Food News: Neighborhood Comfort at The Beachcomber

Don’t you wanna go where everybody knows your name? Where the beer is cold and the pizza is hand-tossed? This is exactly what Michael Richard had in mind when he opened The Beachcomber in Portsmouth. He wanted to bring the neighborhood bar to the next level, a place where you can come alone or with the whole family and enjoy yourself. And with a background in the restaurant industry, he was perfectly poised to open his own place.

 

“The restaurant business is in my blood. It's all I've ever done,” beams Michael. Since he was 16-years-old, he’s worked in his family’s restaurant Buddy’s Union Villa in Easton, MA. “My parents bought The Union Villa in 1974, that was the beginning of our family business and who my family is today. My dad was amazing. He was so generous to the community and always believed in help.ing and supporting good causes. Everyone loved Buddy, and if I can follow in his footsteps I can't go wrong.” In fact, he sponsors a local little league team, sounds like his dad would be proud.
 

Since the ripe old age of 16, Michael has been making pizza dough from scratch, a skill he’s carried on to The Beachcomber. His pizza, in fact, is a must try. “I don't know many restaurants in Rhode Island who specialize in ten-inch bar pizza,” he says. “This is what we are most excited to share.” He cooks up traditional types of pizza but is also slowly introducing more. “I've made a few BLT pizzas and an actual Chicken Caesar Salad pizza. And if I made some pulled pork, I would add a pulled pork pizza to the menu. There is so much you can do with a pizza. We also do what's called a ‘burned edge’ pizza. If you like a crispy crust, try a burned edge.” 
 

Other yummy treats you can look forward to are Boneless Buffalo Wings made with a mild buffalo sauce as well as Coconut Shrimp served with man.go salsa dip. Other favorites are the steak tips, which are marinated in a special seasoning, grilled and served with French fries, mashed potatoes or on a mixed green salad. Check out their fried seafood baskets as well.

 

Given their small kitchen, the menu is very limited. And as neighborhood needs evolve, so does the menu at The Beachcomber. “We’ve have had a lot of requests for gluten free so I’m working on a gluten free dough as well as gluten free nuggets for the kiddos,” Michael says. “We just want people to enjoy a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. Come catch your favorite sport, play some Keno, enjoy the patio and bring the kids as we have a few games and a regulation size air hockey game... I certainly don't claim to be a five star restaurant but I will serve you a great meal.”

 

And as far as entertainment goes, they have some country acts lined up this month. Country Road Entertainment will be hosting a Country Night along with line dancing every Friday night. In recent months they’ve also had some great two-piece acoustic entertainers such as Nuvo Duo, Peter Joy, Angry Farmer, Jim Devore and the Kohaug Allstars, Brian Buckley, Steven Mario, Scuba Steve Ma-comber, L'Ocean Rhode, John Baludas, Ragged Company. But Michael’s just happy to have a neighborhood haven for folks to come to, and he hopes you’ll join him soon. 506 Park Avenue, Portsmouth. 683-1400. 
 

Weekday Indulgence 

In case you didn’t know, you can get your food, music and relaxation fix all in one place: Buzzards Bay Brewing has you covered. Stop by for their Taco Tuesdays where the Casa Blanca (de Queso) food truck serves up tasty ta.cos from 4:30-7pm. Then on Wednesdays, come by for their BYOG (Bring Your Own Grillables) with Live Music. You bring anything you want grilled and they provide the grills, the mu.sic and the brews – not a bad way to spend a summer evening. Thursdays bring Cuttyhunk Shellfish and their amazing raw bar and more food trucks, topped off with live acoustic sets. Finally, Fridays bring Neal McCarthy and friends for their Friday night gigs, with of course more brews and stellar views at their Tap Room and Brewers Garden. Sounds like no matter what night you want to have a great time, you can head over to Westport and indulge. 98 Horseneck Road, Westport MA. 508-636-2288.