Clams Casino illustration by Baked Clams Casino
by Celia Sin-Tien Cheng
March 5, 2009
Growing up in Taipei, my family visited the Grand Hotel Members Club monthly. The restaurants were not exceptional, but I always looked forward to one dish: baked clams casino (baked clams on the half shell topped with bacon bits, bread crumbs and butter). To this day, I have not found clams casino as tasty as the ones I grew up on. Ironic, since the dish is an American creation, as I learned in the Winter 2009 issue of Gastronomica. An article by Lynne M. Olver, “The Truth about Clams Casino,” traces its history and the possible influences that brought about the dish. It brought me back to my childhood and reminded me that I need to find some good clams casino in the City. Do you know of any?
Comments (2)
Mar 5, 02:27 PM
Unfortunately I don’t have any tips for finding good clams casino in the city, but I will share with you a seriously GREAT spot for clams oreganata — however, it’s across the river in Hoboken, NJ. If you’re serious about fresh clams (on the half shell, oreganata, fried clam strips, etc.-can prob even request clams casino), the short commute might be worth it for you! It’s an institution! Here’s my severely inadequate post about Biggie’s Clam Bar: http://devourthis.typepad.com/devour_this/2009/03/feast-at-biggies.html
Renee Marton
Mar 6, 09:38 AM
Hi Celia,
You probably don’t remember, but we met at Andy Smith’s culinary history class.
I have had very good clams casino at Gene’s on 11th street near 6th avenue.
Sometimes they are better than others, but they are still always good.
let me know what you think!
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