Remembering Thompson’s Clam Bar

Back in the 1960s and 1970s we used to have a house in Wrinkle Point in West Dennis, MA.  From time to time Dad would take us to dinner at Thompson’s Clam Bar in Harwichport at Wychmere Harbor.  I loved going there.  My sisters and I would beg for a Shrimp Cocktail and lobster.  Dad would usually give in.  Back then it seems a shrimp cocktail cost a fortune, but its rather reasonable to have one these days.

8 large shrimp, peeled and cleaned

crushed ice

1/2 cup of Ketchup

1 TBS Hot horseradish

teaspoon of lemon juice

dash of hot sauce

1 Tbs shrimp boil seasoning

Cook the cleaned shrimp just until they turn pink in four cups of water adding the shrimp boil seasoning just prior to putting in the shrimp.  Remove/drain the shrimp and place in an icewater bath to stop the cooking.  Combine the other ingredients in a bowl for the shrimp sauce.  Fill shot glasses with the shrimp sauce and place in the middle of serving glasses filled with crushed ice.

Hang the shrimp on the edges of the glasses.  Garnish with lemon wedge and some watercress if desired.

Enjoy!

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Pesto Pizza

We love to make pizza at our house – usually on Friday nights.  This is one that my sister-in-law turned me on to, and I think you’ll really like it – – – especially if you like pesto pasta.

 

1 bread dough from your supermarket bakery (Just ask them for one of their Italian or French bread dough – tell them you are using it for pizza.)

1/3 lb of capellini, spaghetti, or linguine

Extra Virgin Olive Oil for drizzling

Freshly ground black pepper

1 Tbs of shortening

1 Cup Prepared Pesto Sauce (from a jar or make your own)

½ lb of sliced provolone cheese

Corn meal

 

On a floured board or countertop roll out the dough (from the center to the edge) until you get it the size you need for your pan.  We like it thick.

Put rolled out dough onto a greased pizza pan (if you are using a non-stick pan or stone, omit the shortening).  Sprinkle very lightly with corn meal.

Drizzle extra virgin olive oil on the dough, and spread it our evenly with the palm of your hand.  Add freshly ground black pepper over the oiled dough.

Bake the dough in a pre-heated 400 degree oven until the edges are and bottom are well done.

While the dough is baking, cook pasta in water to desired texture, drain thoroughly, and toss with the pesto sauce. 

Pour out the pesto pasta onto the baked pizza spreading it evenly to the edges – leave room for the crust.  Cover with sliced provolone cheese (this keeps the pasta from moving around), and then place back into the oven until the provolone is melted – just a couple of minutes.

Let the pizza set for a few minutes, then cut with pizza wheel and serve with salad and your favorite white wine.

Note:  If you make this in a rectangular pan, you can cut it into small squares and its an awesome appetizer at a cocktail party.

Enjoy!

Dad

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Lunch Feature – Tijuana Flats

Tijuana Flats in Longwood, FL is a great lunch spot with a new dining facility in Springs Plaza, easy access, and good food. We go here often – when we’re in the mood for some good Mexican food. Tijuana Flats is alway consistent in its food, no matter which one you go to. They are all over the Central Florida area and expanding all the time. I had the “Tijuana Chimichanga-no jalepenos with a medium softdrink – $7.75. Starbucks is in the same plaza for an after-dinner coffee.

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Lunch Feature – Christo’s Cafe

Christo’s is famous for their breakfasts – they are BIG and really, really, really good!  There are two Christo’s, the one I went to for lunch today – on Edgewater Ave in Orlando – the other is on SR 436 in Apopka, FL.  I’ve only had breakfast at the one in Apopka – a buffet – that was very good.  I usually have lunch once a week at the Edgewater Christo’s.  It’s not too far from work, and on Fridays they have Stuffed Cabbage as the special of the day –  YUMMO! 

Today I had the Chicken Gyro.  Although the name of the place assumes a Greek presence – the usual non-Greek wait-staff was there and Gustavo – the manager.  The gyro was very good – grilled chicken breast with Mediterranean seasoning-chopped romaine lettuce, red onion, and Tzatziki sauce (cucumber/yogurt sauce) all wrapped in pita bread.  I like to slather it with the tzatziki sauce – excellent! Today’s lunch was $10.05 with tip.

  

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Lunch Feature – Pizzeria Valdiano

It seems I eat at Pizzeria Valdiano in Winter Park, FL at least 3 times a week, well maybe more than 3 times a week.  The FOOD IS EXCELLENT!  The proprietor-Mike is a great guy.  He gives me Italian Food gifts at Christmas (some yummy Panatone).  Anyway, here’s the place and what I ate today (Meatball Parmesan Sub w/pickle and soft drink – $7.05) – what a bargain!

Still not smoking…..

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