Masters Running

1

Bellies....w/ notes to lamerunner, evanflein and twocat (Read 224 times)

    For some reason, I have been jonesing for fried clams....but not just any fried clams, no, I long for the fried clams of my youth. I moved to Massachusetts in the spring of '68 and soon thereafter was introduced to fried clams New England style, a/k/a with bellies. A foodie has noted that there are two kinds of fried clams in this world–fried clam strips and fried clams with bellys. The first kind is a flavorless dried out, stringy, piece of clam meat. The second kind is moist, tender and full of ocean flavor. There are two parts to clams–the “muscle part” and the “soft everything else part.” The “soft everything else part” is what is called the belly. When you have fried clams with belly, you are eating the whole clam. (I believe it's actually the gatrointestinal part of the clam.) Soft shelled clams or steamers are the clams that are most often used. They are also called longneck clams or Ipswich clams. These clams spend most of their life chilling out in the mudflats of New England, filtering water for tasty bits of food. Anyhow, the belly is where all the magic happens for the clam, and where all the flavor is. When you just get the strips, you miss all this goodness. Here's a nifty article that explains the magic AND has photos! http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/29/dining/29clam.html So, I hope that answers your query, lr, and as for the NYC meeting place, do you think there's a clam shack on Staten Island? grins, A
    Masters 2000 miles
      Once you hit Queens, it will be a better time of day for clams! Try this place.....it's phenomenal Wink http://lennysclambar.com/ TWEAK!


      Renee the dog

        Aamos, I live here at the coast, (well duh, you ran right by my house in March!) and we just call 'em "clams." Big grin The ones that have the bellies removed are the "strips". I wasn't sure until you posted this exactly what you were talking about. (where's the dunce cap smiley?) If you want some fresh ones next time you're out this way, I've got a rake!

        GOALS 2012: UNDECIDED

        GOALS 2011: LIVE!!!

          Once you hit Queens, it will be a better time of day for clams! Try this place.....it's phenomenal Wink http://lennysclambar.com/ TWEAK!
          Good thing I'm just running NY to get NY--I may need to take a detour! Thanks, cool website, too, music even! grins, A ps: gladdaseeya! Big grin
          Masters 2000 miles
          evanflein


            Hmmm, interior Alaska girl not so familiar with clams... not sure what we're doing when in NY... get in early evening Friday, staying with niece Lauren in Brooklyn the first two nights... will hit the Expo on Saturday but not sure what else.
              We'll figure out a way to hook up--it would be great to spend time together before the race, we have to wait for so long. I think they color code us and that has something to do with where you are herded. Anyone know for sure?
              Masters 2000 miles


              Head Procrastinator

                I know a place not so far out on Long Island for belly clams. I'd be happy to pick you up at the train station in Rockville Center and take you there. http://gothamist.com/2007/06/19/the_last_of_the.php http://cityguide.aol.com/longisland/restaurants/bigelows/v-107280156#read_reviews If not that I'd like to meet up with as many folks as possible for lunch Saturday.
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