It was a beautiful day for a drive, so BF and I took the opportunity to head north up rt. 128 to Essex. We stopped in at J.T. Farnham’s for some seafood chowder ($14 for 12 oz.) and a couple other items - fried clam roll ($29) for me and the crab cake special ($19) for him. We split the fries that came with my overflowing clam roll. With a couple Diet Cokes, the total was about $84. Be aware they take cash and personal checks only. There is an ATM on site.
The seafood chowder was exactly the consistency I like in a white chowder - thickened only with the starch from the perfectly cooked potatoes. I missed a little brininess in the flavor of the broth (though I caught a touch of lobster). However, the abundant, large chunks of lobster and scallop (and a little fish and clam) more than made up for it as I started eating. The cups came full to the brim and I needed to eat down a little before I had room to add the oyster crackers.
I would describe BF’s crab cakes as fine. Perfectly serviceable and fried well. Not greasy. A little more bread, celery, and bell pepper than is my platonic ideal. Nice little touch of heat on the back of the sauce that came with it.
I really loved my fried clam roll! Again, perfectly fried and had tons of fried clams (pretty good sized belly clams). One of the better tartar sauces I’ve had to accompany it, with a good balance of diced onion and pickle. I ate every clam (usually I get full about half way with a pile this size)! Fries were also crispy, not too salty, and not greasy.
We got there about 15 minutes after they opened, which was a good call because a line began to form about 10 minutes after we placed our order!
After we ate, we took in the salt marsh for a minute before relinquishing our parking spot to the growing number of cars. Our visit was well timed!
I would return if we happened to be in the area!
