It’s so good to be firmly back in the growing season. Most farmers’ markets are open now, and CSAs are kicking into high gear. If you haven’t heard this acronym before (has it reached ubiquity yet?), CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture—a business model that allows consumers to buy shares in a farm early in […]
Amy Traverso
I recently revisited the Chatham Pier Fish Market—a small seafood shack and takeout counter (formerly known as Nickerson’s) on the town pier in Chatham, Massachusetts. In Yankee’s May/June 2011 issue, I highlighted this place as serving some of the best clam chowder in the state, and I was craving another bowl. The chowder was just […]
People often ask me where they should eat, and I enjoy solving the puzzle. Last week, I even butted into a conversation between two strangers who were contemplating an overpriced, under-performing North End restaurant. When I get the sense that people are visiting from out of town, it seems like a professional obligation to make […]
Between this beautiful stretch of weather and the gardens blooming all around us, my thoughts are turning to springtime pleasures and rhubarb and strawberry season, and then, because of the flowers, to decidedly feminine treats like afternoon tea. And we’re blessed to have many delightful tea rooms in New England. I’ve learned to stop saying […]
Here’s a fresh take on the traditional cake (and a lovely way to start someone’s birthday): a blueberry pancake cake for breakfast that’s frosted with whipped cream. I dreamed this confection up in honor of my son’s third birthday, which is today. We’ll be having a party with friends, family, and assorted preschoolers on Saturday, […]
Food
A Tart and a Riot
First, on the matter of last week’s ricotta tart, I did make it and the reviews were mixed. My Aunt Joan said, “This is good enough to make you slap your mother!” (she has collected some great Southern expressions from a Virginia-born friend). But I found the tart too sweet and one-note. I had substituted […]
Food
Easter Sweets
We have a holiday-intensive life, celebrating Passover at home and with my husband’s family, and Easter with my family. This year, we’re headed to my sister’s for Easter Sunday and my job is to do dessert–my favorite duty. Thinking about what to make, I was reminded of a journal of recipes that I started in […]
Magazine
Neptune Oyster
This tiny North End eatery serves some of the best seafood in Boston. The chowder trades the usual thickened base for a vibrant, intensely clammy broth. The secret? It’s lightly enriched with milk, cream, and potatoes and accented with a hint of oregano. 63 Salem St., Boston. 617-742-3474; neptuneoyster.com
Magazine
Kelly’s
For a place that branded itself on its meat, Kelly’s does surprisingly well with seafood. We found a sprightly, creamy broth, rich in potatoes; it’s a bit lighter on the clams, but fully aromatic and delicious. Locations in Allston, Danvers, Medford, Natick, Revere (where it all began), and Saugus. 781-233-5700; kellysroastbeef.com
Magazine
Farmer Brown’s Farm Stand
Farmer Bob Brown and his wife, Kathy, have found their true calling in the chowder they serve at this year-round market. It’s a thick, stick-to-your-ribs style, supremely creamy, but fresh and brimming with clams. 210 Maple St., Middleton. 978-774-7110; farmerbrownsfarmstand.com
Magazine
Turner Fisheries
The oyster crackers are house-made, and the stew is a hearty mixture of quahogs and cherrystones for intense clam flavor. A light hand with the flour keeps the chowder saucy, not gloppy. Westin Copley Place, 10 Huntington Ave., Boston. 617-424-7425; turnersboston.com
Magazine
The Bite
Between the creamy chowder, stuffed with chopped quahogs and accented with sweet onions, and the sunset views over the harbor, this little shingled Martha’s Vineyard shack draws a hungry crowd during peak season. 29 Basin Road, Menemsha. 508-645-9239; thebitemenemsha.com