This year, I wanted to throw a 15th anniversary party for Peter and Bonnie. He didn’t think 15 was especially memorable, so I punted on it.
As it turns out, last week, I was able to host a luncheon for the people we likely would have invited from Peter’s family. The occasion wasn’t an especially happy one, my adoptive Ma’s funeral, but the setting, meal and service were outstanding.
Maybe it was just as well I didn’t throw a shindig on the Cape. The difference in value between what is being charged here versus what I paid at The Common Market, a well-established and highly regarded eatery in Quincy, is astonishing.
Here are the details.
Our buffet at the Common Market consisted of the following for $16.95, which INCLUDED tax and a 15% gratuity:
– Chicken marsala
– Baked stuffed haddock
– Pasta marinara
– Rice
– Tossed salad
– Rolls
– Coffee and tea
– Dessert
The food was excellent, fresh and delicious. One guest said it was the nicest after-funeral buffet she’d ever attended, odd praise, but I appreciated the thought.
A local special interest group is having a holiday party tonight at the Island Merchant in Hyannis.
Here’s the menu for $20, including tax and gratuity but not drinks:
Homemade macaroni & cheese with hot dogs and a side salad
That’s right – macaroni and cheese with hot dogs for $20.
Or (the operative word being “Or”) for $20 you can have a “grilled sandwich of ham, shredded pork, mustard, pickles & muenster cheese on sweet bread”.
Or, you can have homemade cream of tomato soup with grilled cheese. And either salad or dessert. For $20.
I would not lie to you, and I did not make this up.