Cape Ann Dining -- The View from Montreal

Since the Blue Shutters Beachside is in Gloucester, we tend to focus on the beaches, restaurants, shops and happenings here in this community. But we're finding there are some great spots just down the road in Rockport -- places like Halibut Point State Park, where you can enjoy the natural beauty of Cape Ann; the art galleries and shops on Bearskin Neck; and the many fine restaurants that you'll find around town. It was the restaurant reviews from a couple that stayed here this week that reminded us of the great food choices in Rockport. They gave the Blacksmith's Shop in Rockport very high marks, and they also liked Brackets, which is also in town. This particular couple -- visiting for a week from Montreal -- were among the most interesting "foodies" we've met here, and they added notes on these Rockport restaurants and others spots to our "guest restaurant reviews" notebook in the main room. Their very favoriate was a place here in Gloucester -- the Causeway, reknown for their generous portions (including a piece of haddock "the size of a brick") of very well-prepared seafood and Italian dishes. They also called out Duckworth's Bistrot, generally regarded as the nicest high-end spot in the area. Whether Gloucester or Rockport, you'll bound to find a favorite while you're here -- and we think the reviews of folks like Mireille and Michel from Montreal will help you with your choices.