A Taste of Italy Right Here on Cape Cod

An evening out at Osteria La Civetta. Pictured left to right: Duke Bates, Curtis Newcomer, Robert Newcomer, Chef Fabio Pozzati, Delma Newcomer, Donald Bartolone

Cape Cod locals have come to appreciate the little piece of Italy that Osteria La Civetta brings to us every day. So much so, we can’t wait to share it with everyone who visits.

One of the questions our clients often ask is the perfect place to dine during an evening out on Cape Cod. Luckily, I have the perfect answer for them: Osteria La Civetta in Falmouth.

For those who have spent time in the Emilia Romagna region of northern Italy, Osteria La Civetta (roughly translated, the Owl Tavern) is a welcome return to the rustic fare found there. Pastas are handmade and the recipes can only be described as absolutely, mouthwateringly traditional. They are, for want of a better description, the kind of dishes your favorite Italian nonna would create for you…if your grandmother had been a chef in European Michelin star-rated restaurants.

Meet Chef Fabio Pozzati

Executive Chef Fabio Pozzati met Osteria La Civetta owners Alberto, Giovanna and Sara Toselli through a mutual friend. Learning that they were looking for someone to run the kitchen in their Cape Cod restaurant, he chose to leave Barcelona, where he’d been working for several years, and travel to the U.S.

Giving every guest an authentic Italian experience means more than preparing traditional recipes. It means finding exactly the right ingredients. Fresh vegetables and eggs are sourced locally whenever possible. Cured meats, Italian cheeses and the flour used to make the pasta, however, are imported from Italy.

LaMer Concierge Recommends…

When we go to Osteria La Civetta—which can never be often enough—we always start with the Tagliere Di Salumi E Formaggi. This appetizer of imported meats and cheeses is out of this world and here’s why: honey. Yes, you read it right: honey.

“When we serve cheese, we serve it with honey or jams,” says Chef Fabio. “The combination of particularly strong, cured cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano with the sweetness of honey is wonderful. It’s a pretty traditional thing.”

Although we always start our meal the same way, how it goes from there usually depends on the nightly specials. Although Osteria La Civetta has some dishes they serve year-round (like the amazing Involtini Di Pallo) the menu changes to reflect the best ingredient each season has to offer. According to Chef Fabio, diners will usually find 5-6 appetizers, 7-9 handcrafted pastas and 6 entrees. That does not, however, include the specials—like the regional menus offered earlier this year.

“During winter, we highlighted different regions throughout Italy, from north to south,” he says. “We wanted to show the differences in classic, traditional recipes throughout the country.”

The Highest Compliment

And for those who have traveled to Bologna, Fabio says that there is no greater compliment than when they taste one of his dishes and tell him how much it reminds them of their travels. “I really appreciate that,” he says.

Cape Cod locals have come to appreciate the little piece of Italy that Osteria La Civetta brings to us every day. So much so, that we can’t wait to share it with those who visit.

To make the most of your stay in your Cape Cod home this year, don’t miss out on a trip (or two) to Osteria La Civetta. La Mer Concierge is here to help. Contact us and we’ll make arrangements for all of your summer plans, from dinner reservations to overnight getaways. Call (508) 428-8302 or email Curtis@LaMerConcierge.com.

Plan Your Cape Cod Summer Fun Now

There’s a reason that so many people choose to summer on Cape Cod: there is always something amazing to do.   The 2012 season looks to be one of the best ones yet—which is why we recommend you start your summer planning right now.

Here’s a glimpse into just a few of the things that you might be interested in seeing or doing this year:

Kick Off the Season

Consider starting off your Cape Cod summer with a cocktail or dinner party in your home with a private chef and serving staff.   We’ll work with you to create the perfect evening that allows you to entertain friends without having to worry about all of the details.

Fun on the Water

Fishing Trips:   Cape Cod is home to world-class saltwater fishing, so spending some quality time on the water reeling in sport-fishing favorites like Striped Bass, Cod, Sea Bass and Mackerel is a must.

Sailing Classes and Charters:  Great sailing is synonymous with life on Cape Cod.  Learn to captain on your own or enjoy a daytrip or overnight excursion on a spacious, professionally chartered  boat.

Daytrips and Overnights

Boston, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Newport, Oqunquit and Kennebunkport are all just a drive or short flight off of the Cape.  Let us arrange for a private car or jet service to whisk you away for a day of shopping in the city or a romantic weekend away.  Let us take care of all of the details, leaving you free of worries and able to enjoy your escape.

Sporting Events

Fenway Park:  “America’s Most Beloved” ballpark is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, so why not consider taking in a game?

Cape Cod Baseball League:  If you want to see tomorrow’s big leaguers today, you don’t have far to look.  Supported by Major League Baseball, the CCBL is a collegiate league featuring outstanding players from across the U.S.   We suggest taking in a game in Lowell Park in Cotuit—it really is baseball at its best.  And here’s a definite homerun:  The games are free.

Theater and the Arts

In truth, there are so many amazing performances on and off Cape Cod that it’s hard to know where to start.  Whether you’re ready to rock out with Aerosmith or be fascinated by the Cirque du Soleil- Michael Jackson the Immortal Show at TD Garden, see a class Broadway-style musical at the Boston Opera House or other classic Boston theater , or  see the Boston Pops right here on Cape Cod, there is something sure to suit everyone’s tastes.   Also, make sure to take it at least one of the shows or exhibits at one of our favorites, the Cotuit Center for the Arts.  Many of these shows do sell out quickly, so contact us now to assist with tickets, hotels and transportation.

Childcare Needs

Having dependable childcare means the whole family can have a wonderful time during your Cape Cod summer, day-in and day-out.   That means having someone who keeps your children active, learning and having fun while keeping them safe.   La Mer Concierge can help you arrange a full-time nanny or as-needed childcare throughout your stay.  We work with only the finest licensed professionals who have been fully screened to ensure your child’s safety at all times.

To make the most of your stay in your Cape Cod home this year, it’s never too early to start making your summer plans—and La Mer Concierge is here to help.  Contact us to learn how we can help with all of your entertainment and travel needs. 

Cape Cod Home Spring Cleaning and Repairs

Taking the time now to make sure your Cape Cod home is in its best condition means a summer season free of worry.

Winter on Cape Cod this year was remarkably mild, which means one thing:  spring came early this year.  And that means that La Mer Concierge is already helping to ready our clients’ homes for the season.   We conduct an assessment of each property, determining what work needs to be done, prioritizing jobs,  obtaining bids and pricing from local contractors and coordinating projects.

Here’s what we’re working on right now, and what you as a Cape Cod homeowner may wish to consider having completed on your own property:

Landscape

Spring clean up begins outside as the last signs of winter are removed and the lawn and gardens are prepared for warmer weather.   Now is the time to begin a comprehensive lawn fertilization program, replace any struggling perennials and begin planting annual flowers or garden items.  Trees are being pruned and readied for summer growth, and mulch that may have blown away over the winter is replaced and refreshed.  It’s also important to have the irrigation system inspected and any repairs completed as well as cleaning and prepare your pool for summer use.

Exterior Home Repairs

Cape Cod weather can take its toll on the exterior of your home, causing dry rot, peeling paint and wood weathering.  Failing to take care of these problems quickly can lead to more extensive damage and much higher costs in the long run.   We work with the best contractors on Cape Cod to ensure that painting and repairs are completed properly, from basic deck refinishing and sealing to more complex structural repairs.

Spring Cleaning

There’s no better feeling than walking into a freshly cleaned home as you begin your time away from the city.  But more importantly, a clean home also reduces the possibility of damage from pests, molds and dirt build up.  We make sure your Cape Cod home is thoroughly cleaned, from bed linens and appliance interiors to windows.  Furnace, air conditioning and water systems will be checked and batteries changed in any CO2 and smoke monitors.  Now is also a great time to line up cleaning services for the 2012 season.

Taking the time now to make sure your home is in its best condition means a summer season free of worry.   And best of all, choosing La Mer as your property concierge will save you time and give you peace of mind because we work only with experienced, bonded contractors who are the best in their field.    Because if you can’t, we can.

Remember—it’s also the right time to begin making your plans for Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket daytrips, theater events, boat charters, classes and more.  Contact us to learn how we can help with all of your entertainment and travel needs.

La Mer Concierge Knows Cape Cod’s Best-Kept Secret

Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

The Cotuit Center for the Arts offers classes, plays and events perfect for a day with the family or a special evening out all season long. 

There are many things for which Cape Cod has long been known, including miles of pristine beaches, meandering bike paths, world-class golf courses, fantastic shopping and charming historic towns.  But it is our thriving art community that sets us apart from so many other summer destinations.

One of the Cape’s finest art centers (best-kept secrets) is located in Cotuit, located between Falmouth and Hyannis.  Open year-round, the Cotuit Center for the Arts offers a variety of classes and workshops and is home to an exceptional community theater, experimental performances and art exhibitions.   Recently, La Mer Concierge had the chance to talk with David Kuehn, the center’s executive director, to learn more about what the 2012 summer season will bring.

“In the summer, we really try to increase the offerings we have for families,” he told us.  “We have a wide variety of classes and workshops for children and families ranging from visual arts for little kids all the way up to young adults, a music theater/dance workshop and smaller classes geared to performing arts.  We also have projects, like having children and parents coming together to work on art journals.”

According to David, one of the Cotuit Center for the Arts’ most popular offerings is a ukulele class on Saturdays, which brings generations together to learn to play the classic instrument.  Another favorite is Summer Art, a visual art class for serious art students age 8 to 16.

“In addition to education, we also have a wonderful theater and beautiful art galleries,” he noted.  “They are free, and people can come in and enjoy them anytime from 10 am to 4 pm Tuesday through Sunday.”  In 2012, exhibits will include:

  • Harmony and Balance: The Japanese Tea Ceremony (May 5-June 10)
  • Evan Charney (May 5-June 10)
  • Jon Friedman Portraits (July 16-July 22)
  • The Big Picture: Photography Center of Cape Cod (July 28-September 2)

The Center has also built a great following for their stage performances, which run throughout the year, but are a particular draw during the summer season.  Actors, crew and stage hands are members of the community who rehearse for six weeks, then perform for four.   Those who summer on the Cape are also welcome to be a part of the fun, with many volunteering to usher, work on sets and costumes or help with lighting and sound.

“There is an unbelievable talent pool on Cape Cod,” David said.  “People who want artistic expression. What we do in our theater is of the highest caliber in terms of quality.”

The main, air-conditioned theater seats 175 and is not only the location for evening theatrical productions, but also daytime performances of shows geared for children.  The Center’s Little Black Box Theater hosts experimental performances and seats 25.   Tickets range from $10 for children’s daytime performances and $12 for plays in the Little Black Box Theater to between $18 and $25 for featured evening performances.   In 2012, the two main plays will be:

  • “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” (June 7-July 1)
  • “Cabaret” (August 2-26)

As an enthusiastic supporter of the Cotuit Center for the Arts, La Mer Concierge will also be posting updates throughout the season about upcoming events here on our blog.  You may also visit cotuitarts.org to see a full calendar of upcoming events, learn more about classes or purchase tickets.

If you or someone you know is considering a summer internship in the arts, David also noted that the Center has openings available.  Contact him for more information.

Remember—La Mer Concierge can help you with all of your seasonal entertainment planning needs.  For more information, contact us at (508) 428-8302 or email Curtis@LaMerConcierge.com

 

5 Things to Look for In a Cape Cod Home Concierge

Using these five tips to find the right home concierge for your Cape Cod property will bring you peace of mind and ensure that you can enjoy your summer getaways even more.

Building or buying a vacation home on Cape Cod is something most people just dream about.  And for those who actually get the opportunity to do it, it’s more of a dream come true.

Nevertheless, there are some realities that come with vacation home ownership.  What happens when there’s a storm?  Who’s making sure that it’s secure when you’re not there?  What about the landscaping or the cleaning or getting it ready for when you come for a visit?  What if you want to make improvements (but don’t want the headache of finding a contractor)?

The answer to all of those questions is a simple one:  a home concierge.

Working with an experienced, Cape Cod-based home concierge can help to relieve the many worries and stresses of property ownership.  More than a property management company, a home concierge handles everything from ensuring that the home is clean and ready for your arrival to researching and obtaining bids from qualified contractors for home improvements and repairs, then overseeing the project.

What should you look for in a Cape Cod home concierge?

  1. Attention to detail.  More than a property manager or builder, a home concierge will ensure that no detail is overlooked by working with only the best professionals in cleaning, landscaping, car and pool maintenance, home improvements and security.
  2. Able to provide multiple services.  Outside of property management responsibilities, the right home concierge will have the knowledge and resources you need for child care, event planning, travel coordination, interior design and personal services.
  3. Exceptional communication.  There is never a time when you should not be aware of what is happening at your property, so your home concierge should excel at communicating with you. If there is a storm, power outage or other issue, you should expect a call to you before you have to make one to them.
  4. Ease of billing.  You should never have to waste time pouring through a plethora of bills from Cape Cod service companies.  That’s why your home concierge should offer a single monthly billing option, where they review all bills for accuracy and forward one invoice to you for payment.
  5. Confidentiality.  Your business is, to put it simply, your business.  That’s why you should work with a home concierge committed to maintaining your privacy at all times.

Using these five tips to find the right home concierge for your Cape Cod property will bring you peace of mind and ensure that you can enjoy your summer getaways even more.

Sea Dream Yacht Club offers private sale for La Mer Concierge clients and associates

Tried of this cold and snowy winter? Why not escape to the warm water and blue skys of caribbean on a seven-day yachting adventure. Sea Dream Yacht Club has offered Clients and associates of La Mer Concierge a reduced rate of just $ 2100 . That is  $4800  off the rack rate for seven days! The voyages that are included at this price are March 12  San Juan,  March 20 St Thomas, and March 27  San Juan. Please call La Mer Concierge for additional information on ports of call  as well as bookings  and visit SeaDream Yacht Club’s  web site for addition information.

Don’t wait.. Let you SeaDream begin!

La Mer Concierge Becomes Sea Dream Yacht Club Ambassador

As I am writing this I’ve just returned from an incredible nine days aboard Sea Dream 1. We started in the US Virgin Islands yachting from St. Thomas to St. John for a day of fun and snorkeling at Knell Bay. The next evening we left for the French Virgin Islands, which included two fun filled days at Gustavia, St. Barts.

This is the tropics version of the French Rivera; lots of high end shops, galleries and some very beautiful beaches. After some shopping it was off to Road Town, Tortola and Norman Island of the British Virgin Islands. One of the reason Sea Dream is so unique is that it can anchor up in the small harbors that larger cruise ships cannot, thus why their slogan, It’s Yachting, not Cruising. Anchored at Norman Island we were among some of the most stunning yachts in the world.

Continuing on in the BVIs the next day we anchored off Spanish Town and North Sound, not far from Virgin Gorda. After a relaxing morning of yoga on the deck it was off to Virgin Gorda and the every popular trip through the caves and baths.

A trip on Sea Dream through the Caribbean would not be complete without the famous Champagne & Caviar splash, served in Sea Dream style, in the surf, off Jost Van Dykes; complete with lunch on the beach. The swells and waves proved to be a bit over powering that day, which resulted in the first set of caviar and champagne ending up in the sea.

One of the last days on the yacht was once again unique, with a trip to Culebrita, a small island south of Puerto Rico, where we discovered a diamond in the rough. About a two mile bike ride, using Sea Dreams mountain bikes, we ended up on one of the most expansive white sand beaches where just a few relaxing soles could be found swimming in the teal blue water.

Casual, sophisticated and unpretentious, the Sea Dream dining experience, consist of outstanding service and delicious cuisine. If you are a “Foodie” Sea Dream is the place for you. A full hour cocktail party on the deck or in the main salon each evening gives guest a chance to relish about their day at sea. Three full sit down meals a day were creatively prepared by Chef Tomasz Kozlowski and carefully paired to a fine selections of wines, by sommelier, Tyrell Francis Passengers can order items from a comprehensive menu to be delivered anywhere on board the yacht, including dinning privately at a table for two on the deck under the stars .

For me the nine course degustation evening was certainly the highlight of our trip, enjoying L’Oeuf Poule au Caviar surprise which came served in a hens egg to Cappuccino of white tomato soup with basil dumpling, Chateaubriand of Beef with Gaufrette Napoleon potato, green asparagus and an Earl Grey Suffle with Cream Fraiche ice cream desert was almost more than one person can imagine.

This summer Sea Dream will be offering some new Ports of Call in Stockholm, Finland and Amsterdam, along with the ever popular Mediterranean vogues of Italy, the Greek Islands and Croatia. In addition to the Caribbean look for the exciting river cruises through the Amazon region including Brazil and Peru next winter.

La Mer Concierge is proud to be an official ambassador of Sea Dream, enabling us to offer you the best rates possible for you, your family or friends. Please give us a call and let your Sea Dream begin.

La Mer Concierge’s client puts custom west cost home on the market

1475 Dead Indian Memorial Rd. Ashland Home for Sale - Gateway Real Estate Real Estate

Custom prairie style home just over 1 mile from town. Tremendous privacy, endless views including Pilot Rock, Mt. Ashland and Pompadour. Designed for indoor/outdoor entertaining. Kitchen has 48” Dacor Dual Fuel Range with Double Convection Ovens, Oversized Island with Soapstone Farm Sink, Integrated KitchenAid Dish Drawers and Refrigerator. Luxurious Master Suite with Travertine Bath, Walk-in Shower, Soaking Tub, and Extra Large Closet.  Impressive Great Room with Fireplace, Durable Canarywood Floors, Custom Wood Windows, 10′ – 14′ Ceilings. 2 offices, 1,200 SF Attached Garage, TID Irrigation, Fire Pit, Media Room with Bar, Private Guest Suite, Gated, Computer Networking and Multi-Station Interior and ExteriorAudio Systems. Please contact La Mer Concierge for further details.

La Mer Concierge is proud to offer a private dinning experience with Chef, Robert Smith of Smith on Main

 

 At La Mer Concierge our clients are relaying that they enjoy creating an exceptional dinning experience for their family and friends in the comfort of their own home, which is why La Mer Concierge is teaming up with Chef Robert Smith to bring a dinning experience never before witnessed on Cape Cod.

With the assistants of La Mer Concierge and Chef Robert our clients may design the menu of their wishes; whether it be a sunset cocktail party on their deck, a mid-summer luncheon around their pool or a casual-elegant sit down dinner party at home.  La Mer Concierge is committed to providing you with wonderful food, exceptional service and seamless execution.

Robert has an extensive background in fine dinning and has recently held the position of executive chef at the Belle Mer Resort, New Port, Rhode Island.  Prior to Belle Mer Robert was the executive chef at New England Premier catering and the Catered Affair of Hingham, MA.  Locals might remember Robert from his days at the every popular, Straight Wharf Restaurant, Nantucket.  Prior to New England, Robert spent much of his time as executive chef for some of the most renowned restaurants in the British Virgin Island.

For further information regarding this exceptional opportunity please visit our web page at  lamerconcierge.com or contact us at  508 428 8302

La Mer Concierge Donates Off Season Home Supervision to Gifts from the Sea party in Cotuit

La Mer Concierge of Cotuit will supply a package of  Off Season Home Supervision  valued at over $600.00 to this years Gifts From The Sea  Auction & Lawn party to benefit Barstable’s Land Trust for open spaces.  Enjoy the view of Nantucket Sound fromGFS-O%27BrienView-500 this private home on Ocean view Avenue in Cotuit, while sampling delicious foods, a raw bar and delectable deserts. Live music and an open bar under the tent will kick off this years event on Saturday August 1, 2009 at 5pm.

For additional information and tickets please call 508 -771-2585

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