The Cape Cod Rover

Savoring The Original Gourmet Brunch at Hyannis Tom, the Cape Rover
by Tom O'Connell, The Cape Cod Rover

When I find a restaurant that serves an omelet with the perfect texture, it sends me into a kind of gastronomic ecstasy. That’s what happened the first
time I had the Spinach Bacon Omelet at The Original
Gourmet Brunch in Hyannis. And it keeps happening. I
will be forever indebted to the friend who introduced me
to this local treasure that I had overlooked for decades.

The restaurant has a large sign at the sidewalk on 517 Main Street in Downtown Hyannis, but the building is set way back from the road, just beyond the Indian Pavilion. There’s a lengthy brick walk that curves a little, with flowers bordering it.

The brick walk leads you to what looks like a small enchanting hobbit house. Inside it isn’t so small. As you go in the front entrance it’s like entering the prow of a ship. The restaurant gets wider until you reach the kitchen where the egg in its many varieties is featured.

In 1978, after retiring from a career as a crane operator, Joe Cotellessa visited the Gourmet Brunch with his wife Anne. And soon after that Joe became the new owner. Now he shares the ownership with his son John. Joe continues at the front desk, as the gardener, and as all around genial host.

John beams with pride as he says, “Our omelets are individually made to order, specially beaten, with nothing added, just three fresh eggs. They are served with buttered toast, jams and jelly, ‘Gourmet Fries,’ and a choice of mushroom or herb sauce to complement the omelet.” What a combination, and although I try to avoid overdoing French fried potatoes, there’s something very special about the Gourmet Fries. Just right. And if you prefer only two eggs in your omelet, that’s okay.

On The Omelet Menu you will find an amazing list: Cheese Omelets, Omelets a la Florentine, Ham Omelets, Chopped Sausage Omelets, Hickory Omelets, Bacon Omelets, Dieter’s Omelets, Nature’s Omelets, and Specialty Omelets. There are other egg dishes, too. All kinds, including French Toast. And you can have Belgian Waffles.

“You can build your omelet on your own,” says John. “You can make it as healthy as you want or as decadent. You name it; we can make it. Any variety.”

John Cotellessa and Susan Hayes near entrance

Friendly waitress Susan Hayes was there when The Original Gourmet Brunch changed owners in 1978. As a lifelong Cape Codder she has an interesting history available about the restaurant, Hyannis, and the Cape.

“We provide leisure dining,” says Susan, “an hour to an hour and a half of quality.” And she’s not exaggerating as she explains, “People from all over the world come here for an eating adventure.”

Joe and John chatting with diners

The photos that bedeck the walls attest to her statement. Stroll around the premises and you’ll see signed photos of singers Tony Bennett and Kenny Rogers, actress Demi Moore, comedians Norm Crosby and Frankie Fontaine, news anchor Tom Ellis, and an array of media, entertainment, sports and political celebrities. John Kennedy, Jr. came in often, I was told, and was very low key and relaxed. Easy to relate to.

There’s seating for 70, with tables and booths, plus outside dining when weather permits. They have a special barbecue pit for their Char Broiled Angus Beef Burgers. They offer award winning chowder, other soups, specialty sandwiches, clubs, fruit bowls, the “Gourmet” Salad Bowl, and more.

And oh yes, I don’t want to forget the “Gourmet Sampler” which I have experienced, to my delight. It includes a little Quiche, a brunch mix of delicacies, rolled stuffed ham, and a sampling of cheeses and fruit. Mmm.

The "Gourmet Sampler"

“What we do is all about quality and consistency,” John points out. “That’s why we often find ourselves serving generations of families here. They keep returning because we maintain our quality and stick to the highest standards.”

It’s quite an event when you can dine according to high standards and top quality with prices that are under $10...averaging $7 or $8...with a bottomless cup of “Brunch Blend” coffee at $1.75. Various teas and soft drinks are also available, as well as lattes and selected wines and malts.

For breakfast, brunch or lunch, the entire menu is offered. The Original Gourmet Brunch is open year-round from 7:00 a.m. to mid-afternoon daily. On Sunday it’s open until 2pm or “when everyone is served.” The phone is 508-771-2558. In the summer, the restaurant also operates the concession for the Cotuit Kettleers of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

Stop by any time for a copy of the menu if you’d like to plan ahead. On the front of the menu it says, “The Original Gourmet Brunch: famous for thousands of different omelets and much more.” The message inside the menu is “Bon Appetit! May your life be long and happy.”

Signed photos of “regulars” NECN News anchor Tom Ellis,
pianist Rob Ragosa, and John Kennedy, Jr.

That’s it for now from The Cape Cod Rover. Till next time, Tom

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Note: Tom O'Connell is a Cape Cod Writer and Lecturer.Take a look at his www.sanctuary777.com website where you will find many essays as well as excerpts from his books. His new memoir is Bugging Out: An Army Memoir (1954). He is also the author of The O'Connell Boy:Educating The Wolf Child~An Irish-American Memoir (1932-1950).See chapters www.sanctuary777.com