In November 2008, Connecticut held a restaurant week. My mom and I stopped at the U.S.S. Chowder Pot III in Branford after a New Haven art show to unexpectedly discover the special menu they boasted that week. For $20.08 (a steal) we received a three-course dinner. I ordered a cup of New England clam chowder, and my mom had a standard house salad. For our entrée we both asked for the Fried Chowder Pot Platter (shrimp, scallops, fillets, whole belly clams, and fries). A waxy looking circle of bread accompanies all this. The waxy look came from a honey butter topping poured over the loaf. Despite the fact that we barely made a dent in the platters, our waitress boxed up course #3, dessert, to go. We got a dense, moist coconut cake and a raspberry cheesecake that still tasted yummy the following afternoon. We also took the fried platter to go, and the lightly battered, fresh seafood was still fantastic the next day for lunch. Restaurant week was undoubtedly a fabulous deal, but any regular day the seafood is just as delicious! The place has an old school family restaurant vibe with dark wood paneling, nautical décor, and roomy cranberry banquettes. The bar side hosts karaoke if that’s something you are into for post dinner entertainment.

Related Posts

1. Flanders Fish Market – East Lyme, CT – Friday, November 28, 2008
2. Dose of Vitamin P: Parq Wild Striped Bass with Bacon Chowder
3. Sea Swirl – Mystic, CT – Monday, September 1, 2008
4. La Camaronera – Miami, FL – November 22, 2007
5. Seewee – Awendaw, SC – Friday, November 25, 2004

This entry is filed under Dispatches.