Barnstable Tavern Half Way Home

Reviewing the latest version of the Barnstable Tavern on Route 6A in Barnstable Village, now includes Restaurant in the name, but might also be described an Italian Grill.

On this night we dined with friends, and were able to sample more menu items and get other opinions on the food. The traditional menu of American favorites, like steaks and seafood, now features pasta, which seems to be the specialty of Bob Calderone, the new owner chef. Only thing missing in this extensive menu was pizza, but you can still get a cheeseburger.

Food
Appetizers - 3 of us had appetizers, which were all prepared with gusto. The grilled asparagus wrapped with prosciutto on a bed of greens was excellent. The beet salad with blue cheese and citrus was just the right combination of flavors to make this large portion an offbeat treat. And the Cesar salad was light and garlicy as a first dish should be, but maybe not for a first date.
In the end, the appetizers were the highlight of the meal.

Entrees - 3 three of us gravitated to the Italian selections on the menu. One to seafood. The penne with prosciutto and peas in Parmesan cream sauce was delicious. A more modern version of the pasta carbonara. The penne bolognaise, was a hearty and tasty edition of a traditional Italian favorite. Again with portions large enough to share. The sauteed scrod was overpowered by a scallion, tomato and peppers sauce. Served with mashed and beans, it was a passable meal.

Wine (Cocktails)
We started with cocktails at the bar as the restaurant was busy on this evening with lots of holdovers from the live entertainment on the outside patio staying for dinner. And with a high demand for glasses, our bartender improvised when she ran out, and served our martinis in margarita glasses, which provided a delightful conversation piece.

At dinner we decided to order wine by the glass, because the wine list, which can only be described as pedestrian, did not inspire a bottle.

Service
A combination of hosts at the door was a bit confusing but functional. Some familiar faces behind the bar put us at ease. And after a very short wait, we were introduced to a booth table and a very pleasant waitress. She was a bit distracted at first, but became very attentive as the evening moved along. She knew the menu and steered us to the chef's strengths. She even gave us a quick recap of his resume. We were not an easy party, but she handled us with style and herself with grace. Kudos.

Atmosphere
The Tavern is an historic structure, and as such does not lend itself to a makeover. The interior is pretty much the same as always, with a few additions to the colonial era-decor like the pastureseque mural near the kitchen. Lots of bustle to go with hustle on this evening, serving large parties, extended families mostly, and locals.

The Tavern, which in its newest incarnation can more aptly be called the Taverna, still has a way to go. We give the overall dining experience ** (out of ***) and rate the price about $$ (out of $$$) depending on how many $9 martinis you order.

It was a fun outing to an old stand-by. But just like in the days of the coach traveling down the Old King's Highway, the new Barnstable Restaurant & Tavern is only a stop on the journey, not the ultimate destination.