We tried to get a new chowder, but stumbled into an old one. You’ll have to read more to find out why Smith and Wollensky Chowder barely even got included in the Chowder Quest.
$14.00
Clams
The clams are large, plump and sweet. Excellent.
Cream and Consistency
At first look this chowder seems grainy, but it is creamy.
Potatoes
The potatoes are overcooked.
Garnish
There was bread on the table but no garnish. Traditional Westminster Oyster Crackers were brought over when we were about halfway through the bowl.
Everything Else
There are nice pieces of onion. The recipe includes salt pork.
Not Chowder
Smith and Wollensky is a classic steak house with some high end steak options. We recommend the steak tartare and highly recommend the Tennessee Sidecar.
The Verdict
So why did this chowder almost get excluded from the quest? Because Legal Sea Foods is owned by Smith & Wollensky and they just get their clam chowder from Legal’s. So why does Smith & Wollensky only earn three stars when Legal’s gets four? First, the potatoes are falling apart because they were cooked too long. They probably don’t sell as much chowder, so it sits in a warmer for too long. Second, because the price is higher for not quite as good chowder. It is still good, but doesn’t live up to Legal’s. At least we found a great cocktail.
Smith & Wollensky
multiple locations including:
92 Middlesex Turnpike
Burlington, MA
Concord Culinary Lyceum 
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