Rhode Island’s Best Clam Shacks
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Yes! It’s here…one of our favorite weekends of the year. For us, the Fourth of July means the beach, and the beach means clam cakes, chowder, seafood platters, lobster rolls. Here are our picks for favorite summertime foods.
The Grand Daddy (or Mommy) of them all
Aunt Carrie's, Narragansett
We have opined in these spaces before about our love affair with Aunt Carrie's, but heck, you really can't top this Rhode Island original. The long, hot summer days led Carrie Cooper to begin selling lemonade, then chowder, then clam cakes to fellow campers and local fishermen. She turned an existing corn fritter recipe into what we know as clam cakes, and a legend was born. The same traditions started by Aunt Carrie continue today, with fresh, local seafood prepared in a myriad of ways and served to the hungry beach-going masses. All of your favorites are here including lobster – the lobster rolls are to die for –clams, scallops, fish and chips and, of course, clam cakes and chowder. Why are they tops? Consistency, for one – we’ve never had a clamcake that was too dry or too, greasy, or under- or over-cooked, or tough or chewy. They are always golden perfection. We do battle long and hard over chowder because the fairer of our union prefers the tradition of the white chowder while the gentleman loves the little bit of acidity that the tomato adds to the Manhattan clam chowder. Trust us though...you will not be disappointed with either selection. And don't forget the half-dozen clam cakes for dunking! Aunt Carrie's 1240 Ocean Rd, Narragansett, 783-7930, www.auntcarriesri.com
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Quito's Restaurant and Bar, Bristol
Tired of the same view of the Bay? One of our favorite ways to change our view is to head out to Bristol and sit overlooking the harbor while enjoying the tasty treats at Quito's. This springtime ritual has been going on for more years than we can count. But why tamper with success? At the first signs of warmth, we love to take dogs and grab some take-out and eat while enjoying the bucolic surroundings. The clam cakes are very good and not usually too greasy. The fish and shellfish are always fresh and well prepared, and the New England clam chowder is creamy and well-seasoned. What we really love are the stuffies, however. It seems like the further east you go in Rhode Island, the better the stuffies get and we can't help but think it's all that Portuguese influence from eastern Massachusetts. They're a warm and buttery way to say hello to the other side of the Bay! Quito's Restaurant and Bar, 411 Thames St, Bristol, 253-4500, www.quitosrestaurant.com
Aquidneck Island Star
Flo's Clam Shack, Middletown
Located directly across from First Beach, in Newport, Flo's has been the go-to place for great fried seafood on the island for more than 75 years. And let us be the four thousandth time you hear that it's worth the trip over the bridge! Flo's sells almost 400,000 clam cakes a year. Think about that for a second...like 33,000 dozen? Yes. And the amazing thing is the consistency with which said clam cakes come out every time. Crisp and brown and lighter than most, these babies are true Rhode Island. Flo's is also famous for their fried clams. There must be something a little different than most in the breading because these clams are super crispy and the simple tartar sauce alongside is the perfect compliment. The non-fish lovers in the crowd will love the Friday night prime rib bar and the incredible sounding Flo's combo number eight. Imagine two gourmet hot dogs served with a bottle of Moet. It's upscale...it's lowbrow...it's perfect. One down note is the use of Chesapeake Bay oysters. Get local Flo's! Flo's Clam Shack, 4 Wave Ave, Middletown, 847-8141, www.flosclamshack.net
Best Spot for Ferry Waving
George's of Galilee, Narragansett
One of our favorite summertime activities is to head down to George's, pick up some food and sit on the jetty overlooking the ocean and forget that it's 135 degrees back in the city. We don't know if it's breathing in all the salt air that makes a difference, but the food sure tastes good here. Located at the epicenter of sunburn central, George's is a cool haven for people just back from Block Island, families coming from Sand Hill Cove, or just us city dwellers looking for a respite. The fish and chips at George's is legendary: fresh, crisp and bigger than the plate. Add in the fresh tossed cole slaw, the fries and some lemon and call it a night. The upstairs deck is a great place to enjoy a frozen drink while waving to the folks coming and going on the Block Island ferry. Heck, you can even fish from the jetty for tomorrow's shore dinner at home on the grill. George's of Galilee, 250 Sand Hill Cove Rd, Narragansett, 783-2306 www.georgesofgalilee.com
Hot Town Summer in the City
Horton's Seafood, East Providence
We feel your pain. Work is slammed; kids have games and camp; you're a true Rhode Islander and the prospect of driving to the beach and back requires a hotel reservation; or you're just craving delicious clam shack favorites without the drive and the hassle. Well, leave Downcity and head to Horton's Seafood for a taste of clam shack heaven right in your own backyard. Horton's does a great job of balancing the favorites we all love with some fun and funky flavors like Mahi Mahi with ginger and pine nuts, or Tilapia with chipotle pepper and lime. Our modus operandi for Horton's is to order some chowder and clam cakes and then we split the incredible Horton's Seafood Platter. Fresh cod, shrimp, scallops and whole belly clams are fried until they're golden and served with fries, Cole slaw and tartar sauce. It is truly a mountain of food and in a pinch it's as good as any found on our south shore. It's a secret East Bay people have been keeping since 1945. Horton's Seafood, 809 Broadway, East Providence, 434-3116, www.hortonsseafood.com
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