Emily R.
Yelp
First of all, Chanticleer, get your Yelp together and change that title... "Chanticleer the"? How am I only the 2nd person to review this place?
I wish I had more reviews to compare mine with, but the Chanticleer is some of the absolute best food I've ever had. My family and I were going absolutely ballistic over every appetizer and entree, and I dare say the sea bass I had was one of the best meals of all time, Nantucket to NYC. It's a bit of a drive from town, located in Sconset, but it's worth every minute of the (15 minutes, TOPS) trek.
The garden outside is beautiful, but bizarre. An old, garish carousel house throws off an otherwise gorgeous and robust flower garden at the entrance to the restaurant. Red-checkered tablecloths dress the picnic tables outside as well, which seem out of place, but I'm ok with as it takes the stuffiness down a notch. The dining room is definitely uptight to the max - white tablecloth, doilies, crystal stemware, 3 different types of salt (I learned that Himalayan salt is salmon pink. Tastes completely the same as white salt.) If you're able to get a reservation outside, I'd say hands-down go for that option.
Now, the food. An absolute hit parade. We had chilled lobster cocktail over guacamole (probably my 2 favorite things in the entire world, combined in a martini glass.) I had a Tuna tartare served dressed with a cucumber salad and a scallion pancake, cut into wedges. The tuna was bright red with a fresh kick from the cucumber. Awesome, so refreshing. The scallion pancakes were a little greasy, but a perfect contrast with the light fish. The Heirloom Tomatoes with Mozzarella, dressed with pesto and pine nuts, were the absolute epitome of a summer appetizer. Tomatoes were massive, bursting, and mozzarella light and almost whipped on top of each slice. My least favorite was a crispy softshell crab, but it seemed to be the crowd-pleaser among my family.
And those were just the appetizers. My parents split a steak, sister had a kobe beef burger - unusual choices for the island famous for its seafood, but great nonetheless. The steak was absolutely massive, enough for probably 3 people, and was served with a buttery pate and bernaise sauce. Onto the nominee for "best thing I've ever eaten" - the sea bass. It was on special, and I can only hope they make it a more permanent part of the menu. The soft, grilled sea bass - topped with the greenest, crunchiest pesto I've ever had - was served with ripe fava beans in a lobster broth, with chunks of lobster, minuscule bites of potato and flecks of white onion, and an onion ring on top. Augh. Out of this world.
Please, please, please try Chanticleer when on Nantucket. Can guarantee you won't be disappointed.