May 20, 2005
Clams and More Clams
If we have something of a contest going on here to find the finest example of fried clams, I think I’ve come upon the best in our area so far. Not only are the clams perfectly cooked but the waterfront setting in which they are served is an added bonus.
It’s our very own Falmouth Sea Grill. I went there for lunch yesterday and had the fried clam platter, which is served with French fries and Cole slaw. These were Casco Bay clams--fresh, moist and utterly delicious. The highly seasoned fries are great and the Sea Grill’s Cole slaw is a good one too.
I was with a friend who loves fried clams. She eats them all the time and still manages to maintain her perfect slim figure with the gift of an amenable metabolism.
The Falmouth Sea Grill is what it does best: serving plainly prepared seafood in an an easy neighborhood setting on the water. I find that their fancier dishes aren’t as appealing as the straightforward platters of grilled, baked or fried fish.
We both had ordered the clam platterr. My friend thought that these clams were almost as good as the ones served at Pier 77 in Cape Porpoise.
Pier 77 is actually one of my favorite restaurants in southern Maine. Its waterfront setting on the harbor is beautiful, and the restaurant itself has a great looking space, serving really fine food that chef/ owner Peter Morency and his wife Kate tend to perfectly. Whenever I’m there I’ve overlooked the clams in favor of more ambitious fare from the menu.
Yet simple dishes prepared by a gifted chef can be elevated to exalted status. And I’ll try the clams the next time I’m there.
It’s interesting how each place prepares their clams differently. From lobster shacks to fine restaurants, the manner in which these are done are often poles apart.
To me what qualifies as a good example is the freshness and juiciness of the clams that still maintain high flavor after emerging from the deep-fryer. The preference for either a batter or breadcrumb coating is an individual choice, too. I prefer the bread coating because it's lighter. Yet when they’re batter dipped and done well it’s also appealing.
The subject of fried clams that I’ve written about here has drawn lots of reader comments. Keep them coming and let us all know about your favorite places.
E-mail this entry to a friend
What about Newick's? That's probably where I've eaten the most fried clams around the Portland area. The portion is huge and the clams seem fresh enough. But it doesn't offer the view you seek...
Posted by
Scott HerseyMay 20, 2005 09:33 AM
I went to Newicks once and have never returned
Posted by
John GoldenMay 20, 2005 06:03 PM
The best fried clams in Southern Maine are at Bob's Clam Hut in Kittery.THe next time you're shopping the Kittery Outlets stop at Bobs.
Posted by
JaneMay 21, 2005 08:04 AM
Kelly's-Revere Beach (ma)
Bob's has good clams, but great scallops
Posted by revere girl
May 23, 2005 02:53 PM
Angler's in Searsport is a favorite. Long drive from Portland area but a great place to stop on way to Acadia.
Posted by
May 23, 2005 03:37 PM
I went to Huot's at Camp Ellis Beach in Saco. Their clam roll is so packed with clams that you couldn't even see the roll until you consumed the first 5. they're made with a double crust of batter, then dipped in bread crumbs and fried. Not bad, but a bit heavy
Posted by
John GoldenMay 24, 2005 08:35 AM
I love Cindy's on Route One, Freeport. Food is great and the people wonderful. Check it out this summer
Posted by
KimMay 24, 2005 09:00 AM
I don't know Cindy's. Is it before the shopping area?
Posted by
John GoldenMay 24, 2005 12:11 PM
I gotta second Bob's in Kittery. All of their fried items are done ever so lightly. And don't miss the onion rings.
Posted by Bob's Fan
May 24, 2005 12:18 PM
For anyone who has never tried the fried clams at the Clam Shack in Kennebunkport, I would VERY HIGHLY recommend. I have tried clams in at least 500 different places and these are by far the very best I've had.
Not cheap, though.
Posted by
DaveMay 24, 2005 07:14 PM
We're from the Big Island of Hawaii (formally from South Porland) and the the best fried clams my husband, Jason, claimes comes from Scales in the Portland Market Place. he said that you just cant beat the taste and the price! I just love Maine's seafood!
Posted by
Grace ArmstrongMay 25, 2005 07:23 PM
I had some clams there the other day. They are great. The food in general is really good.
Posted by
John GoldenMay 26, 2005 07:12 AM
Have to agree w/ John about the Clams and the Falmouth Sea Grill in general.
John,
This may sound strange, but by happenstance I ended up at Free Range Lobster Pound on Commercial St to pick up some early season Lobsters for out of town guests. They now have a pick-up window for fried seafood and the like. I must say I was pleasantly surprised w/ a pint of whole bellies that can compete w/ any in the state. Not much for ambience, but try some for lunch, you won't be disappointed.
Posted by MJ
May 26, 2005 10:41 AM
Best place by far in Portland, Maine to get fried clams is Susans Fish N Chips on Forest Ave. They were even mentioned in Gourmet Magazine.
Posted by zach
July 14, 2005 01:13 PM
Just got a shipment of lobster, clams, mussells, crabs, cherry stones from Gilmores in Bath. Lived at Portsmouth 4 yrs in Air Force - loved the seafood. Can't get the full bellied clams to come up to par with the Bob's Clamshack at the "Port". Any recipes? The other seafood is easy - with a little Zatarains, and other seasonings. Thanks and enjoy! Ky Redneck seafood lover.
Posted by
MichaelOctober 13, 2005 10:22 PM
Post a comment
Blog Index
Subscribe
Questions/Comments
