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 Intro
This
charming restaurant is located in the basement
of a small Inn which has guest rooms on several
floors above. To enter, one rounds the corner
and steps down into the soft glow of the dining
area, divided into two areas by a large white
bricked fireplace. Charming windows set high on
the side, painted walls and low ceilings create
a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. A bar in the back
is avilable for waiting guests. Adjacent to the
bar, another smaller room serves guests, but in
our many visits to this very popular
restaurant, we have never been seated there. For
years the Ships Inn specialized in fondues, but
today the dinners are as varied and interesting
as any on the island.
Ambiance  |
Friends
first introduced us to Ships Inn years ago when
fondues were featured served with dipping sauces
arranged in the center of the round table. Today
as then, the layout of this intimate grotto creates
a unique setting. The attractive windows which afford
an upward glance at the street above, a large fireplace
and soft lighting are distinctive Ships Inn trademarks.
In the summer, it can be very warm, but with coats
and ties a relic of the past here and elsewhere
on the island, there is no need to be uncomfortable.
An appealing bar is nestled in the back for guests
awaiting tables.
| Food |
Cold
Beet soup served with horseradish creme fraiche
and smoked salmon and a house cured gravex with
a honey balsamic vinegar began our meal. The soup
was very good and the gravex excellent. Five different
fish were included in this night's menu. Peanut
crusted scallops were featured with garlic mashed
potatoes and monk fish were our two choices. The
scallops were outstanding and highly recommended;
the monk fish was ordinary. The chef's speciality
dessert for the evening was a strawberry souffle
which we ordered ahead . An unusual souffle flavor,
it was fun to try, but chocolate would have been
an even better choice.
Other Observations:
This
neighborhood is very charming, but parking can
be very tight on these narrow streets. If you
are staying in town, walk the few steps up from
Main Street and enjoy the surrounding
homes. Take a moment to step up to the the main
entrance, where overnight guests sometimes congregate.
The guest rooms (singles with semi-private bath
and doubles with private bath) look charming and
if you stay at Ships Inn, you may sample the guests
only, special breakfast.
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