Blackfish

17 Truro Center Rd, Truro, MA 02666

Phone: (508) 349-3399
No web site

Highly Recommended

Sleepy little Truro Center now has a destination of choice. Above and beyond the Post Office, "Jams" and Mac's Fish Market there is Blackfish. Located in the former Blacksmith Shop Restaurant, Blackfish offers the Lower Cape an exceptional choice in finer dining. The casually sophisticated atmosphere sets the diner up very well for what is to come. There is a small bar with an exceptional bartender who makes you feel comfortable and welcome.

The menu is impressive:
Appetizers; Wellfleet oysters on the half shell with a Caribbean mignonette ($12), buttermilk fried oysters ($13), steamed littleneck clams with soffrito ($13), pan-seared sea scallops over parmesan fondue ($11), confit pork belly with hoisin bbq over white corn polenta ($11), rabbit ragu over fresh papperadelle ($12), sauteed seasonal mushrooms on toast points ($9), seared lamb loin on a rosemary skewer with homemade lavash, tsaziki and mint charmoula ($10), rustic caramelized onion and leek tartlet with sheeps milk cheese and duck prosciutto ($10), seared foie gras on toasted brioche with strawberry rhubarb compote ($15), fleetian mussels in a tomato broth with smoky bacon, cilantro, jalapeno and lime ($13), pickled red beet carpaccio and golden beet tartare with truffle honey, hazelnuts and farmer's cheese ($10), ptown mussels with fennel, sweet Italian sausage and a savory cream broth ($14)

Salads: house salad with Boston Bibb, fresh herbs, sweet 100 tomatoes and a balsamic vinaigrette ($6), roasted endive and pear salad with sweet gorgonzola dressing ($10), nicoise salad with house cured tuna, olives, quail egg, haricot vert and artichoke heart ($13), frisee salad with a panko crusted fried duck egg, lardon and mustard vinaigrette ($11).



Entrees: panko crusted sole with a lemon caper beurre blanc, cauliflower mash and local asparagus ($22), grilled organic salmon with romesco sauce, puy lentils and sauteed spinach ($24), fresh tuna bolognese over papperadelle house specialty slow simmered sauce finished with mascarpone cheese and lemon confit ($23), sauteed wild mushroom and tagliatelle pasta ($19), slow roasted pork shoulder with celery root puree and local asparagus ($22), pan-roasted haddock with salsa verde, brown butter, whipped salsify and haricot vert ($20), rabbit ragu over fresh papperadelle ($20), braised organic veal with wild mushroom jus and potato puree ($21), bone-in rib eye with truffled chips and sauteed swiss chard ($29), Niman Ranch Burgers served with house fried chips and a pickle ($9-$11).

Of the menu items I sampled there was not a dog in the bunch. The sole was light and crisp, the tuna Bolognese was rich and savory, the rabbit ragu was succulent and infused with herbs and wine. The only issue I had with any of the food was the truffled chips on the rib eye were clumsy; too many of them to be able to eat them before they got soggy. I would have preferred a pureed potato infused with truffle oil and garnished with chips (if the chef is compelled).

The wine list is impressive, with a good range on varieties and prices. The service was friendly and efficient without being intrusive. This has become one of my favorite restaurants on Cape Cod and I would encourage you to become a regular if you possibly can.