Next
week, 4th annual Rhode Island Quahog Week
The Rhode Island Seafood Marketing Collaborative, chaired
by the Department of Environmental Management (DEM), announces that the 4th
annual Quahog Week returns March 25 - March 31. The week-long celebration highlights the importance of Rhode Island's iconic shellfish to the State's economy and culture.
Quahogging has a rich history locally, supporting the
livelihoods of hundreds of Rhode Island fishermen and women year-round as well
as serving as a treasured pastime for Rhode Island families who enjoy digging
their own.
Demand for these delicious local clams swells in the summer months due, in large part, to the popularity of fresh-shucked littlenecks, clam cakes, and stuffies.
But they also make the perfect fare for winter chowders, pastas,
and other dishes. Quahog Week shines a light on our favorite local clam, the
hard-working men and women who harvest them, and the vibrant local food
industry that makes them available to consumers.
Demand for these delicious local clams swells in the summer months due, in large part, to the popularity of fresh-shucked littlenecks, clam cakes, and stuffies.
As part of the week-long observance, participating
restaurants will feature quahog-inspired specials on their menus, and
participating markets will offer deals for those who enjoy cooking their own
clam dishes at home.
Consumers should visit www.seafoodri.com for a full list
of participating restaurants and markets and the specials they are offering.
Additional restaurants and markets interested in participating are encouraged to sign up at www.seafoodri.com.
Quahog Week will also feature two special events where
harvesters from the RI Shellfishermen's Association will be shucking and
serving complimentary little necks and interacting with attendees about their
fishery. Partners will also be providing other complimentary quahog-based
samplers and beverages. Both events are free and open to the public.
Quahog Night West Bay
WHERE: Whalers Brewing Company 1174 Kingstown Road, South
Kingstown
WHEN: Wednesday, March 27 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. {21+ only
after 6 pm}
WHO: RI Shellfishermen's Association Matunuck Oyster Bar
Plus others
Quahog Night East Bay
WHERE: Hope & Main 691 Main Street, Warren
WHEN: Friday, March 29 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
WHO: RI Shellfishermen's Association Narragansett Beer
Johnson & Wales University, College of Culinary Arts Plus others
"Quahog Week is our opportunity to step back and
celebrate our wild harvest quahog fishery – as well as our State's amazing
array of eateries," said DEM Director Janet Coit.
"Whenever I go out
to eat, I look for Rhode Island shellfish, and I know I'm not alone. Our
flavorful clams are enjoyed by Rhode Islanders and tourists alike, and are
shipped fresh throughout the U.S. And going out on the water with our local
fishermen has made me appreciate all the more the hard work and dedication that
defines our fishing industry. I encourage Rhode Islanders to visit our
partnering restaurants and markets, and stop by at one of the two special
events, during Quahog Week – and beyond."
"Whenever I go out
to eat, I look for Rhode Island shellfish, and I know I'm not alone. Our
flavorful clams are enjoyed by Rhode Islanders and tourists alike, and are
shipped fresh throughout the U.S. And going out on the water with our local
fishermen has made me appreciate all the more the hard work and dedication that
defines our fishing industry. I encourage Rhode Islanders to visit our
partnering restaurants and markets, and stop by at one of the two special
events, during Quahog Week – and beyond."
Rhode Island is known for its food and diverse food
cultures. The state's booming local food sector supports more than 60,000 jobs
and continues to attract and inspire the imagination of entrepreneurs and
innovators.
The local fishing industry has been, and continues to be, a vital part of the equation. Thousands of land and water-based businesses are supported by the industry. And local favorites like the quahog "stuffie" are enjoyed by people near and far.
The local fishing industry has been, and continues to be, a vital part of the equation. Thousands of land and water-based businesses are supported by the industry. And local favorites like the quahog "stuffie" are enjoyed by people near and far.
Last year, more than 22 million quahogs were harvested
from Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island coastal waters, with an off-the-boat
value of $4.8 million.
To support continued industry growth, the Rhode Island
Seafood Marketing Collaborative promotes Rhode Island seafood in various ways,
including events like Quahog Week.
For more information about Quahog Week and/or a list of
participating restaurants and markets (updated daily), visit www.seafoodri.com
or @RISeafoodRocks on Facebook.
Also, join the conversation, and share photos of your favorite dishes on Twitter using #QuahogWeek.
Also, join the conversation, and share photos of your favorite dishes on Twitter using #QuahogWeek.
Follow DEM on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) or Facebook at
www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM for more information on boating in Rhode Island
as well as other timely updates.
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