The weekend started with a partial family dinner at Blue Canyon. My post a few weeks ago inspired us to try their annual clambake (usually held on the patio,weather permitting). However, I ended up being the only one that ordered the bake, which included clam broth, clams, corn-on-the-cob, mashed potatoes (which Natalie loved) and brisket. Everyone else ordered off the regular menu and seemed incredibly satisfied with their choice. For the most part, I was too. Although the brisket was good, it wasn’t as tender and flavorful as it was when I first sampled it at the Cleveland Food Rocks/Rock n Roll benefit a few months ago. I felt the clams were slightly tough, too.

The highlight of our dinner, at least for me, were the appetizers: crispy duck wings with jerk seasoning and brown sugar and a super thin flat-bread pizza with butternut squash, goat cheese and dried cherries.  These two appetizers, especially the duck wings, were simply wonderful and worth sampling for yourself.

The fall fun continued with a perfectly crisp, sunny afternoon at Pattersons, a fall tradition for as long as I can remember. This trip, however, was extra special. It was the first with our daughter. And though she can’t fully appreciate it yet, we can and did.

And we weren’t the only ones. The place was packed with kids and parents and dogs. While we didn’t pick any apples on this visit, we did wait in line for the hot donuts (blueberry and apple cider glaze – the first time I passed on the fritters) and picked out our pumpkins.

I’d still like to get in one more apple farm this season. Perhaps a quick drive to Whitehouse Farm in Canfield is in order, where my husband is from. He proudly declares this hometown spot offers the best fresh-baked donuts and pies around.

Whether you’re looking to throw a clambake yourself or attend one, here’s a quick guide to help you take full advantage of the season, from the food to the prep.

Attending a Bake 

BlueCanyon  / September 11 – October 10. Cost is $25. Bake includes one dozen clams, sweet Ohio corn, sea salt crusted baked potato and choice of chicken or smoked brisket. (I highly recommend the brisket). In general, I think Blue Canyon is at its best throughout fall and winter.

Winking Lizard / September 18-20 (Bedford Hts) and September 25-27 (most other locations but call to confirm). Price ranges from $16.99 – $28.99. Bake includes one dozen clams, corn chowder, corn, baked or sweet potato, garlic bread and choice of chicken, ribs, steak or lobster (plus a la cart items available). It’s been several years since I’ve been to a bake at the lizard – not the best in town, but will satisfy your fix.

Miles Farmer’s Market  / October 3. Cost is $60 (or $35 for take out, excludes appetizers and desserts). Bake includes appetizers like shrimp cocktail and wings,one dozen clams, chowder, broth, corn, ½ baked chicken, sweet corn and slaw, plus dessert table. This drawa a rather large crowd and is an area favorite. I’ve never attended, but enjoyed a bake to go.

Lakehouse Inn & Winery / September 19. Cost is $50 and reservations are required. Bake includes chowder, corn, chicken, one dozen clams, baked potato and dessert (plus s’mores by the bonfire and live music). The picturesque views of the lake – free. This just might be the ideal setting in our area for a clambake. I’ve attended this bake twice. The first time was absolutely wonderful – even the chicken, which I’m normally not a fan of. The second time however, we weren’t as impressed as the first year.

Throwing a Bake               

Heinen’s / Two types of bakes offered, the Cleveland Traditional ($14.95 pp) or the Heinen’s Favorite (29.95 pp). Both bakes include one dozen clams (bagged and washed), half a seasoned Gerber chicken, Ohio corn, yam or red bliss potatoes, slaw, broth and rolls/butter. The Heinen’s Favorite also includes a ½ lb mussels and 1 ¼ lb lobster. For $18, plus a refundable $100 deposit, Heinen’s also rents the steamer. Bakes available now until the end of October. Three days notice appreciated and orders are based on a four-person minimum. My one brother and sister have both used Heinen’s in the past. Everyone was happy with the food and they seemed pleased with the minimal prep.

Lobster Bros.  / Bakes range from $16.50 pp – $20.99. The team here uses Rhode Island little neck clams which are shipped daily. Orders are based on a 10 person minimum. The prepackaged bakes include clams, half seasoned chicken, sweet corn, sweet potatoes, cole slaw, rolls and use of a steamer (everything is seasoned and packed in the steamer / ready to steam at home). Other bakes include oven-roasted chicken and extras like steak, soups and lobster. Call one week in advance to place your order.

Euclid Fish  / Self-proclaimed as the home of the original Cleveland clambake, they offer clams, sweet Ohio corn, chicken and sweet potatoes. They also provide you with a kettle or basket steamer, depending on party size, plus plates, bowls and silverware. Lobster, crab legs and steak also available. A 48-hour notice is required. Clambake available from Sept. 27 – Oct. 25.

Dean Supply / Dubbed by many local chefs and home cooks as a culinary wonderland, Dean Supply truly is one-stop shopping for all your cooking needs. So if you are prepping for a clambake, be sure to put this family-owned shop atop your list for items like: steamers, clam knives, bowls, butter warmers, lobster crackers, paper products, plus a slew of other items you never knew you needed!

Special for Cleveland Foodie readers: Visit here for your clambake checklist and  a 10% coupon off almost everything at Dean (just enter your e-mail and they’ll send it to you; can be used in-store or online).

Spice of Life Catering / Love clambakes but don’t want to be responsible for anything besides eating? Let chef Ben Bebenroth cater your bake. Be assured his team will prepare something for you that truly showcases all the local flavors of the season (except the clams, those aren’t exactly local!). Call for pricing and to discuss menu options.

Some possibilities include: a harvest of local veggies like heirloom squashes, corn and potatoes sound paired with grilled local bacon and corn salad, red bliss potatoes and butter with roasted Killbuck oysters and minced parsley as sides. Sherry caramelized onion tartlets with goat cheese and fresh thyme and grilled corn with chili aioli, Parmesan and a squeeze of lime. Desserts like sweet potato pie with praline pecans and bacon whipped cream in a lard crust. Or fried chicken with sherry black pepper gravy and housemade hot sauce, buttermilk biscuits and honey butter. And finally Chili charred flank steak on soft rolls and housemade crock pickles.

Rocco Whalen /quick & easy recipes

Chef  Whalen apparently likes to keep busy. When not running Fahrenheit, he’s working on his exclusive partnership with Bracken Grills, makers of premium outdoor grills and clam steamers. The steamers will hit the market shortly and cost approximately $379. As part of his partnership, he’s developing recipes as well as honing in on his tailgate-inspired steam technique cooking method which coincides with his personal tailgate truck. Yes. Rocco has a personal tailgate truck which he uses to whip up game day feasts for private companies during home Browns games or cater off property (interested – call the restaurant to inquire and please invite me!).

Clams steamed then chilled with heirloom tomato relish
4 cups chopped heirlooms
1 oz roasted garlic
1 oz fresh basil
2 oz cider vinegar
1oz fresh dill

The setting was basically how I remembered it from last year, except it was much warmer: live music (think Jack Johnson), decent size crowd and gorgeous views of the lake and sunset. The one difference was the clambake itself. Last year each of us commented how delicious everything was. Huge clams, perfectly roasted chicken, flavorful potatoes and the best clam chowder any of us have had in awhile. Last night, the food was good not great and not nearly as enjoyable as the previous year – except for the soup and apple pie. The clams were ok. Not quite as large and almost too salty. I didn’t have the broth, but my sister-in-law said it was extremely salty. The potatoes lacked flavor and the chicken was ok. But, I’m not a huge fan of chicken so I probably don’t make the best judge. My one brother-in-law did comment that it was probably the best chicken he has ever had at a clambake.

So while the atmosphere truly is ideal for a clambake and we did have a great evening, I think next year I’ll pass. The bake, which also includes a bottle of wine, costs $100 per couple. To me, that’s too much to spend for food that’s just ok, even if that atmosphere is what you’d want for this fall favorite. I’d rather host a clambake, or better yet, convince one of my friends or siblings to have one.

In the meantime, here are a few good bakes in the area:

• The Lakehouse Inn, Geneva-on-the-Lake. My friends took me here last year for my bachelorette party. It combined all my favorite things in one night: the lake, wine, clambake and of course good friends. The setting is ideal (right on the water), good (not great) wine, and delicious food. The bake included chowder, rolls, potatoes, roasted chicken, clams and broth plus fresh peach pie. There was also smores by the beach, but we passed on that. I’m not a fan of chicken, but everyone raved about it. I will say that the soup was one of the best chowders I ever tried, the clams were huge and steamed perfectly and the pie was so good I forgot about the wedding dress and had two slices. This was definitely the best bake I’ve ever had, and I have had a lot.
• Miles Market. If you’re like me and can’t get someone to throw a bake, this is a good option. They actually have a huge clambake there, or you can order one to go. They do a pretty nice job and it’s enough to satisfy your craving. They also have an option where you can rent the steamer and prepare the bake yourself at home for $16 pp. You could also add crab legs or lobster.
• Spice of Life Catering (Chef Ben Bebenroth). I have yet to try this guy but have heard really good things about him. I inquired about his bakes and they start at $25 pp. His crew comes to you and does everything. In the past, this is how we did the bakes – hire someone. It’s the easiest party to throw and nice not to worry about anything.