmouth, formerly Soprano’s Casino by the Sea, has a new name, new menu, BUT same management and great views! Opening May 1st!” reads a message on the restaurant’s Facebook page.
Even before that notice went out, Gavin Tyson posted on social media introducing himself as the chef of The Wharf, saying he relocated to Falmouth for the season “to bring a new style and a revamped menu and style on 286 Grand Ave. (focusing on French-based by the sea Marseille-styled dishes.)”
Tyson said he was looking for an events coordinator, sous chef and two line cooks to round out his new team at the five-month seasonal restaurant. More to come.
Award-winning Dennis cafe reopens for 2025 season
Restaurants are reopening for the season, including the Cape Cod cafe thousands of Cape Cod Times readers chose as number one in our March Madness-inspired brackets to find the best waterfront restaurant: Sesuit Harbor Cafe in Dennis planned to open May 1 for lunch and dinner, serving breakfast only on the weekends, starting on Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 11), according to Sesuit Harbor Cafe’s Facebook page.
Three Kentucky Derby parties on Cape Cod
You won’t be getting a blanket of 564 red roses like the winner of Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, but you can celebrate remotely at one of several watch parties here on Cape Cod. Don’t forget to make a reservation and dust off your fancy hat. Choices include:
Chatham Bars Inn: Celebrate the “most exciting two minutes in sports” at a Kentucky Derby party from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 3. The cost is $75 and includes one mint julep and Southern-style hors d’oeuvre. Reserve through Eventbrite or by calling 508-945-6732. The 21-plus party includes a pre-race analysis, plus prizes for “Best Fascinator/Hat, Best Dressed Gentleman, and Best Dressed Couple.”
Smith Family Beer Garden: In Hyannis, the “Hats and Horsies Kentucky Derby Party” starts at 4 p.m. Saturday at Smith Family Beer Garden, 451 Main St., Hyannis.
“Saddle up for a day of fun, fashion, and horse racing. Don your fancy hats & bow ties and join us for the Kentucky Derby with bets, bites & bevies (mint juleps, of course),” write organizers Kristen Baylis, Kristen Winn and Michael Souza.
Tickets, available through Eventbrite, are $35 and include light hors d’oeuvre and watching the race on a big-screen TV. Reserve with Eventbrite.com/.
Ocean Edge Resort: Starting at 5 p.m. Saturday, Ocean Edge Resort hosts a Kentucky Derby watch party with Southern-style hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, as well as a fancy hat contest. Tickets are $40 and reservations may be made through Opendoor.com/.
Gwenn Friss is the editor of CapeWeek and covers entertainment, restaurants and the arts. Contact her at gfriss@capecodonline.com. Join the Cape Cod Times free Facebook group, Good Stuff at Cape Cod Restaurants, to share tips and participate in food polls.
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