Get "Baked"... The Perfect FC Clambake
Sarah Green
It’s that time again, isn’t it? The moon is in the 7th House, and Jupiter is aligned with Mars. Summer’s comin’, dude. Relax, crack open a cold one and get “baked” - Clam Baked, that is. Invite your friends over for a typical New England summer culinary experience. Or head down to the beach and get “baked” by the shore. (Penfield 2 in Fairfield allows it, Compo Beach in Westport also, some others too!) A clam bake is a great way to enjoy the best of New England and the perfect way to entertain. Birthdays, rehearsal dinners, anniversaries, graduations, start of summer, middle of summer, end of summer, because it’s a Thursday, the list goes on and on. There is always a good reason for a clam bake and there are several great seafood suppliers in Fairfield County.
Here are some of your options:
The Outdoor Cookers of Norwalk
The Outdoor Cookers of Norwalk seems to run the most upscale “bake” that I researched. Michael Gil Martin has been running the establishment since 1985 and runs a full service event. This is the big daddy of clam bakes, and here’s why. Ponder this scenerio:
The afternoon sun begins to droop wearily in the sky and your guests are arriving, kicking off their flip flops, and dipping their toes in the Sound. Waiters approach with cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres. As a gentle, warm breeze begins to blow, the buffet is announced and you approach long tables with steamers, mussels, clam chowder or cool summer gazpacho, crunchy baguette and crisp, garden salad. Enjoy. But the meal has only just begun. For the staff are busy, on site, steaming hard shell lobsters, boiling corn on the cob, and slicing Outdoor Cooker’s signature potato/leek and cheese pie. (For those who prefer, Outdoor Cookers also offers a chicken or steak alternative - advance notice required.) And as the sand crabs dare to poke their claws out from their tiny sand tunnels to greet the ensuing twilight, dessert is served. Light dessert, as that is surely ALL that you will want after such a feast, consists of fresh fruit salad, tangy lemon bars and the like. And finally, a hot steamed towel is handed to each guest. Perfection. Of course, perfection has a cost and Outdoor Cookers charges approximately $50-$60 per person. Prices may vary according to the market and holidays like Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day are slightly more expensive. You can speak to Mr. Gil Martin about particulars and there are a few ways to cut costs. If you prefer a slightly more casual affair, the price drops if you are willing to use paper goods (as opposed to the china that Outdoor Cookers normally uses.) Just call, Mr. Gil Martin well set you up!
Outdoor Cookers 42 Van Zant Street, Norwalk - 203-855-1129
Fjord Fisheries
From the most upscale to the most basic “bake” now…the kind where YOU are doing the “baking.” Fjord Fisheries, both in Cos Cob and Westport, offer the “Clam Bake to go” - With this option, they are lending you the pot, the burner and the propane tank (which need to be returned the next day). You pick up your orders at the Fjord Fisheries Market (either 158 East Putnam Ave in Cos Cob or at 1835 Post Road East in Westport) and clam’s your uncle!
This is what you get for $42.00 per person plus tax (plus a $250 deposit for the hardware which is credited upon return):
*three oysters, three clams on the half shell, six shrimp and cocktail sauce
*one quart of soup per three guests ( soup of your choice)
* 1 ½ lb lobster, one ear of corn, three potatoes, six steamers, six mussels
*Fjord’s coleslaw
Their prices drop to $40 without the clams and oysters, to $38 without the clams, oysters and shrimp, and to $36 without clams, oysters, shrimp and soup. But my advice is to go for the whole package. Otherwise, you’re skimping on some real clam bake traditions.
Fjord’s, of course, also does a catered clam bake that is purely top notch. But they suggest that you call them as the choices and options can be altered according to taste. Obviously, the prices go up considerably with the “staffed” option. But with the staff, you are also supplied with the plates, cutlery, drinks, etc. Much more convenient. Much.
Fjord Fisheries Westport 1835 Post Road East, Westport 203-255-9331
Fjord Fisheries Greenwich 137 River Road, Cos Cob 203-661-5006
The Clambake Connection
Got the munchies yet? The Clambake Connection out of Stamford offers 3 options. They staff their events no matter which option you choose and the prices vary depending on the number of guests. The prices drop considerably when more people are invited. For example, in option number one, 10-12 adults (and one staff) is $51.95 per person where as 35 or more adults (and 2 staff) is $28.95 per person. The options at the Clambake Connection vary but the gist is this - Option #1 offers a choice of lobster or chicken, plus clams/mussels, steamed potatoes, corn, and watermelon. Option #2 is slightly more expensive and here you can enjoy the addition of crudités’ with dip, chips and salsa, New England clam chowder, soda, and bottled water. Option #3 is the “clam de la clam” at the ClamBake Connection. With this package, along with everything in options 1 and 2, you also get a Raw Bar- clams and oysters on the half shell (with shucker), and shrimp cocktail. As would be expected, the price for this option will run you anywhere from $41.95 per person to $72.95 per person.
ClamBake connection offers a kids meal package as well, including burgers and dogs and the cost is $13.50 per child (5-11 years old)
The caterer supplies you with staff, equipment, buffet table, plates, cutlery, lobster bibs, and more. They set up, serve, and clean up for you. Money well spent. Enjoy your feast!
ClamBake Connection 219 Culloden Road, Stamford 203-967-3991
Captain John's
Captain John’s out of Stamford is also “far out” - they offer a large variety of Clam Bake options. They cater a Lobster & Clambake - which includes all your basic Clam Bake staples (lobster, steamers, corn, watermelon and more)for $25.95 per person. Also fully catered is the Surf & Turf -complete with Rib Eye Steak, lobster, steamers, etc. for $31.95 per person. They will also do a Texas Style BBQ ($18.95 per) and even a Picnic Party for 12.50 per person, for parties of 100 or more.
Captain John’s also offers a TRAVELIN’ CLAMBAKE for $19.00 per person. For that price, they pack it and you pick it up and cook it. And if you choose to do it at the beach, they rent a portable cooker for $25.00.
Captain Johns - 203-866-4343 or info@captainjohns.com
Stew Leonard's
Stew Leonard's also offers a pretty "rad" Clam Bake special. Their catering department provides a classic clam bake with cost based on market prices which, as of today, run at about $46.99 per person no matter how many guests you have - no minimum from Stew’s. For that price, you pick up your order at the store, already cooked, and take it with you to the party site. Each “dude” gets a steamed lobster, steamers, mussels, corn on the cob, baked potato, hand carved watermelon basket filled with fruit, and a bread basket. Staffing is not provided by Stew’s but they have many caterers who do these parties on the side for an extra fee. Stew’s also offers an old fashioned picnic for $19.99 or Surf and Turf, also for market price. The Stew’s staff were very helpful and suggest that you call to make any changes or additions you might want. Call them and ask for Lisa at 203-750-6168.
Stew Leonard's Multiple locations
Surf’s up, dude. And getting “baked” is where it’s at. Plan ahead and book a groovy clam bake for a spectacular summer party that your guests won’t forget. (Unless, of course, it’s more than clams that are baking, in which case they WILL all promptly forget!))
Reader Comments (17)
How do you not include Westfair Fish & Chips in this discussion???? They've got the best price and quality and have been doing it for 25 years. Westfair is a staple.
And we just wrote them up for their restaurant fare. Sarah Green....Go make some more calls...
I agree Westfair does a great Clambake as well. We have used them for the past 2 summers and have been very pleased!
As I wrote in the article, "here are SOME of your options" - there are certainly PLENTY of others. I am sure that Westfair Fish and Chips is wonderful and I know that Paganos Seafood of Norwalk and Fairfield is also great. Ah, so many lobsters, so little blog space!
Don't forget Swansons in Fairfield as well - they are still doing catering while they rebuild from the fire (looks like they will reopen very soon)
Do any public beaches in FC allow clam bakes?
I know for sure that Penfield 11 in Fairfield DOES allow them. Not sure about others. Many beaches DO designates specific areas for events like clam bakes and other parties. You should contact your local Parks and Rec department or perhaps the local police department :)
Also, I am quite sure that Compo Beach in Westport allows them too. Near the cannons where the bbq pits are set up but you might have to reserve the space somehow. Again, Parks and Recs has ALL that info for you.
Thanks for all the great information. Outdoor Cookers does a wonderful job. Can't wait to get baked1
Fish Tales in New Canaan does clam bakes and other delicious meals, talk to Al he is there full time professional chef. Most town beaches and parks allow catering parties but you should check with town hall if permits are required.
I ordered the travelin' clambake from Cap't John's in Norwalk for my husband's birthday party last weekend. It was hand's down one of the best meals we ever had and everyone wants to have another clambake soon. Was so much fun and so easy. For $19/person, we all got lobsters, clams, mussels, corn, sausage, and potatoes. I'm still stuffed. What a great deal!
I have a lobster bake every year for 100 of my closest friends and family on the Fourth of July for the past 9 years and for the past 4 years I have used The Lazy Lobster in Milford. Hands down the best bake around. Great food great value and the servers are lots of fun. For my wedding they did a sit down white glove Lobster Bake in the Poconos and it was glamorous and still was a blast. The Lazy Lobster is the best.
We also have an amazing deal here at Fairway Market Catering....The Lobster Pot for Two...come complete with two lobsters, 1 dozen jumbo shrimp, 1 dozen clams, 1 dozen mussels, corn on the cob, potatoes, lemon wedges, bouquet garni and a portable lobster pot! All you need to do is steam on the grill or stove top and dip in!
You can order by calling Fairway Market Catering at 203-388-9850 ...48 hours notice is required.
I would also like to recommend Sheila Barton Weyers, company is SBW Events, and she specializes in small events. She did the most amazing clambake at the beach for us (a group of 8). She created a seating area - she brought adirondack chairs, set up a candle "fire pit", set up a small bar. For dinner, she decorated the tables with EVERYTHING (including comfy seat cushions). She served hors d'ourves and cocktails, then a truly delicious clambake that she cooked perfectly at the beach. All we did, literally, was show up. It was a fabulous experience, so I thought I'd share.
Westfair is still the best for both price and quality.We have been using them for seven years and it just gets better.
I have used Clambakes of Connecticut 5 times in the past four years and it is always terrific!
The service,food and presentation is fantastic.
Jane.
I thought I was the only guy doing lobsterbakes. I hope all the others are having as much fun as I am. I do abut 1,000 dinners between mid-May and mid-October, mostly between Milford and Old Lyme. CTBites is a great looking market opportunity. I will be expanding into FC next season, and wonder if CTB can help me spread the word. I have been very successful with "www.thee-list.com as an advertising option.