Strictly speaking, a clam shack is a building of doubtful permanence built around a fry-o-later and a fridge, with windows where customers order and collect. But clam-shack cuisine is also served in shoreline restaurants several cuts above the classic shack. The fare at all of these eateries only begins with New England seacoast standards, such as scallops and schrod. Thanks to waves of immigration that began when Samuel Slater brought the Industrial Revolution from England to Pawtucket more than 200 years ago, menus also include the likes of English/Irish fish and chips, Portuguese chourico sausage and Italian clams zuppa. Add natural chowder, stuffies, doughboys, Del’s Frozen Lemonade and Gray’s ice cream — and you’ve got the Ocean State’s unique summer cuisine.
Healthy? Who said anything about healthy? Anyway, you don’t eat this stuff every day, only on the days you’ll remember when winter comes.
Washington Post, 2006. You guys. I’m so hungry right now. The only good thing about summer in Rhode Island is the freakin’ food and I WANT CLAMCAKES LIKE RIGHT NOW. Curse you, October! [shakes fist] Would anyone like to accompany me to Iggy’s? :P
