Wayside Inn Chowder

It feels like ages since we've blogged about our quest to find the perfect chowder. It is a busy summer here on the Cape and while we've managed to get out and sample more chowder, we haven't squeezed in time to write about our findings. But the wait is worth it because we found what is, in our opinion, the best chowder to date. Practically in our own backyard, the Wild Goose Tavern at the Wayside Inn in downtown Chatham serves its chowder chock full of perfectly cooked clams, potatoes that aren't mushy, and plenty of flavor. The consistency is spot on too - not at all watery, but not so thick as to warrant a food coma after slurping down a bowl. So far, the Wild Goose Tavern has our vote for the best chowder around. But we're not quite done yet...

Captain's House Inn, Chatham, MA

The Captain's House Inn was recently highlighted in an article in the Boston Globe. Click here to read the full review.

Impudent Oyster Chowder

The Impudent Oyster is a landmark in Chatham – the ambiance is bustling and the tables are always full and hard to come by in the summer. The reason? Certainly people aren’t flocking here for the décor which is minimal and somewhat rustic. They come for the food which is consistently outstanding and draws customers back, sometimes multiple times during their vacation. With this in mind, we decided a sample of their chowder, or, as they call it “Yesterday’s Quahog Chowder,” was a must. We were surprised to find that while certainly tasty, this was not at the top of our list. The clams and potatoes were plentiful and the consistency was a bit on the creamier side, but we felt it was lacking a bit in the flavor department. With a bit of doctoring up with some salt and pepper, we did enjoy the chowder and do recommend it, particularly since the atmosphere lends itself to the chowder and beer image we all have in our minds.

Chatham Bars Inn Chowder

While one typically envisions their clam chowder dining experience as casually slurping down a bowl with a pint of beer and perhaps the Red Sox game broadcasting on the bar’s TV, we couldn’t complain about the water views and fine china that accompanied our bowl of chowder at the Chatham Bars Inn. This was certainly the most different chowder we have sampled so far. Rather than spoonfuls of chunky potatoes and tender clams, the Chatham Bars Inn version was more of a purée than chowder. Though far from what we expected, the flavors were fantastic while perhaps a bit salty for some. Sometimes, it’s best not to mess with a classic, but we think the Chatham Bars Inn did a fine job of putting a gourmet spin on a New England tradition.

Roo Bar Chowder

One might think that with a new baby our search for the perfect chowder would be put on the back burner. However, we are trying to expose Abigail to our favorite pastime of dining out well before she is actually able to enjoy anything off the menu. So, while she downed a few ounces of formula, we downed a couple cups of chowder. The Roo Bar's version is on the creamier side, but not "stick to your spoon (and ultimately your gut)" thick. While we would have preferred a few more clams, the ones that were there were cooked well and there were plenty of potatoes for a those who prefer a heartier bisque. Overall, we enjoyed the flavors, but personally prefer our chowder a little less creamy and a little more clammy!

Captain Linnell House chowder

For those of you who do not know us that well, the Captain Linnell House in Orleans, MA, is a special place for us. We were married there back in 2001 and go every year for our anniversary. This year when I opened the menu, at the top was Clam Chowder and the menu claimed it was the best. Upon arrival of their clam chowder, I received a wonderful aroma. It was nicely presented, with chives on top. No oyster crackers, but with their rolls, one does not need crackers. The chowder had a great consistency, not too thick, just the perfect creaminess. It tasted great and I was truly impressed. My biggest complaint would be the amount of clams. I would have been looking for more, but other than that, this may be the best (it is only our second entry, but it was good). The Captain Linnell House is not the type of place to go just for a bowl of chowder as it is a romantic sea captain's home, but if you are looking for good chowder and a nice meal, it is a great choice.

Abigail Helen

Once again, I fear breaking the rules of blogging. Either I do not post anything for a long, long time and lose the readership we have (we are hoping to get some clam chowder again soon) or I write something personal. I have decided to write something personal this time though. Many of you have asked to be kept in the loop in regards to the birth of our first child. Well, on April 14th, Abigail Helen was born, 6 1/2 weeks early. I am pleased to annouce that mom and Abigail are doing great. Thank you to all of you who have called and asked and kept us in your thoughts and prayers. We look forward to seeing you all soon.