Cape Cod Today - A new, high-end restaurant - poised for success...

The West End is among the latest of new Cape restaurants to compete in the high end market. It occupies a prime spot for attracting both locals, vacationers and early diners catching a show at the Melody Tent next door. The new restaurant opened in June and is owned by Jen Villa, owner of The Local Juice and David Noble from Embargo in Hyannis.

After being greeted by the valet and Brian - who was full of personality - we entered the dining room and were met with brilliance and elegance throughout. The classy redesigned and decorated dining room and bar, which was formerly the old Paddock restaurant, have an updated feel. The interior has been remodeled from the elegant chandeliers, rich dark wood to the polished steel tables. The decor is warm dove gray, and comfortable seating with numerous booths and tables. 

A step down lounge off the bar is a perfect cozy place for live jazz every Wednesday thru Saturday

While enjoying one of their creative cocktails a spicy "Breezer", a local beer, or wine, it's a great opportunity to check out the menu which provides great options for everyone.  Whether you want the steak, fish or chicken, or if you're longing for that decadent octopus or skate wing - they've got you covered!

The chef prides himself by using fresh ingredients from local farms and seafood markets.

Our server Kelly was great - very personable and knowledgeable about the menu.

For starters I had to try the West End Clam chowder ($9) Rhode Island Style, my favorite. It's often served alongside the more familiar New England and sometimes Manhattan chowders. It's the true seafood-lover's chowder, containing neither cream nor tomatoes to mask the fresh sea flavors

For an appetizer I chose the  Cape Cod lobster escargot ($18.) market price the night we were there, which included tender succulent lobster pieces of tail and claw sized to fit into the escargot dish. The lobster was placed in pools of garlicky wine butter, topped with herbed panko crumbs and topped with a slice of grilled toast for dipping. If you like lobster this is a must. 

My husband's appetizer was the Crispy pork belly steamed buns ($12), The succulent pork belly meat and crispy skin on a fluffy white steamed bun was prepared with pickled vegetables topped with a maple glaze.  Exotic and finger licking good.

My entree was the Chef's fish selection of the day, the skate fish ($25 MP) This underappreciated white fish has the taste of scallops. It was herb crusted and pan seared with shashito served with corn jasmine rice with a grilled corn husk aioli. Nice addition to the menu and hard to get a dish that's any fresher or more local than this.

My husband's entree was the boneless braised beef short rib ($28) something a little different served on top of creamy roasted garlic mashed potatoes, a mirepoix-providing flavor and aroma to the ribs, and a delicious demi-glace.  Diced carrots surrounded the dish. This melt in your mouth meal is a classic in many French homes.

Yes, we managed to save room for dessert from "Washashore Bakery" a local cape bakery in Mashpee. Both the creme brûlée with a crunchy crust on top and the whoopie pie were excellent , and a great way to end a fun evening.

Good luck new owners! You have a gem.