Hera Maharjan hits mid-island with a new Mexican eatery called Boathouse.
When Hera Maharjan decided to open a Mexican fast food joint on Nantucket, he went overboard — in a good way. Taking up shop in the Sanford Boat Building next to Stop & Shop, Maharjan busted down walls, got a beer and wine license, and loaded the line with the freshest ingredients to build your own burrito. The only thing he kept the same was the history of his new digs by naming the restaurant the Boathouse.
A native of Nepal and the son of a well-known chef in his home country and much of eastern Asia, Maharjan is a partner in several other island restaurants including two mainstays on the downtown Strip such as Stubby’s and Walter’s Deli. But at Boathouse he has infused his food with a variety of influences from around the world.
Using fresh organic ingredients, Boathouse focuses on a “fast-food” experience, minus the questionable unhealthy menu items. Anchored by an array of burritos, tacos and quesadillas, the setup of Boathouse is reminiscent of what one might see at a Chipotle or Qdoba on the mainland. “We got inspiration from places like that,” says Maharjan. “We are still a work-in-progress, but the key for us is that everything is made from scratch and that is really rare for a fast food / takeout place.” Customers can choose the ingredients behind glass and watch their meal come together.
“I love everything we have on the menu, and it depends on the time of year, but our fish tacos are really, really popular,” the chef says of soft-shelled treats made with fried, local fish, topped with some crunchy veggies and a house- made chipotle sauce. Then there are his specialty items. “The Mr. Glenton” taco uses Stubby’s famous jerk chicken and includes rice and beans, fresh pineapple and red pepper salsa. “Carlito’s Way” is made with homemade pork carnitas, green chilies, salsa verde, queso fresco, cilantro and lime. The restaurant also offers a vegetarian special, several seafood options and hearty breakfast sandwiches. Hera expects to offer gluten-free and vegan options in the months to come.
The restaurant has been completely remodeled, and now has an open floor plan that uses the entire first floor. There is room for several dozen people to be seated, while enjoying the food and a wide assortment of wine and beer. So now when you have a hankering to eat south of the border, head mid-island where Hera Maharjan is happy to welcome you aboard the Boathouse.
