HOME CHEFS, COME OUT OF YOUR SHELL THIS SUMMER WITH ONE OF MY FAVORITE UNUSUAL DISHES: THE PAINT CAN CLAMBAKE

BY CHEF DAVID BURKE

When I’m creating a new dish, necessity is often the mother of my inventions. Anyone who dines at my restaurants knows how much I love unusual vessels. My Paint Can Clambake is one of my more brilliant ones.

I was catering an outdoor party, and I wanted a customized clambake instead of a one-size-fits-all. Some people don’t like sausage, some don’t like clams, others only want lobster, while vegetarians only want veggies – so I thought a customized clambake would suit everyone’s preferences. Suddenly it came to me. A clean, shiny new paint can would be the perfect solution!

It was a huge hit. People wrote their names on the cans, then shopped along a buffet line where all the ingredients were prepped and set up ready to be popped into their can. There were sous chefs on hand to help each guest assemble his or her own personal clambake. Each guest customized her own clambake to her liking. Combinations were limitless, with corn, potatoes, sausage, mussels, shrimp, lobster, basil, white wine, tomatoes, lemon, a little Old Bay seasoning, fresh basil, Jersey tomatoes, and of course, butter. Guests selected items more or less to their personal tastes, put the lid on the can, and set it on the grill. They let it steam for 25 minutes, then had their own little soup pot.

We also served lots of grilled bread to sop up that delicious liquid that collected at the bottom of the can. People loved the interactive, participatory element to my Paint Can Clambake. And, at the end of the party, they took their signed can home with them as a keepsake.

You can try your hand at the Paint Can Clambake using the recipe below. Or check with one of your favorite David Burke restaurants in New Jersey. The menus may feature a clambake as a special for the night from time to time.

DRIFTHOUSE by David Burke
1485 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright 732.530.9760 / drifthousedb.com chefdavidburke.com