From Sandwiches to Salads and Sweets, Something Natural Is Something Special
Akin to stepping into the Georges Seurat painting “Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte,” the Something Natural property on Cliff Road is dotted with families, dogs, straw-hatted heads, picnic blankets, tables, a parasol or two—and a boat. Since 1970, the bakery and sandwich shop has been a destination for beach and picnic lunches. Known for its legendary oversized sandwiches—halves are also available—side salads, generous-sized cookies and homemade bread, Something Natural, now in its 50th year, opened on Federal Street, but moved to its current 50 Cliff Road location 38 years ago. Matt Fee bought the shop in 1983.
There are 18 sandwiches available on six different freshly baked breads, with various condiments, for unlimited combinations. Add sides of potato salad, coleslaw or one of several green salads, and slightly chewy homemade cookies, for a complete al fresco feast. Turkeys and beef are roasted daily. Breads and cookies are baked each morning. My beloved pumpernickel bread was not available, because, Fee told me, supply chain issues have affected both pumpernickel and six-grain flours. But I also adore the herb bread, so I brought a loaf home to make buttered toast.
With apologies to my dining and, worse, my car companions, the enjoyment of my liverwurst and fresh red onion sandwich, with mayonnaise and yellow mustard on herb bread, was not dimmed by Matt Fee’s comment that “liverwurst and onions is an old person’s sandwich.” I know he meant that it is a classic and timeless sandwich.
Other successful and satisfying sandwich choices in our party were fresh lobster salad; sprouts, vegetables and avocado; and egg salad — all three on Portuguese bread with lettuce and tomatoes. For 50 years, I’ve ordered the egg salad with extra mayo and pickles, on pumpernickel, because it is that good. As a mayonnaise aficionado, it is just right for me — once I add more. For those who like less, order it as is.
Something Natural has its own line of delicious drinks, inaugurated by the iconic hibiscus-infused “Matt Fee Tea,” which he created by steeping red herbal tea with hibiscus, mint and sugar. It was originally available only by the cup from Something Natural, but a handshake deal with Tom Scott and Tom First put it on the map when Nantucket Nectars began to bottle it. Back to the boat. To create a safe place for kids to climb on the grounds, Fee ensconced the original All Serve boat that Scott and First used when they were a Nantucket harbor delivery service. A serendipitous and charming extension to their original partnership.
Visit Something Natural online for menus and ordering.
