Daily Archives: May 24, 2009

Graziella’s – Pocasset, MA

Posted on by
1

Well well well. Last year, Graziella’s changed hands.

Previously, Graziella’s was the source of my thinking that we should reconsider this notion that we have to eat chowder whenever it is offered. I believe we said it was the worst chowder in the history of the free world.

I have changed my mind. The new owners, aside from putting in new floors and a fresh coat of paint, also managed to make a chowder worthy of review and possibly even a repeat purchase.

Thickness: 8
Quantity of Clams: 7
Quality of Clams: 8
Seasonings: 7
Temperature: 8
Potato: 8
Freshness: 8
Buttery: 6

60/80 = C

We may have to re-evaluate our grading methods. The kids are starting to rank chowder on a scale of 0 to 56,000.

In other news, the house is open, we’ve been swimming (well, ChowderGirl has), we’ve had a bonfire, and I am on my second bloody mary of the day. As they say, Life is Good.

The Chart Room – Cataumet, MA

Posted on by
Reply

A Classic, Anytime

It’s always worth confirming long-held opinions about places like the Chart Room and their chowder. The last time we had chowder there, we were exhausted, starving, and had just finished a race. The chowder was great.

And this time. Well, it was solid. It is fine. It’s always fine. But the place is packed, overpriced, and filled with yahoos drinking mudslides and shrieking about their party boat.

Thickness: 7
Quantity of Clams: 7
Quality of Clams: 9
Buttery: 7
Temperature: 9
Seasonings: Rankings ranged from 0 to 6. Split the difference, 4.
Potato: 4 (too big and overcooked)
Freshness: 9

56/80 = C

It's that good.

ChowderDad and ChowderGrandpa are taking their job as “Fringe Chowder experts” seriously and ordered the haddock chowder. They both enjoyed it and it certainly hit the spot on a chilly Memorial Day weekend.

One thing I will never argue with the Chart Room is this. Their bloody marys are great. Always great. And always welcome. They can rip people off with $26 lobster rolls and merely acceptable mudslides. But the bloodies are great.