Clams et al.

Photos by Salt Water New 

Reader Question: Favorite Poolside Drinks for Guests

Photo by Salt Water New England

Hi Muffy,

Yesterday's post begs the most important question of all for readers.  What is your favorite poolside drink to serve to your guests?  

  

Favorite Summer Salads?

Local and Organic, New Red Potatoes and Fresh Scallions - Photo by Muffy Aldrich

Summer is such an ideal time to lean into salads of all kinds, from leafy green salads, to potato salads to pasta salads.  The Farmers Markets are full of fresh ingredients.

What are your favorite summer salads?

Where to eat (outside) and buy seafood on Martha's Vineyard? (r)

 A reader question:

Since SWNE attracts a discerning crowd, these are a couple of questions from a neighbor.   Do you have any recommendations about where to eat (outside) on Martha's Vineyard?   How about markets where she can buy (sea)food and take back to the cottage to heat up later?   Any other info (she hasn't been there in a few years) or suggestions will be passed along and greatly appreciated!

 

New England Clam Chowder

New England Clam Chowder is a quintessential New England food, along with (to quote Judd Hale) baked beans, codfish, lobsters, maple syrup, jonnycake, and apple pie.

Who makes the best clam chowder?   Traditional clam chowder tastes best using fresh, local ingredients.  It can be served on the dock or at a wedding.  Or, at a wedding on the dock.  This question can elicit not only the digging up of old recipes, but a weekend-long road trip to taste samples first hand.

New Englanders are always arguing with each other and with outsiders as to the proper ingredients and/or correct preparation techniques. 

- Judd Hale

Tea

Photos by Salt Water New England

Not surprisingly given the time of year, I have received many questions for the community around tea, mostly along three threads:

• "Where do you buy high quality tea today?"

• "With what and when do you have tea?"

• "What are suggestions on giving tea as a gift?"  

 

Lobster Rolls

At Red's Eats, which has often been credited with popularizing of lobster rolls in the 1970s.  

Lobster rolls—lobster meat served in a hot dog style bun —are close to perfection for some.  

Deciding to have one for lunch is easy.  Finding the best source, however, is a bit more difficult.   Different venues vary greatly.  Some are generous with the lobster, and others skint.  Freshness matters.  Expensive restaurants do not have an advantage over local "no frills" establishments.  

There are also two approaches to lobster rolls, which each originated in different parts of New England. The classic warm lobster roll, with just lobster meat and melted butter in a toasted bun, originated in Milford, Connecticut in 1927 at a diner named Perry's.  The cold lobster salad approach, with mayonnaise, celery, lemon, lettuce, salt, pepper, and various other ingredients, first appeared in the late 1920s at Moody's Diner in Waldoboro, Maine.   Today, variations abound. 

Best of all, even an average lobster roll is still pretty great, and often the easiest thing to order, especially on the go.

Photo credits:  Salt Water New England 

WASP Food: Tricuits and Cheddar

Photo by Salt Water New England

Who says WASP food can't evolve?   Organic Triscuits and pre-cut Cabot Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese... 
 

Foods for the Boat

Photo by Salt Water New England

A reader question:

Hi Muffy,

I have a question for the community.  What are your favorite foods to serve while on a boat?  This can either be for a several day trip, or even just a day sail.  Thank you!

 

 

This Time of Year

Photos by Salt Water New England

The Daily Graze

Photos by Salt Water New England

Tipple?

A reader question for the community:

I'm curious what tipples folks are enjoying (or over-imbibing) during quarantine. I'm a scotch man, so it's Black Grouse during the week and Laphroaig 10 come the weekend (whatever those distinctions mean these days). 

Reader Question: How do you drink your scotch?

Reader Question for the Community:

As we segue into Autumn, a question for the community: Single malt scotches, are smoke and peat essential?  Over rated?  Best regards.

• Glenfiddich Distillery Tour Trailer <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBql1BQpJ9c>