Mondays are dedicated to bringing you a restaurant review from either Houston or Boston.

Sometimes, one of the best parts about food blogging isn’t the writing. It’s getting a chance to read other blogs, taking those recommendations, and seeking them out. Last Saturday, I did just that. Remember Elizabeth? Well, awhile back I read one of her posts about a day trip to Cape Cod. It stuck in my brain…especially the part about a delicious looking sandwich at Café Chew called the Smokey Dutchman.

With summer behind us here in Boston, and the crazy crowds gone, I decided to take the family down to Cape Cod—specifically Sandwich, MA. Our first stop for lunch was…you guessed it…Café Chew.

The cozy café just screamed Cape Cod. But then again, everything in Cape Cod screams Cape Cod. Bright colors, exposed beams, and vintage signage highlighted the hip, rustic interior. Café Chew is open daily from 8-3, serving breakfast and lunch. We got there right at 11:30am…just as they switched over to lunch. You order and pay at the counter. When you have young children, counter ordering is absolutely ideal for a pleasurable dining experience.

I decided to get a variety of sweet treats (acting as appetizers). This proved to be a brilliant move. Pictured are two corn muffins, an oatmeal raisin cookie, and an apricot lemon thumbprint. The muffins were subtly sweet perfection. They weren’t dry, nor were they oily and heavy like so many others. The oatmeal cookie was adequate, but a little soft for my liking. The thumbprint is not to be missed. The crunchy shortbread is best when dipped in the jam middle. Although I didn’t have a cup with it, I can’t imagine a better compliment to coffee.

Next, out came the sandwiches. Of course I ordered the Smokey Dutchman—a delicious pretzel roll sandwich filled with fresh sliced turkey, gouda, tomatoes, lettuce, and bacon. Looking back, they left off the avocado. This didn’t matter much to me. I had absolutely no complaints with the sandwich and wouldn’t hesitate ordering it again. I usually disdain extra crispy bacon, but it provided a perfect crunch to go along with the super soft roll.

Sara ordered the Midwestern—ciabatta bread with meatloaf, tomato relish, cheddar cheese, and bacon. I tend to pass on sandwiches with ciabatta. It seems to overwhelm the other ingredients, as it did with the Midwestern. The thin slice of moist meat loaf was delicious, but needed to be twice as thick. It was solid, but with so many other appealing choices, I’d most definitely pass on this one.

Café Chew was a hit with this family. All the sandwiches were priced at under $9—a great value for a quality product. We’ll be making a return visit on our next trip down to the Cape.

4 Merchant’s Road, Sandwich, MA 02563 • 508-888-7717