The Wonderful World of Baked Clams!

When it comes to one of the most popular of all Italian appetizers, I believe it is safe to say that baked clams is on everyone's short list. There are very few Italian menus in New York City that do not offer caked clams as part of the “Antipasto.” As a true admirer of these addictive little shells, I cannot even begin to count the various Italian restaurants at which I have enjoyed this favorite of mine.

Now, I know I am going to get a lot of emails on this one and that is because, like pizza, most people, especially Italian-Americans, have their top spot where they believe the best baked clams can be found. Well...pssstt .. I have discovered the most succulent clams in all of New York City! I honestly can not recommend them highly enough. I know many people will read this and think of all the most popular and authentic Italian restaurants in our wonderful City and they will guess that I am going to announce one of them the winner. But the best clams, in my opinion, are not on Court Street, or Coney Island, or Sheepshead Bay. They are not even in Bensonhurst , the heart of Italian Brooklyn food. The very best clams can be found at ... the Cappuccino Cafe!

Ok, so here is the deal, folks. My youngest teenage son, Christopher, and I, had a few hunger pangs late at night after coming home from the movies or one of his sports games. Cappuccino Cafe 7717 3rd Ave in Bay Ridge is open late. Cappuccino Cafe is actually a part of The Green House Cafe which is a very popular restaurant among us Bay Ridge folks. So Christopher and I order, and of course I choose the clams. Amazement. These Little Necks are baked to perfection with a creamy virgin olive oil sauce bubbling from the lightly herbed breadcrumbs. They are toasted a vibrant tan color and served with a twist of lemon that blends with the aroma of garlic and crisp green parsley. Very fresh and well-presented. The price of the clams are the average of what most restaurants charge at a half dozen for $8.00.

Now I visit Cappuccino Café for their clams and it is definitely worth the trip. The rest of their menu is very well-rounded. The service is friendly and way above average.
So folks, for this season of Lent, I encourage you to taste the very best flavor on a shell that NYC has to offer. Bon Appetit!