Saturday, July 01, 2006

Wellfleet's Best Bakery: Christine's Oasis

Imagine there’s a massive traffic jam, and you stumble out of your car, throat parched. What could be more welcome than Christine’s Oasis? Bob and Christine Costa started selling homemade cakes back on West Main Street in the early eighties and have never looked back. Business is good at their expanded location on Route 6. The Oasis has become a favorite breakfast retreat in summer. I even know Wellfleet regulars who will detour off their daily routine to eat here and no wonder. When you check out the selection, their choice is understandable. Muffins, scones, croissants, all freshly baked, line up in a row. There are pies and cakes. Biscotti, bagels, breads. The shop sells three different kinds of baguettes. Self-service coffee and a selection of daily newspapers from New York and Boston make out-of-towners feel right at home. Diners can sit at tables inside or out. And there is always a line at the counter.

Christine is in charge of the kitchen while Bob works the deli counter alongside his staff. Service is fast. Since Bob was a former Selectman and still takes an active interest in town politics, visitors can get an earful if they are so inclined. Right now Bob is concerned about the change in zoning downtown and its impact. Bob loves to talk to customers. Topics include politics, life, food, the world situation, and much more. “The customers are more my friends than they are customers,” he explains.

Among the excellent sandwiches available is the all new “Grilled Eggplant Grilled” which consists of grilled, marinated eggplant, fresh mozzarella, tomato. These ingredients are grilled on rosemary focaccia bread. The result is full of flavor and finger-licking good.

While at the Oasis, pick up milk, juice, gourmet treats, prepared foods, cheeses, cold cuts, and specialty drinks. The most popular item is Christine’s Cape Cod cream scones with blueberries and cranberries. We got Sven’s birthday cake at the Oasis. In the crush of summer, when I have a million things to do and little time to bake, I am grateful that I can run down to Route 6 in the morning and pick up great blueberry muffins for our bed & breakfast guests to enjoy.

Christine’s Oasis is open June to September, 7 am to 6 pm, except Sundays when closing time is 2 pm.