A Perfectly Backyard Picnic: Inside My Nantucket-Style Clam Bake

There’s something undeniably magical about cracking lobster claws under twinkling lights, with the scent of the ocean in the air…or, in this case, simmering in your backyard. In August, I brought a slice of seaside New England to Toronto with a Nantucket-inspired clam bake that turned one summer evening into a full-blown East Coast escape.

The Star: A Lobster Clam Bake Worth Remembering

The main event was a lobster clam bake layered with flavor and love. Canadian lobsters, little neck clams, tiger shrimp, corn, potatoes, and chorizo came together in one gloriously aromatic pot—steamed in their own juices, then served with a rich lobster stock on the side. It was the kind of dish you lean into with both hands, sleeves rolled up and smiles wide.

A Spread to Start

Before the seafood hit the table, guests were welcomed with a trio of starters built for grazing:

Crudités with Caesar Dip – crunchy, briny, creamy—this wasn’t your average veggie tray.
Pimento-Cheese-Inspired Crab Dip – velvety, rich, and served with homemade focaccia to soak up every last bit.

Oysters Two Ways –
- Cold: topped with a punchy green garlic salsa.
- Hot: baked “Parm” style with confit cherry tomatoes, Calabrian chilies, and lots of butter.

Sips That Slapped

To wash it all down:

A Lambrusco Negroni, bubbly and bitter in the best way.
A Lemon Blueberry Gin Lemonade, as summery as a sundress on a dock.

Something Sweet

We finished with an olive oil cake topped with brandy-marinated peaches and softly whipped cream. A dessert so simple, so good, it made you think maybe this is how every meal should end.

Love a Good Theme? So Do I.

Curated menus are my love language. Whether it’s a New England-style boil, a candlelit dinner for six, or your version of “I want to impress but not stress,” I’m here to bring the vibe—and the food. If you're planning an event or dreaming up a fridge full of meal-prepped heaven, let's talk.

Summer Clam bake