Original Joe's Westlake, Daly City, CA

Original Joe's Westlake

Too much salt destroyed this otherwise decent chowder with plenty of clams, good texture, creamy potatoes and a hint of bacon. I'm giving it a conciliatory half-a-star to acknowledge a special occasion we were gathered to celebrate at this historic location.

Pearl Restaurant and Bar, Westport, CT

Pearl Restaurant and Bar, Westport CT

This place opened recently in a location previously occupied by Splash, which was the first entry in this blog. Made from scratch, with a nice load of claims, it got somewhat improved from before. But it was way too salty to enjoy. Half star for effort.

Bobby B’s Seafood and Pizza

Bobby B's Seafood and Pizza

Popular street spot at VH. The chowder is not as bad as one might expect from a popular fried food spot. Claims are aplenty and it's not overly salty. Order one if you must, but not feel obliged to stop for it. Half-a-star.

The Seafood Shanty, Edgartown MA

The Seafood Shanty, Edgartown, MA

Better than I remember it to be years back, but not too inspiring or original. Half-a-star. Maybe.

It was raining non-stop...

The 41-70 Restaurant near Woods Hole, MA

It was raining non-stop since we left home. Max and I secured the passage for the women and elderly, waved our goodbyes, queued the car to be loaded and ventured into the rain in search for warm food and comfort. After crossing a small bridge we spotted this place, polished wood and brass kind, empty, smelling of beer and fried food. We were the only customers. The chowder that they brought was what you expect from a bar - salty, mushy, stale. But it did hit the spot.

If caught in a rain, do visit and order it. Otherwise - avoid by all means. 

Half-a-star for being our right place at the right time.

The Forge, Miami Beach

Lobster Corn Chowder at The Forge, Miami Beach

Nice texture, but absolutely no flavor or taste... Half-a-star for texture.

Black Pearl, Newport, R.I.

While on tour of historic Newport with our friends, we sat down for seafood dinner at the famous Black Pearl. We were denied access to Commodore Room, which doesn't let jeans wearing public in, but the common room was decent. Which I cannot say about the clam chowder - salty, thick and not well pronounced.

At Black Pearl, Newport, R.I.

Half-a-star for the decorum and friendly service.

More Martha's Vineyard Chowders

At the acclaimed cafe "Among the Flowers" we tried the excellent sweet corn chowder (two stars) and the way too milky clam chowder (half a star).

Martha's Vineyard Chowder

On the way to MV, we stopped for dinner at Waterfront Grille in New Bedford, MA. While fresh and loaded, the chowder was too salty. Half-a-star.

At MV, we tried clam chowder in two locations - classic New England style at The Seafood Shanty in Edgartown (half-a-start, too salty) and a clear-broth style in Aquinnah (no stars - way too salty).