Summer Lobster-Clambakes Coming to Palo Alto

Sam's Chowder House, Palo Alto announces a Wine Lover’s Summer Series, including a three-course authentic New England style Lobster Clambake, perfectly paired with wines from the three local, artisanal wineries featured: 

June 17            Bonny Doon Vineyards, Davenport, CA

July 15             Talbott Vineyards, Carmel Valley, CA 

August 19        Ideology Cellars, Napa Valley, CA 

The restaurant is known for its Lobster Clambake events, which mirror the traditional coastal clambakes that owner Paul Shenkman  experienced in his youth, growing up on the eastern seaboard.  

“We would dig a hole in the sand down on the beach, line it with rocks, and build a fire on top to heat the rocks.  Then we’d prop a grate over the rocks and cover it with seaweed, layer the seafood on top, cover it with wet burlap and steam it,” says Shenkman.  

“To eat, we’d dump it right onto a picnic table covered with newspaper and serve – it was an awesome experience!” 

The Summer Series events begin with passed appetizers created by award-winning Executive Chef Robert Holt, showcasing the restaurants specialties, along with tastings from featured wineries and discussions with the winemakers.

 The restaurants signature Clam Chowder (both New England and Manhattan style are available) is then served, followed by the seafood feast, which includes a whole Maine lobster per person, clams, mussels, corn-on-the-cob, Andouille sausage, new potatoes, and a side of coleslaw.  

To prepare the clambake, the ingredients are loaded up in a large steamer pot and covered with special lobster seaweed flown in from Maine which provides a unique smoky flavor.  

Once steamed, the feast is served piping hot in large bowls family style, not unlike the “good ol’ days” at the beach. The evening is topped off with Sam’s popular Key Lime Pie. 

The first event on June 17 begins at 6 pm and features guest speaker, founder and winemaker Randall Grahm. 

Each three-course event is $75 per person, plus tax and gratuity, and includes appetizers, an initial wine tasting and a wine pairing per course.  Reservations: rebeca@samschowderhouse.com or (650) 712-0245 x4.