Fried Clams

Suds, any info on the fresh clams? Was thinking of stopping by this weekend.

We will have fresh clams this weekend.(wont serve frozen). They will be from Cape Cod.

Went to the clam box yesterday. Excellent Big belly clams. Thanx Suds.

quote:

Originally posted by HenryYee

Went to the clam box yesterday. Excellent Big belly clams. Thanx Suds.

Henry,

we ate your restaurant last night and the food has greatly improved.
http://www.planet99.com/chicagoland/restaurants/3555.html

CSD

Sorry CSD,
not my restaurant.
But glad u had a good meal.

Henry

Great news! Today area N7 In Ipswich opened for clamming. Thats the back of the beach. The rest of Ipswich is scheduled to open on Friday. Lets hope for no rain.

Since Suds posted the good news, I have had excellent fried clams (but not at his place), and last night had some very good steamers. The steamers were fresh, for sure. The fried clams could have been frozen for all I know, but if they were, somebody really knows how to freeze clams. There is no real rain in sight. I hope that the beds remain open.

Anyone know the hours at the Clam Box? I'm driving from Virginia to Maine next Tuesday - staying the night in the area. I want to make sure I get to the Mecca I've been drooling over for years.

Thanks, Doug

I don't get to that side of town often, but I am going to say 11am to 8pm you will be safe in that window of time. Chow Jim

At the suggestion of fhoran and other Roadfooders we had lunch at the Bubbling Brook in Westwood today. Great recommendation.

I'll start by saying that I'm not a North Shore snob when it comes to clams, in fact I was raised to believe that while fried clams may have been invented on the North Shore, they were perfected on the Cape. May be because with a grandfather with a serious heart condition the lard the North Shore places were then famous for using was forbidden and I never got the taste for it (until later in life).

The clam roll was as large as it should be. Grilled roll flattened out with enough clams that more than half had to be eaten before you could attempt to pick it up. Clams themselves were on the small side (could be the current market) but tender and sweet. Batter was light and crispy. The Wife had the scallop roll which was similarly mounded with medium sized sweet scallops fried to a cripy medium brown. We split an order of onion rings which were very good. Large thin rings with the same light batter cooked blonde with browning spots. Not super crispy, but the onion inside was cooked tender, sweet and juicy. Clams were definitely a step up from one experience at the Red Wing, although Red Wing does do oysters (and serve beer).

The place itself is worth a visit for nostalgia buffs. Made me think of what HoJo's probably was like in the 20s or 30s. Classic New England ice cream stand with a take out window and small service dining area. Teenaged girls handled the service well (this is a seasonal operation) and the place was spotless. Sandwiches and burgers looked real and old-fashioned and they had a meatloaf special. Ice cream was flying out of the place and the fudge, butterscotch (or maybe it was caramel) and marshmallow toppings looked real.

Great clams for away from the coast and a really cute spot. We'll be back.

Oh, how I envy you lucky guys living on the Atlantic coast. I have been living in Dallas for over 35 years and there ain't no such thing as fried (or fresh) clams here.
On a rare trip to NY a few years ago, I ate clams at least once a day. One time I ate 3 dozen littlenecks in one sitting.

I'm new to this forum. Anyone know where to find whole-belly fried clams on the Delmarva peninsula or around the Chesapeake Bay?

I came to love fried clams in Maine almost 40 years ago, and can only find them at Legal Seafood in Washington DC, which is 1.5 hours from me. Even then as good as they are, they are not the same as Capt Simeons in Kittery ME or El's in York Beach, ME.

Thanks!

Conrad

quote:

Originally posted by Ashphalt

At the suggestion of fhoran and other Roadfooders we had lunch at the Bubbling Brook in Westwood today. Great recommendation.

Ashphalt, didn't see this post when you first wrote it. Glad you liked Bubbling Brook. Unfortunately it closes from Oct to April but is booming in the summer. My only complaint is that they have a separate window for hard ice cream and softserve, which means lots of waiting in line if you have two kids who want different kinds.

Also, some years back in this thread, someone asked if eating clam strips (no bellies) was a "sin". Well, as an amateur theologian of some repute, I feel qualified to answer that question. Many of you have read my scholarly articles including one on proper wine etiquette at religious celebrations titled "Should One Serve a Drunken Turkey at Christmas" or my wine review "Manishevitz - Wine or Fuel Stabilizer?" With those credentials, I feel able to answer the question. The answer is "Yes".

Also, Lleechef, it is very disturbing to hear that Woodman's has declined. Not been there in years but used to love it. I like Kelly's Clams - not as good as Clam Box but very good. Fred

I have to say that the Howard Johnson's french fried clam dinner was one of my all time favorites. It was delicious and always one of two dinners that I used to purchase from them years back. The other is the HoJo Burger and fries with a Black Raspberry Ice Cream soda. I also loved the Howard Johnson's mustard!

Was visiting Salem MA with the family today looking at all the witch related tourist attractions, then drove up to Woodman's where I hadn't been for a number of years. Lleechef was right, not what I remember it to be. Okay fried clams, cold french fries with no salt and very greasy onion rings (needed a mop). Very busy however for middle of a Sunday afternoon. Fred

Bob's Clam Hut in Kittery, ME is one of the best places for fried clams that I've found. It also shares space with a Ben and Jerry's scoop shop, which just makes it perfection.

I also love to get fried clams at a little grab stand called the Sea Swirl in Mystic, CT. Grab a clam roll and a chocolate shake, go sit on the picnic tables by the water, and it's a happy meal.

I live in an area famous for the bi-valve and I have to say the Sea Swirl in Mystic was very good. I would even put them up against any clam shack here in Ipswich or Essex. It is take out only, eat in the rough so to speak, but on a nice day very enjoyable. I also love that breakfast spot close by Kitchen Little. Arcayne welcome to Roadfood. Chow Jim

quote:

Originally posted by lizardqueen1

The Clam Box in Ipswich just opened this past weekend - they have the best fried clams anywhere in my opinion.

I am originally from The North Shore and have found the best fried clams (my opinion-I prefer whole belly clams) are from The South Shore. If you haven't tried Bubbling Brook in Westwood (corner of High Street and Route 109) then you haven't had the best fried clams. Check out the menu at www.bubblingbrook.net. The only problem with this place is it's only open mid March until Columbus Day. They serve hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers and other cooked food. A lot of people think this place is only an ice cream stand.

quote:

Originally posted by Ashphalt

At the suggestion of fhoran and other Roadfooders we had lunch at the Bubbling Brook in Westwood today. Great recommendation.

I'll start by saying that I'm not a North Shore snob when it comes to clams, in fact I was raised to believe that while fried clams may have been invented on the North Shore, they were perfected on the Cape. May be because with a grandfather with a serious heart condition the lard the North Shore places were then famous for using was forbidden and I never got the taste for it (until later in life).

The clam roll was as large as it should be. Grilled roll flattened out with enough clams that more than half had to be eaten before you could attempt to pick it up. Clams themselves were on the small side (could be the current market) but tender and sweet. Batter was light and crispy. The Wife had the scallop roll which was similarly mounded with medium sized sweet scallops fried to a cripy medium brown. We split an order of onion rings which were very good. Large thin rings with the same light batter cooked blonde with browning spots. Not super crispy, but the onion inside was cooked tender, sweet and juicy. Clams were definitely a step up from one experience at the Red Wing, although Red Wing does do oysters (and serve beer).

The place itself is worth a visit for nostalgia buffs. Made me think of what HoJo's probably was like in the 20s or 30s. Classic New England ice cream stand with a take out window and small service dining area. Teenaged girls handled the service well (this is a seasonal operation) and the place was spotless. Sandwiches and burgers looked real and old-fashioned and they had a meatloaf special. Ice cream was flying out of the place and the fudge, butterscotch (or maybe it was caramel) and marshmallow toppings looked real.

Great clams for away from the coast and a really cute spot. We'll be back.

The Red Wing served the absolute worst fried clams I have ever eaten in my life. I tried them twice there. The restaurant sit-down service was extremely slow...to the point of the food being stone cold. Do you know anyone who enjoys eating cold clams? Forget asking them to heat them up. Burnt! 2nd attempt to get clams there I tried ordering them TO GO. Big mistake! You have to go to The Bar, a little aisle to stand in while you wait for your order. It's either that or sit at the bar with the people who are there to drink. Glorified bar...that's all it is. When I want clams I certainly don't care about alcohol. Bubbling Brook in Westwood MA (corner of high st and rt 109-check out www.bubblingbrook.net) is consistently the winner in my book for fried clams. It's always been good. Frequently go back there later in the day for ice cream.

gee, dale8783, so far each of your five posts has been about some place called Bubbling Brook. One might get the idea that you are one of the owners, employees or flacks for Bubbling Brook.

Al, McIntyres in Rowley closed numerous year ago; the site is becoming a bank..

quote:

Originally posted by Al-The Mayor-Bowen

Add McIntyres in Rowley to that North Shore List of good clam stands.

I heard a rumor yesterday about Bubbling Brook in Westwood MA. The rumor is...Bubbling Brook has been sold, will not be opening this season (would have opened middle of this month) and (this is the absolute worst part) will become a Dunkin Donuts. Excuse me but how many Dunkin Donuts do you need every quarter mile????? What a sell-out and waste! Soooo sad! I guess there will be no more fried clams for me. This is the end of a family tradition for many people. How much coffee can people drink? It seems people can't get enough of Dunkin Donuts. A lot of people I know don't understand it either. They have been looking forward to another season of Bubbling Brook. A lot of people are going to be disappointed. There is no other decent seafood place in the area. This is what happens when people think since they work hard they deserve to buy coffee at places like Dunkin Donuts. You get too many of those places. When will it end? You have them on every corner. You have them in foodstores. They even put cupholders in the shopping carts. Hasn't this gone too far. Remember when they were just a donut place you went to for a treat (you know, something you had on a holiday or on a Sunday). Now people go there every day. I know people who stop there 2, 3 even 4 times a day. That's a minimum of $5 a day and that's not even for food. Pretty soon every place is going to get torn down and replaced by a Dunkin Donuts. Reverse progress.

i]Originally posted by dale8783

quote:

Originally posted by Ashphalt

At the suggestion of fhoran and other Roadfooders we had lunch at the Bubbling Brook in Westwood today. Great recommendation.

I'll start by saying that I'm not a North Shore snob when it comes to clams, in fact I was raised to believe that while fried clams may have been invented on the North Shore, they were perfected on the Cape. May be because with a grandfather with a serious heart condition the lard the North Shore places were then famous for using was forbidden and I never got the taste for it (until later in life).

The clam roll was as large as it should be. Grilled roll flattened out with enough clams that more than half had to be eaten before you could attempt to pick it up. Clams themselves were on the small side (could be the current market) but tender and sweet. Batter was light and crispy. The Wife had the scallop roll which was similarly mounded with medium sized sweet scallops fried to a cripy medium brown. We split an order of onion rings which were very good. Large thin rings with the same light batter cooked blonde with browning spots. Not super crispy, but the onion inside was cooked tender, sweet and juicy. Clams were definitely a step up from one experience at the Red Wing, although Red Wing does do oysters (and serve beer).

The place itself is worth a visit for nostalgia buffs. Made me think of what HoJo's probably was like in the 20s or 30s. Classic New England ice cream stand with a take out window and small service dining area. Teenaged girls handled the service well (this is a seasonal operation) and the place was spotless. Sandwiches and burgers looked real and old-fashioned and they had a meatloaf special. Ice cream was flying out of the place and the fudge, butterscotch (or maybe it was caramel) and marshmallow toppings looked real.

Great clams for away from the coast and a really cute spot. We'll be back.

The Red Wing served the absolute worst fried clams I have ever eaten in my life. I tried them twice there. The restaurant sit-down service was extremely slow...to the point of the food being stone cold. Do you know anyone who enjoys eating cold clams? Forget asking them to heat them up. Burnt! 2nd attempt to get clams there I tried ordering them TO GO. Big mistake! You have to go to The Bar, a little aisle to stand in while you wait for your order. It's either that or sit at the bar with the people who are there to drink. Glorified bar...that's all it is. When I want clams I certainly don't care about alcohol. Bubbling Brook in Westwood MA (corner of high st and rt 109-check out www.bubblingbrook.net) is consistently the winner in my book for fried clams. It's always been good. Frequently go back there later in the day for ice cream.

Please tell me it ain't so!!!!
Is this for real???
Your making this up, right?

Tis the season, or nearly so. Any suggestions for great fried clams alnog the Ct. coast route? If it's any help, i LOVE sea swirl's in mystic, just wondering about good alternatives. And i was also quite disappionted with the highly touted JP Farnham's in Essex, finding the batter too 'dry' and bland, if that makes sense. OK so slay me now... heresey!

I visited a friend in CT over the weekend and made it to both Denmo's in Southbury and Johnny Ads in Old Saybrook.
Now I had only one or two previous fried whole clams experiences before this trip, so I'm no connoisseur, but in spite of Johnny Ad's great reputation, I actually enjoyed the Denmo's clams more. Both the breading and tenderness of the clams were great.

Last week (and also last summer), we took a trip to the Berkshires and had the best whole belly fried clams at a place in Lee, Ma. called The Salmon Run Fish House. A big plate of the clams, baked potato, salad and bread, all of it really fantastic, for $19.95. I took a picture but not sure how to download it here. But for anyone going to that area, I would heartily recommend this place. Here is the link to their website:

http://www.townoflee.com/Business_Pages/SalmonRun/index.htm

That looks like a great suggestion! We get out there a few times a year, so we will be sure to give them a try! I'll try to remember to download the coupons before we go. I've had fried clams a few times this season, so far, and none were special enough to post about. I'm glad that you found a great place!!!
Todd

I haven't read all the posts, but the best clams I've ever had were at Farnham's in Essex, McIntyre's were great too as were The Clam Box, but there's just something about Farnham's - I highly recommend it, and wish I was there instead of here in Marietta, GA right now.

I happen to come across this forum when I googled 'fried clams' and just wanted to give my thoughts.

Presently I live in NJ but was Boston born and raised and I swear that I was weaned from milk to Fried Clams. There is nothing like a good whole Ipswich Fried Clam! I've had fried clams all up and down the NE coast and when I was in a restaurant, everyone had lobster but me, -----I had my beloved Fried Clams.

Imagine my sorrow when I married New Jersey and found not ONE here! That was along time ago and the Jersey Shore DOES have them now, but in those early days I went clamless. One time, in a restaurant that had a good seafood menu, I asked about fried clams and the waiter said that he was sure the chef could make some fried clams for me. I was delighted and waited in anticipation and the waiter proudly served my plate ----- with fried cherrystones!!! I had a hard time holding my sorrow! They were good, BUT NOT fried clams as we all know them! What a disappointment!

Just typing this makes me want to take a trip up north --- just far enough to indulge myself.

Meanwhile it is nice to read all the posts written by people who know the real thing. Real fried clams -- not the HoJo strips or frozen thingies.

Well tmiles, you are the one who gave me the suggestion to try that place in Palmer a couple of summers ago - it was good, but I like the Salmon Run even better. You try it and let me know what you think someday. Lynn

Went to the Clam Box Sunday. Got a large box of large bellied fried clams.
They were excellent.

Ever since we moved from Ct. to North Carolina we make a special trip north each Sept. to Kennebunkport, Me. for the best fried clams and lobster in all NE. The Clam Shack at the bridge is just that - nothing else. They are literally right out of the water because you are standing on top of the pier and sitting on boxes and benches with your clam roll or pint and hope the gulls chase some other sloppy eater. Parking for only 3 or 4 cars is a challenge but worth it. The lobster is up the road on Rt. 9 N in Cape Porpoise at Nunan's which serves dinner only. Got to get there by 5:30 or wait. Lobsters of all sizes, pickle chips and potato chip bag are the orderof the day. Steamers do not allow you to have anything else unless someone shares them with you and blueberry pie (the real Maine kind). Non lobster eaters have some choices, too, but let's pity them.

Does anyone know a good place for fried clams in New Jersey? Legal seafood is the only place I can think of

The Clam Box in Quincy does a good job with their freid clams.

In fact, now that you mention it I need a fix soon.

quote:

Originally posted by tmiles

I stopped at West Boylston Seafood, Rt 12 West Boylston Mass 508 853 3655, last night. Even though they have put up a new building it is a classic retail/wholesale shop with a counter service restaurant in part of the building. For 7.99, I got a whole belly clam roll, fries and slaw. It was a good deal on a good meal.

It has been over a year since I last posted about this place....time flies!!I stopped here again 2 nights ago. They were out of whole clams, so I got the strips. A clam roll w slaw and LOTS of fries was 6.99. Once again, it was a good deal on a good meal. Closed Mondays.

How are the Ipswich clams this year. I'll be on Cape Ann next weekend, and am looking forward to the Clam Box. Was there last year and they were on the small side - still good, but not outstanding. Will probably also hit the Sea Swirl in Mystic on the way up.

Thanks, Doug

missed the sea swirl in mystic, but am glad to report the Ipswich clam season must be good. the Clam Box was just awesome. big bellies were available, but we just ordered regular and they were very plump. just the right combo of sweet and salty.

Speaking of fried clams, Bob's Clam Shack in Kittery ME is really good, and so is Brown's between Hampton NH and Salisbury Beach, Mass... I also love Johnson's in New Durham NH, on Rte. 11, headed toward Lake Winnepausakee... They don't get any better!

Also if your in Rochester NH or that area, Windjammers and Jimmy Jones Locker both serve the yummy bellied bad boys, and both places are excellent!

If you are in the Haverhill MA area, Larry's Clam Bar is really good too on 125...

Newicks in Portsmouth NH used to be really good also, located on the Spaulding Turkpike (Rte 16), and just over the bridge, but have gone down hill the past few years.... So much so, that I heard they are going out of business, which is a shock to those in the area, because people come from near and far to eat there when they are in the area...

Darn... Wouldn't you know it... I'm now living down here in Durham NC, and can't find one single place that serves fried clams... I really miss living in NH, and being able to indulge whenever the mood strikes me!

Linda

One of the writers for my hometown newspaper visited the Cape Ann area in search of the best fried clams. According to the story, they thought Essex Seafood had the best. Here is the article:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07294/826581-46.stm

quote:

Originally posted by buffetbuster

One of the writers for my hometown newspaper visited the Cape Ann area in search of the best fried clams. According to the story, they thought Essex Seafood had the best. Here is the article:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07294/826581-46.stm

Well one of my secrets is now out. Yes it's probably one of the best, quality and portion. The owner Dan Lane has been known to dig a tide or two for these crustations.
Some of you racing fans may know of him also. He dose that opened wheeled cart type, I understand he's pretty competitive also. Chow Jim

The Clam Shack in Kennebunk, Maine has really good clams as does Mikes in Wells, ME.

In the Ipswich / Essex area....I prefer JTF's.

Local rumors aside, Ronnies in Auburn Mass has a sign that says they will open 19 March. The clammers will be happy, as they are one of the biggest customers for Ipswich Shellfish Company. They also provide a lot of jobs for nice teenage girls. I remember reading in the paper about how proud they are of Ronnies alumni. The lady who runs the ice cream end has a talent for finding hard working friendly teens.

I drove by The Clam Box in Ipswich yesterday and the sign on the door there
stated that they will open Feb. 14th. Much earlier than in years past, it use to always open sometime in late March. Chow Jim

The Clam Box in Ipswich is great, but try the fried clams at the Park Lunch in Newburyport. You wont be disappointed.

Woodmans of Essex,hands down best fried clams,also the best onion rings.Honorable mention to the Clam Box,Farnhams and Kelly`s in Revere.

If you're in south Florida, try the clam bellies at Tark's in Dania Beach, just south of the Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood Int. Airport on US 1. Sean breads each order before throwing them in the fryer; they're neither frozen nor pre-breaded. Have the curly fries and a beer and you're in heaven.

FYI--- Apparently there is a red tide outbreak, So.Maine and The N.H. area.
According to some predictions it MAY become a very large problem with many affected areas.
So anyone needing a clam or other shellfish fix I suggest you do it now.
Chow Jim

quote:

Originally posted by Jimeats

FYI--- Apparently there is a red tide outbreak, So.Maine and The N.H. area.
According to some predictions it MAY become a very large problem with many affected areas.
So anyone needing a clam or other shellfish fix I suggest you do it now.
Chow Jim

Jim, very sorry to hear this. I think there's mention of red tide a few years back, earlier in this thread. Are there certain times of the year when it's more likely to occur?

It's an alge that is prevelant in the ocean year round. The shifting currents bring it to the shore area where it does it's most harm infecting shellfish.
Unfortunatly this usualy happens during the spring and summer months when the supply is most needed. Chow Jim

I saw the news story too The problem seems earlier this year. I've had fried clams twice in the last month and they were great. I didn't plan on them being my last for the season.

Unfortunatley it has spread, they closed the flats along the NE section of the state. This won't affect fried clams for the time being, but will soon.
Local steamers are out though. Chow Jim

Northern Maine and parts of Cape Cod are open. Hope this doesn't spread and is over soon. I have heard the count in the clams in Ipswich isn't that high.

quote:

Originally posted by Suds

Northern Maine and parts of Cape Cod are open. Hope this doesn't spread and is over soon. I have heard the count in the clams in Ipswich isn't that high.

We are planning a trip to York Beach and Kennebunkport the last week of June and the first week of July. From these posts I assume this is the affected area, is that correct?

Conrad

With any luck this will be over by then.

Amazingly, full bellied fried clams can be had Yanni's III Restaurant just north of the Village of Athens, NY, on Route 385 (about 25 miles south of Albany) on the Hudson River. http://www.yannisrestaurants.com/images/Yanni_s_III_Menu_Summer_08_Final_pg3.pdf

That's one of the things I miss most about living in or, near the North East. Fried clams. Double yummo!

Looks like we here in New England will soon be missing our Fried Clams also.
The closeings have spread recently from Canada {some parts} down to areas in Long Island sound. They closed the Boston Harbor areas yesterday.
Unfotunatley it's not only steamers but scollops, mussels, oysters, sea clams and so on.
This DOSE NOT affect lobsters or fin fish. Still plenty to eat for those of you traveling to the area. Chow Jim

Jim, I've had fried clams a few times, recently, that were not as good as usual. I didn't ask, but I wonder if they were frozen. A place that I go to does buy frozen clams when he can not get fresh, but always from the same supplier. He says that the secret is to buy clams that were fresh (as in date) when they were frozen, and not clams that were frozen just because they were about to go bad. Hopefully a good supply of nice clams were caught and frozen before the beds closed.

I had a pretty good plate of fried clams at the Rockport Cafe yesterday, but the place was slammed and the waitresses were busy with the first of the 'summer complaints', so I didn't ask where they came from.
Top

What is the status of clams in the Portsouth NH to Portland ME area? Are they available or is the problem noted a few months ago still an issue?

Thanks!

Conrad