The Martha's Vineyard Clambake Experience |
Clambakes for togetherness
A traditional New England Clambake isn't just a meal, it's an event- a social gathering that doubles as a very popular (and tasty) way to feed groups of people, whether it be a wedding party, a corporate event, a family reunion or simply a romantic evening for two. The hands-on eating lends itself to a casual atmosphere which makes it a terrific ice breaker when meeting new people (just don't lick your fingers before shaking hands). Plainly put, clambakes are fun! and summer’s approach is the perfect moment to get the water boiling.
Where to hold a clambake
Traditional clambakes were held at the beach as the food was cooked over a steady fire. Nowadays local laws prohibit beach fires so clambakes are often prepared over a more efficient propane burner, but the traditional atmosphere still exists. While beach clambakes are great for scenery and can accommodating large crowds, having a rain or shine clambake at your house or event location provides a less weather-dependent alternative on Martha's Vineyard. It also eliminates the need for beach permit applications. Guests often appreciate comfort amenities, i.e. restrooms, so it's important to remember not to invite more people than the location can accommodate. Tent rentals on Martha's Vineyard can be a good option expanding your clambake. These companies also provide tables, chairs, dishes, linens and cutlery for hire.
Smaller clambakes
You don' t need a beach or a big crowd to hold a clambake. Mac Cook from Bill Smith's Martha's Vineyard Clambake suggests a "clambake to-go" for smaller parties, and for good reason: The food's pretty much prepared. Just pick up the goods and with a few preparations your clambake is ready to go.
The fixins'
What foods are included in a clambake can vary. Some folks like to serve quahogs (hard shelled clams) before the main course. Others prefer steamers (soft shelled clams) dipped in butter and their own salty broth to start. Mussels too can be an additional or alternative shellfish and some folks like o get fancy and serve shrimp as well. Accompaniments traditionally include corn on the cob, potatoes, salads, slaws and cornbread. For dessert, nothing trumps ice cream especially if you have the wherewithal to crank out your own. But whatever the supporting acts, the star of any clambake is the lobster.
How to eat a Vineyard lobster
Lobster is delicious and an adventurous meal to eat. Here are a few tips on eating one. Most clambake caterers prep the lobster for your convenience.
- Lobster can be messy so wear a bib!
- With a knife, scissors or kitchen shears, split the tail down the middle. The meat should slip out easily
- Crack open the claws with a nut cracker (a hammer will do in a pinch and remove the meat
- Don't forget the tasty juices and meat in the fingers!
- If tomalley’s your thing, sometimes you'll hit the lottery (Tomalley is the very flavorful, pale green liver of the lobster)
- Discard the shells and relax... you're on the Vineyard
Here's what you should bring to a clambake
Clambakes are great fun and here's a list of things to bring with you to maximize your enjoyment.
- Friends or Family
- Great wine and beer
- A positive attitude
- Sense of adventure & fun
- Camera (very important) as you want to capture those memories.
Wines and Beers to Complement A Clambake
Jamison Loveday, manager of Your Market in Edgartown, finds the following wines and beers to go especially well with clambake fare:
To Start:
-French Rose
-A sparkling wine such as Grouet
Main Event:
Beers:
-Corona
-Pacifico
(add a lime slice for more pucker)
Reds
-Tempranillo-a light style red
-Beaujolais Villages
Whites
-Newton unfiltered Chardonnay
-Any full-bodied California Chardonnay-the oaky overtones stand up to the lobster’s richness
-Lacala-a light Sardinian white produced by Sella and Mosca whose Mediterranean saltiness is the perfect partner for seafood
Thanks to Mac Cook for his content contribution
Holding a clambake? Visit
Bill Smith's Martha's Vineyard Clambake.
