Skimpy Dinner
 

Just returned from dinner. Since I had a hankering for whole belly clam, we went to the only area restaurant that serves this. What a disappointment! For $22 I got, basically, clam strips and French fries. I guess I am spoiled after living in the northeast where whole belly clams just about fill the palm of your hand, and, for $22, you would be unable to finish this meal.

Yeah I'm basically afraid to even bother with "real" shellfish/mollusks again any time soon. Had an incredibly disappointing dinner at Demshar's. They supposedly have a reputation for having very good food. I was not impressed.

Never expect anything you had in Northeast to be replicated or served here, different State, different definitions, different preparations. Same when people from Florida go to the Northeast and can't find their food. For the most part, whatever you were used to will not be found here.

Travel to Essex Seafood House or Lena’s Seafood
if you want the best seafood New England style around
Cash only closed on Tuesdays check out their websites
Only 35 min away

Lena's (ck website for location) best whole belly clams but they're not cheap.

Was the skimpy dinner at Lighthouse? We had a disappointing try for clams there. Sam's St John's has them only on Friday nights.

I agree that we probably cannot replicate a Northeast clam dinner here in Florida, however, I would think one could get a bit more than a few fried crunchy strips for $22. We won't be going back to this restaurant!

Thank you for this info. Will have to check out Lena's. We don't mind paying for a quality meal.

Yes, it was the Lighthouse. Thanks for your reply.

Try Dan;s Clam Shack in Crrystal River......FRESH whole belly clams...the best around here....

If you're interested in a very delicious whole belly clam dinner try Essex Seafood House II on the way to Ormond beach on Florida route 40. 1360 W FL 40 in Pierson FL 386-749-1557 closed on Tuesdays. Don't let the appearance mislead you. It's just like being on the NH seacoast!

I don't eat seafood but that's funny that it is the Lighthouse since the owners are from Framingham, Ma. So, they know they are not like up North. My husband loves all seafood especially whole belly fried clams and his vote goes to Lena's. I have the chicken sandwich. :)

The owners of Essex's is also from New England as are the folks who own the Lighthouse.

Got 100 littlenecks for $33. last week. Fresh out the Chesapeake Bay. Steamed w/a little butter.

Thank you for your response.