The way tried and true New Englanders see it, there’s but one way to conjure up true clam chowder. It’s concocted with cream, maybe milk. It’s suffused with clams, potatoes and onions. Then comes the differentiation, the way one dish demarks itself from the competition. The secret is in the selection and apportionment of spices, bacon and sherry.
The New England varieties of clam chowder tend to be soothing, with just enough snap to keep things interesting. There are plenty of places in Boston to get good clam chowder. Here are three of them:
- Most folks don’t immediately think of a hotel when they thing great cuisine. A trip to the Hyatt Harborside Grill in Boston will disabuse you of that notion. The chowder here is superb, and the view sublime. This grill specializes in fresh New England seafood. A bowl of clam chowder, some fresh bread for the dipping and a glass of chardonnay doth a meal make. The place copped second place in the city’s 31st Annual Chowderfest.
- First place honors in the same competition went to Anthem Kitchen + Bar, a fixture at Faneuil Hall. A cup of the chunky creation will run you $6. A full bowl of this consummate chowder costs but three dollars more. A nice complement to the dish is one of Anthem’s wood-grilled flat bread pizzas.
- You can’t talk about New England clam chowder without paying homage to Legal Sea Foods. There is a pair of Boston locations: Long Warf, just steps form the New England Aquarium, and the Harborside site. The latter is within easy waling distance of the Institute of Contemporary Art and the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.
New England clam chowder is anything but frivolous food. It’s stick-to-your-soul good – warming, good for you and nostalgic.
(Image: Simon Shek)
