Serendipity: Joys of a Chowda Head
By Rhonda F. Waters, Ph.D.
Chow-der n. a thick soup made variously, but usually containing onions, potatoes, and salt pork, sometimes corn, tomatoes, or other vegetables, and often, specif., clams and milk.
You may wonder what chowder has to do with diving, but if you live in a northern area you might get the connection right away! When you are cold, having a cup of chowder can provide you with important nutrients as well as some much needed warmth.
I love chowder, I eat it every place it is served. In fancy Caribbean restaurants or out of cans from the market. It doesn't matter to me, I try them all. A word of caution -- do not read the fat content of chowders! Just assume that you have used up all your fat points for the day. Some companies have responded to this by making lower fat chowders, some of which actually resemble real food. (Most do not). Clam, fish, lobster, bisques, pretty much any kind of seafaring soup would be appropriate for this page.
Over time, I have come to realize that I forget what the chowders tasted like, or even if I liked them! I usually remember right after the first spoonful. If you do not like chowder, or are allergic to shellfish (oh no!) you may not be interested. But if you are like me and never get enough chowder here is my current listing. Of course this list is totally subjective! My views are just that. You may not like the ones I do. Get over it. Just keep eating chowder. If you have had chowders not included here, send me a one paragraph comment on your favorite chowda' and I'll add it to the list. Please include your real name home location and where this chowder is available.
Chowder List (primarily Massachusetts)
Hearth & Kettle Restaurants
In various New England locations. One of the starchiest you will find. The spoon will stand up on its own! Plenty of potatoes. Not as many clams as I would like.
Jailhouse Restaurant
Orleans, Cape Cod, MA. Pretty starchy, not as much flavor as I would like or expect from a higher class restaurant. My guess is that their clientele enjoys it this way.
Kettle Soup Cuisine
This Chelsea, MA, company provides a refrigerated chowder version that makes a great option for a working lunch. It comes in a microwave-able bowl. You will be the envy of your co-workers. A good mix of ingredients. They actually have a survey inside the packaging where you can voice your opinions, and get $1.00 of your next purchase.
Legal Seafoods
This one HAS to be tried. In addition to their more traditional restaurants, they now have some locations in airports all over the USA. Some super market chains carry this chowder, so you may be able to find it far from its Cambridge, MA, roots. Creamy and tasty, with a good combination of ingredients without being overly starchy. Delicious.
