McGrath Clambakes, Inc. is one of the few companies that prepares
its clambakes uses the old fashioned method passed down from
early New England colonists.
The process begins early in the day when we send our crews out to
pick fresh 'rockweed', a dark green seaweed that contains bubbles
filled with saltwater. The bubbles are essential to the traditional
cooking process as they provide the steam for cooking.
This base of rocks and coals are then covered with mounds of rockweed. The bubbles in the rockweed burst when heated emitting seawater that steams and seasons the food. At this point, the bakemaster works very quickly to capture as much heat as possible under the canvas.
After several hours of cooking, the Bakemaster indicates the opening of the bake by "The Ringing of the Bell". Guests are invited to gather around the clambake for its unveiling. A brief explanation of the cooking process is given. Then the layers of canvas are peeled away. Billows of steam rise from the bake along with a surge of delicious aromas. Many "oohs" and "ahhs" are heard from guests as they watch this unique event.
