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seek clambake around Boston on Oct 24

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ARC - 29 Jun 2009 19:28 GMT
We are planning to do some sightseeing in Boston on the weekend of October
24.
We particularly interested in clambake in Boston areas.
Since we never been to a clambake, we would like to see and eat in this
event. Your advice please.
- Bobb - - 29 Jun 2009 20:09 GMT
> We are planning to do some sightseeing in Boston on the weekend of October
> 24.
> We particularly interested in clambake in Boston areas.
> Since we never been to a clambake, we would like to see and eat in this
> event. Your advice please.

Generally a clambake is a catered event or arranged my a bunch of
family,friends.  Like here: http://www.smokeyslci.com/clambakes.html (
October is a bit chilly I'd say).  It's not something that ' occurs everyday
' that you pay admission to participate.  Having said that, is there
something in particular you are looking to eat ? do ?
Here's a bunch of good spots in the area:
http://www.wmur.com/travelgetaways/18810600/detail.html
ARC - 01 Jul 2009 03:07 GMT
> Generally a clambake is a catered event or arranged my a bunch of
> family,friends.  Like here: http://www.smokeyslci.com/clambakes.html (
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> Here's a bunch of good spots in the area:
> http://www.wmur.com/travelgetaways/18810600/detail.html

Bob, OK, in that list do you recommend any of these?
The Barking Crab, 88 Sleeper St., Boston, MA; 617/426-2722. Start with the
spicy calamari, then proceed to the clambake. (1998)
No Name Restaurant, 15 _ Fish Pier, Boston, MA; 617/423-2705. Seafood right
off the boat. Ask for the broiled seafood platter. (1998)
A & J Clambake Co  20 Aberdeen St, Boston, MA  (617) 236-1829
GGGG - 01 Jul 2009 15:17 GMT
The Barking Crab
>> Generally a clambake is a catered event or arranged my a bunch of
>> family,friends.  Like here: http://www.smokeyslci.com/clambakes.html (
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> off the boat. Ask for the broiled seafood platter. (1998)
> A & J Clambake Co  20 Aberdeen St, Boston, MA  (617) 236-1829

ARC,
You didn't say - what are you looking for ... atmosphere, shellfish, raw,
fried , cheap, history etc.
Whether or not you like raw oysters, someplace you SHOULD go is "Union
Oyster House", even just to play tourist.  IT is the oldest continually
operating restaurant in the United States.and hasn't changed in ~250 years.
AND if it's a really hot late afternoon , the smell of fish for sale on the
sidewalk around the corner is something that you won't soon forget.
http://www.unionoysterhouse.com/
http://local.yahoo.com/info-10146802-ye-olde-union-oyster-house-boston?tab=revie
ws#reviews


Nearby, In Quincy Market:
http://www.durgin-park.com
http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-10152177R
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Durgin+Park
"The food is old-fashioned, and nobody gets celebrity treatment; in fact,
nobody is even treated very nicely! "
http://www.roadfood.com/Restaurant/Review/320-320/durgin-park
Part of the "charm" is the way that waitstaff treats you. Don't take
offense - it is supposed to be funny when the waitress asks " What do you
want? You expect me to go all the way back there just to get you some
ketchup ?..."

I haven't been downtown to eat in years ( plenty of good seafood on the
North Shore of Boston), so can't be specific on your picks as of 2009. In
the past few years there has been a lot of changes to traditional ( a.k.a. -
OLD) restaurants in town. The NoName USED to be "something to see" ( like
Filene's Basement). It was just a door on a large building ( hence the
name - " No Name" ) and you BYOB,  but it was all done over and is now
housed in a modern building with modern menu, no BYOB etc. Still good , but
no longer "something to see".  James Hook burned down a few years ago, so
the 60 years of "traditional " ( aka slime) was wiped away, as well as the
"something to see" effect.

the Phantom Gourmet is a local TV show that reviews lots of restaurants
around here:
Here are the recent " Great 8 Boston Legends"
http://www.phantomgourmet.com/Showpage.aspx?content=GreatAteDetails&greatateid=1031
Here ARE several places to read recent reviews:

http://local.yahoo.com/?csz=Boston+MA
http://www.bostonmagazine.com/restaurants_2009/index.html
http://www.yelp.com/c/boston/seafood
And at those sites, you CAN look up reviews - often with links to restaurant
website/menu.
like:
http://www.dailycatch.com/blackboard.html

http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-daily-catch-boston?rpp=40&sort_by=rating_desc
http://www.bostonmagazine.com/restaurants/detail/barking_crab
http://barkingcrab.com/

http://www.bostonmagazine.com/restaurants/detail/no_name_restaurant
ARC - 03 Jul 2009 18:38 GMT
> ARC,
> You didn't say - what are you looking for ... atmosphere, shellfish, raw,
[quoted text clipped - 50 lines]
>
> http://www.bostonmagazine.com/restaurants/detail/no_name_restaurant

Bobb, thank you for your detail Boston restaurant write up. Much thanks.
Please let me show you what I am looking for.
For years when I visited Seattle, I always tried to visit the Crab Pot. That
was great.
From your list, I fancy The Legal Sea Foods, Famous Altantic Fish Company &
Turner Fisheries. Which one of these would you recommend. Thank you.
MI - 03 Jul 2009 22:16 GMT
On 7/3/09 10:38 AM, in article err3m.4172$Rb6.1080@flpi147.ffdc.sbc.com,

>> ARC,
>> You didn't say - what are you looking for ... atmosphere, shellfish, raw,
[quoted text clipped - 59 lines]
> From your list, I fancy The Legal Sea Foods, Famous Altantic Fish Company &
> Turner Fisheries. Which one of these would you recommend. Thank you.

I can't respond to other than the Legal Sea Foods. I went there for dinner
when I was in Boston 4 years ago. I mentioned I was allergic to shrimps. The
server called the manager who explained to me exactly what they were willing
to serve me. (It had to be grilled.) I have never encountered such care in
any other restaurant. I was most impressed. I didn't have the clambake but I
had among the best oysters Rockefeller I have ever eaten. My husband said
the clam chowder was the best he had in Boston. So I can recommend the
quality of the food.
Signature

Martha Canada
.

MLD - 03 Jul 2009 22:47 GMT
>> ARC,
>> You didn't say - what are you looking for ... atmosphere, shellfish, raw,
[quoted text clipped - 57 lines]
> From your list, I fancy The Legal Sea Foods, Famous Altantic Fish Company
> & Turner Fisheries. Which one of these would you recommend. Thank you.
Legal's is an expensive tourist trap.  High prices, small portions. You can
do a lot better elsewhere.
MLD
MLD - 01 Jul 2009 15:23 GMT
>> Generally a clambake is a catered event or arranged my a bunch of
>> family,friends.  Like here: http://www.smokeyslci.com/clambakes.html (
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> off the boat. Ask for the broiled seafood platter. (1998)
> A & J Clambake Co  20 Aberdeen St, Boston, MA  (617) 236-1829

Go for the "No Name"--Right on the waterfront--not fancy, no ambience but
the food is fresh and good.  There is a free parking lot.   While not as
convenient, you can get also there either by walking or using public
transportation.
MLD
ARC - 02 Jul 2009 21:55 GMT
> Go for the "No Name"--Right on the waterfront--not fancy, no ambience but
> the food is fresh and good.  There is a free parking lot.   While not as
> convenient, you can get also there either by walking or using public
> transportation.
> MLD

Seafood. Clambake. Lobster...etc. for us Californians to enjoy, other things
secondary.
- Bobb - - 07 Jul 2009 05:07 GMT
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/chronicle-video/19310829/

"Main Streets, Back Roads Mass North Coast: Segment Three"

However, without a car, I would not spend a day (getting there and back). Other than seafood it's only ' antiques for sale '.  AND you'd be there in off-season. Watch the video.

I'd go to Durgin Park in town - it's "something to see" AND near tourist sites
http://www.durgin-park.com/web/Menu/tabid/54/Default.aspx

then "Ye Olde Union Oyster House " also near Quincy Market.
Even if NOT hungry for oysters - it is something to see ( AND smell ).

http://www.unionoysterhouse.com/Pages/newmenu.html
PeterL - 29 Jun 2009 21:18 GMT
> We are planning to do some sightseeing in Boston on the weekend of October
> 24.
> We particularly interested in clambake in Boston areas.
> Since we never been to a clambake, we would like to see and eat in this
> event. Your advice please.

http://tinyurl.com/lpsx48
K - 30 Jun 2009 01:36 GMT
> We are planning to do some sightseeing in Boston on the weekend of
> October 24.
> We particularly interested in clambake in Boston areas.
> Since we never been to a clambake, we would like to see and eat in
> this event. Your advice please.

Hi ARC -

Clambake refers to both a certain meal (steamed clams, lobster,
corn-on-the-cob) and also to an event called a clambake (or lobster bake, or
shore dinner).  The events are usually staged outside and in sight of water
if not right on a beach.  There are caterers who specialize in the events,
and many are run as fundraisers for civic groups, schools, churches, etc.
They are hugely popular, but I would be surprised if you found one of those
in late October.

However, any seafood restaurant will have lobster and steamers on the menu.
If the place you choose doesn't have an actual 'clambake' menu item, go
ahead and create your own.  Steamers will be with the appetizers, lobsters
among the entrees, and corn with the sides.

One more thought:  There are many dinner cruises in Boston Harbor, and you
might well find a clambake cruise among them.

enjoy
Keith
ARC - 01 Jul 2009 03:06 GMT
> among the entrees, and corn with the sides.
>
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> enjoy
> Keith

Keith, we would very much enjoy a clambake cruise in Boston Harbor. Can you
please recommend one that you like?
K - 01 Jul 2009 19:47 GMT
I didn't mean I knew of any particular dinner boat, just that it seemed
likely that there would be some, and there are, but they only seem to offer
clambakes from Memorial Day to Labor Day.  You could still call a few,
because what the offer and what they can deliver are two different things.

http://www.bing.com/search?q=cruise+boston+harbor+clambake&form=IE8SRC&src=IE-Se
archBox


Another thought is to get a bit out of Boston and up to Essex (serviced by T
and short cab ride).  Woodman's is the name of the most popular place there,
but there are several several good seafood places within arms length.
Woodmans has a catering arm that specialized in clambakes, but don't offer
one by name from their menu.  They do have steamers, corn-on-the-cob and
boiled lobster, so just create your own.

Woodman's menu: http://www.woodmans.com/restaurant/menus.cfm

While I doubt they'll be open that late in the season, this little place has
often surprised us in very-late September.  If they don't have a boat going
(or seats available) they'll do your clambake right on their dock.

essex cruises: http://www.essexcruises.com/

Gloucester T station:
http://maps.google.com/maps?rls=com.microsoft:en-us&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=glo
ucester+ma+t+station&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&view=text&latlng=4030573441367649442


http://local.gloucestertimes.com/essex+ma/taxis.zq.html

You'll probably have luck using the above, but if all else fails you can go
through some menus.  You're looking for boiled lobster, steamed clams, and
corn-on-the-cob. Actually, I just looked at a few menus, and Legal Seafood
(a chain) offers a Lobster Bake, which adds a bowl of chowder.

http://boston.menupages.com/

Have fun in Boston,
Keith

>> among the entrees, and corn with the sides.
>>
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> Keith, we would very much enjoy a clambake cruise in Boston Harbor.
> Can you please recommend one that you like?
ARC - 03 Jul 2009 18:51 GMT
>I didn't mean I knew of any particular dinner boat, just that it seemed
>likely that there would be some, and there are, but they only seem to offer
[quoted text clipped - 40 lines]
>>> enjoy
>>> Keith

Keith, thank you very much. We are interested to tried the Woodman's or any
other clambake restaurants. Can you please tell me what you mean by going to
Essex from Boston by the "T"? Do you mean by train (or Subway)?
Also, in Woodman's menu, their menu shows "Down River" Combo at $24.95. Is
this what you mean the clambake? Or, are these just oil fried food?
Mark Brader - 03 Jul 2009 19:35 GMT
Keith Blakeslee:
> > Another thought is to get a bit out of Boston and up to Essex (serviced by
> > T and short cab ride).  Woodman's is the name of the most popular place
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
> >
> > http://local.gloucestertimes.com/essex+ma/taxis.zq.html

A.R.C.:
> Can you please tell me what you mean by going to
> Essex from Boston by the "T"? Do you mean by train (or Subway)?

"T" in Boston often means the subway, but it's short for MBTA, which
operates the whole transit system and the suburban commuter trains.
In this case Keith is talking about a commuter train, which only runs
every couple of hours.  See <http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail>.
Signature

Mark Brader, Toronto | "E-mail is idiot-proof.  (I know this because I have
msb@vex.net          |  received E-mail from idiots.)"   -- Beppi Crosariol

My text in this article is in the public domain.

K - 03 Jul 2009 22:10 GMT
> Keith Blakeslee:
>>> Another thought is to get a bit out of Boston and up to Essex
[quoted text clipped - 29 lines]
> every couple of hours.  See
> <http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail>.

The inbound schedule is hourly or better most of the day.  Outbound from
Boston, the sched is erratic, but it is commuter rail, and from rush hr
until late evening the schedule is again hourly or better.  Woodmans servers
their full menu from lunchtime on,

One thing I never thought to ask ARC is if they'll have a car.  A car in
Boston is no fun even if you really know your way around.  However, a day
not paying for parking in Boston should easily cover the cost for gas out to
Essex (about 35 mi each way), and a few of those lobsters.

Keith
ARC - 07 Jul 2009 01:32 GMT
> "T" in Boston often means the subway, but it's short for MBTA, which
> operates the whole transit system and the suburban commuter trains.
> In this case Keith is talking about a commuter train, which only runs
> every couple of hours.  See <http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail>.

Mark, thanks.
Looking at the MBTA, we can take the Rockport line to Gloucester to go to
Woodman's and try their clambake? No, we are not planning to have a car.
My impression of Boston many years ago on traffic was difficult to navigate.
K - 03 Jul 2009 21:38 GMT
>>>> Keith
>
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> $24.95. Is this what you mean the clambake? Or, are these just oil
> fried food?

Yes, the Boston Metro system is called the 'T' and stations are marked with
a stylized 'T' symbol.  I believe the best terminal for Woodman's is West
Gloucester.  It's still run by the MBTA, but as commuter rail service, not
subway service.  You'd take the Newburyport/Rockport line out of Boston,
then get off at Gloucester West station.  You may have to arrange in advance
for a cab up to Woodmans, but it's only about 3 scenic miles away.  All
trains going in that direction originate at Boston's North Station.

As for the menu, you'll have to create your own clambake.  Order steamers
for an appetizer, and select your lobster while they cook your steamers.

If you haven't eaten steamers before, there is a how-to here
http://www.newenglandtravelplanner.com/details/food_drink/eat_clams.html
There is also a video here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQ_GB9MP52A

If your group are true seafood lovers, you'll want a lot of steamers.  Our
family of four gets them by the peck and there are never leftovers.  If this
is your first experience, you may want to try a smaller order and hold the
lobsters until you see how the steamers go over, leaving time to order more
steamers.  As a note: in the video the lady leaves the best part of the clam
stuck to the shell.  It's a good idea to get the entire meat of the clam out
using a spoon, then pull the foreskin off and start dipping.

My wife reminds me that we'll be in the area for a week in September.  If
you think to remind me through this board before you leave, I'll let you
know if we've discovered any thrilling new places.

Keith
MLD - 03 Jul 2009 23:07 GMT
>>>>> Keith
>>
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
> miles away.  All trains going in that direction originate at Boston's
> North Station.

SNIP>>>
Don't even think of going out this way by public transportation.  It's not
convenient and the above sounds easier than actually doing it.  You need to
be able to drive there.  In that area there are other good seafood
restaurants--for example:  In Ipswich there is the Clam Box.
http://www.ipswichma.com/clambox/

Then one known only to to locals  "The Causeway" in Gloucester
http://www.capeannweb.com/menus/causeway.htm
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g41580-d861438-Reviews-Causeway_Res
taurant-Gloucester_Cape_Ann_Massachusetts.html


Another thing to consider if you have a place to eat--Local market "Market
Basket" sells live lobsters (pick the one you want out of the tank) and will
steam them for you.  Price the other day was $4.99 lb
From any one of these you can drive around the area to look around,
Gloucester etc
MLD.
K - 05 Jul 2009 01:35 GMT
>>>>>> Keith
>>>
[quoted text clipped - 32 lines]
> Gloucester etc
> MLD.

I tend to agree with MLD that Legal Seafood is touristy, and nobody can
disagree that it's a chain.  It started out as a decent place over in
Cambridge, and was still good when they opened a new place in Back Bay -
they had the same sources, separate menus, and all was well.  It's when they
spread out to the airport, then other airports, then to however many places
there are around the country that things went awry.  The exact same thing
happened with Boston Market.  They started out with chicken that they did
really well, and gave you great helpings of good sides (like real mashed
potatoes), all for a good price.  Then they added ham and meatloaf and other
things, and were bought out by McDonalds in the process, and the only tie to
the original is the name.  The chicken is just okay, and most other things
aren't.

Same with Legal.  Clams are foreign substances in a lot of their new markets
(as are most of the things on the menu) so they went from fresh to frozen.
Cream is hard to store, so they substitute flour (maybe corn starch) in
their chowder, and so on down the line.  The downside is this:  even their
'home office', which I believe is in the same building in Cambridge, has to
serve the neutralized stuff they had to come up with to go nationwide.

There are a lot of 'old-line' Boston seafood restaurants that aren't what
they once were.  The No-Name used to be great for roughing it ... more like
an indoor picnic than a restaurant, but great food for cheap.  Somebody
bought it, and now it may be a bit shinier, but the food is mediocre and
definitely not cheap.  Anthony's Pier 1 is another of those.  High priced
frozen dinners, I think.

If you're a patient person, and have no grudge against the Red Sox, the
Boston Globe http://www.boston.com/ has a good food and restaurant section,
and possibly an archive.  The paper is on and off the list for extinction,
so do your digging now, but every professional review allows personal ones,
and Boston is a vocal place.

I don't know why MLD finds the train to Gloucester difficult.  You get on,
you get off, just like any other train.  Just make sure you're where you
want to be at each end.  Thousands do it every day.

This thread started with the OP looking for a clambake meal, and I've tried
to stick with that.  Gloucester is definitely a fishing town, but it's also
a city of Portuguese immigrants, and the Portuguese offer skills with
seafood like no other.  For a fabulous Portuguese meal, take the train one
more stop to the Gloucester station.  If it's dinnerime, just follow your
nose to the Azorean.  If not, ask, but it's right there.

The Causeway can be great, but probably won't be in October when the summer
crowds are gone.  When the customers are thick, they keep their oil hot and
fresh, but when the crowds go I think they re-use it, and are willing to
toss a meal in before the oil is ready for it.  And it's hardly a
locals-only place.  Maybe in winter, but the rest of the year, it's all
tourists.  It's their advertising that says 'Where the locals go'
ARC - 08 Jul 2009 18:43 GMT
>  I don't know why MLD finds the train to Gloucester difficult.  You get
> on, you get off, just like any other train.  Just make sure you're where
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> a locals-only place.  Maybe in winter, but the rest of the year, it's all
> tourists.  It's their advertising that says 'Where the locals go'

Keith, we found MBTA train to Gloucester @ Rockport line very interesting.
Can you please recommend a great seafood (preferable clambake NE type) place
for us Californians to try? Probably best if it is walking distance from
train station. Reading Causeway's dinner menu and Clam Box of Ipswich, their
seafood are deep fried or pasta. We have plent of these run of the mill type
of fish & chip here in Clifornia, This clambake video this is something we
wish to experience:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5426647899697200763&ei=8p1PStK9O4GwqAPt1
akx&q=clambake&hl=en&emb=1&client=firefox-a

also, for examples, we think this grilled Portuguese Sardines are great, and
we have been trying to find here in California too
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VJCvgFAFMM
K - 08 Jul 2009 21:51 GMT
>>  I don't know why MLD finds the train to Gloucester difficult.  You
>> get on, you get off, just like any other train.  Just make sure
[quoted text clipped - 27 lines]
> great, and we have been trying to find here in California too
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VJCvgFAFMM

To reply to your last question first, the Azorean has grilled sardines and
peppers, and there is a place in Cambridge (Atasca, I think) that is noted
for them.

As for clambakes, I doubt that you'll find a 'real' one in late October, but
any lobster place probably has the proper ingredients on their menu.
Woodman's is still your best bet up Gloucester way, but Essex Seafood has
food that is as good.  It's just that Woodman's has what you're looking for,
and if you chance upon a warm afternoon, there are outside tables that
overlook a beautiful salt marsh.  Don't let the cab ride frighten you, it's
just a few minutes through a pretty and charming area.

Keith
ARC - 08 Jul 2009 18:43 GMT
>  I don't know why MLD finds the train to Gloucester difficult.  You get
> on, you get off, just like any other train.  Just make sure you're where
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> a locals-only place.  Maybe in winter, but the rest of the year, it's all
> tourists.  It's their advertising that says 'Where the locals go'

Keith, we found MBTA train to Gloucester @ Rockport line very interesting.
Can you please recommend a great seafood (preferable clambake NE type) place
for us Californians to try? Probably best if it is walking distance from
train station.
Reading Causeway's dinner menu, the seafood entree are deep fried or pasta?
That is not what we call good seafood, isn't it?
K - 08 Jul 2009 22:16 GMT
>>  I don't know why MLD finds the train to Gloucester difficult.  You
>> get on, you get off, just like any other train.  Just make sure
[quoted text clipped - 21 lines]
> Reading Causeway's dinner menu, the seafood entree are deep fried or
> pasta? That is not what we call good seafood, isn't it?

People like what they like.  I'm personally not nuts about lobster, but my
family loves them.  The Portuguese restaurants always have a dish that
combines clams and pork, and I love things like that.  To me, there's no
finer meal than a dozen iced Blue Point Oysters followed by a plate of fat
Ipswich fried clams.

Fried seafood is as ubiquitous to New England as Fried Chicken is to parts
of the South, and good fry-pots are known far and wide.
- Bobb - - 09 Jul 2009 18:09 GMT
>>>  I don't know why MLD finds the train to Gloucester difficult.  You
>>> get on, you get off, just like any other train.  Just make sure
[quoted text clipped - 30 lines]
> Fried seafood is as ubiquitous to New England as Fried Chicken is to parts
> of the South, and good fry-pots are known far and wide.

Heads Up - except for steamers, Woodman's is ALL fried seafood.
http://www.woodmans.com/restaurant.cfm
BTW - if you want to do the cooking, they'll "ship a clambake to you".
http://www.woodmans.com/store/

Across the street is their newly revamped "fancy restaurant" where you can
get broiled - much more $$$ though.

Others nearby also - just as good
http://www.visitessexma.com/essex_ma_pg/restaurants.html
JT Farnhams- down the street. etc
http://www.wedigclams.com/Menus.cfm
ARC - 09 Jul 2009 20:25 GMT
> Across the street is their newly revamped "fancy restaurant" where you can
> get broiled - much more $$$ though.
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> JT Farnhams- down the street. etc
> http://www.wedigclams.com/Menus.cfm

Bob, thank you. Do you happened to have JT Franhams' menu?
Village Restaurant has baked & grill seafood, which is good.
- Bobb - - 11 Jul 2009 00:50 GMT
>> Across the street is their newly revamped "fancy restaurant" where you
>> can get broiled - much more $$$ though.
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>>
> Bob, thank you. Do you happened to have JT Farnhams' menu?
They just did the place over, so this MIGHT be dated:
( I did a google search for "essex,ma menu" and scrolled down to Farnham)
http://www.takeouttonight.com/menus/massachusetts/essex/01929/farnhams%20j%20&%2
0t's%20seafood%20&%20grill_9787686643/dinner/index.html


> Village Restaurant has baked & grill seafood, which is good.

It now seems like you're going to ESSEX and not downtown ?
more info:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/447425#3003047
http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/clam-central-usa/sidebar/1/print

a local restaurant show is called "Phantom Gourmet"
Go here:
http://www.phantomgourmet.com/showpage.aspx?content=searchrestaurants
and choose your categories, areas and you'll see shops that have been
reviewed. It's a casual show so not like Zagat's but you'll get an idea if
shop is listed. Do a search for ' lobster ' and you'll see feedback like: "
YES! I had the lobster mac & cheese there ....and it almost brought a tear
to my eye....YES! it was that good. If a big guy from Dorchester could ever
have a Meg Ryan moment....that was probably it ".

http://forums.phantomgourmet.com/forums/search.aspx?adv=1
enter your search term then scroll thru messages beneath categories.

I'd say you've got enough info now to write a book about seafood shacks in
New England.
Good Luck.
K - 10 Jul 2009 01:38 GMT
>> People like what they like.  I'm personally not nuts about lobster,
>> but my family loves them.  The Portuguese restaurants always have a
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
> JT Farnhams- down the street. etc
> http://www.wedigclams.com/Menus.cfm

I beg your pardon, but Woodman's has a huge lobster pot, and they steam and
boil lobsters all day, every day.  Look at your own link and tell me what
those steaming red things are if not lobsters.  Farnham's is a great place
for fish fry, but all they do is fried, as does the Clam Box.  A clambake
has nothing fried or broiled.

The OP is looking for a clambake, which is kind of a misnomer because it
refers to a meal that is entirely steamed.  He won't likely find that beach
experience in late October, so I've been trying to give him alternatives
where he can find the same food minus the sand.
- Bobb - - 11 Jul 2009 00:12 GMT
>>> People like what they like.  I'm personally not nuts about lobster,
>>> but my family loves them.  The Portuguese restaurants always have a
[quoted text clipped - 21 lines]
> and boil lobsters all day, every day.  Look at your own link and tell me
> what those steaming red things are if not lobsters.

My context was referring to a piece of fish ( cited earlier in the message)

" >>> Fried seafood is as ubiquitous to New England as Fried Chicken is to
>>> parts of the South"

> Farnham's is a great place for fish fry, but all they do is fried, as does
> the Clam Box.  A clambake has nothing fried or broiled.
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> beach experience in late October, so I've been trying to give him
> alternatives where he can find the same food minus the sand.
ARC - 12 Jul 2009 21:58 GMT
> I beg your pardon, but Woodman's has a huge lobster pot, and they steam
> and boil lobsters all day, every day.  Look at your own link and tell me
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> beach experience in late October, so I've been trying to give him
> alternatives where he can find the same food minus the sand.

Thank you Keith. Yes, now we understand. "Steamer" are the experience we
Californians does not have much of. Fried stuff are planty.
Andy - 21 Jul 2009 02:16 GMT
>> I beg your pardon, but Woodman's has a huge lobster pot, and they steam
>> and boil lobsters all day, every day.  Look at your own link and tell me
>> what those steaming red things are if not lobsters.  Farnham's is a great
>> place for fish fry, but all they do is fried, as does the Clam Box.  A
>> clambake has nothing fried or broiled.

Keith, can you please tell me exactly how to order steamer at Woodman's?
Thanks.
K - 21 Jul 2009 21:44 GMT
>>> I beg your pardon, but Woodman's has a huge lobster pot, and they
>>> steam and boil lobsters all day, every day.  Look at your own link
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> Keith, can you please tell me exactly how to order steamer at
> Woodman's? Thanks.

Sure.  It's really simple.

1.   Go to Woodman's
2.  Ask for either a large or small order of steamers.

Here is the everyday menu - steamers are in the box at bottom right.
http://www.woodmans.com/restaurant/menus.cfm   Specials and daily pricing
are on the blackboards.

Keith
 
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