TERRY’S PICKY PALATE / D.J.’s Clam Shack
A Grilled Garlic Shrimp Roll and sides
to die for, at D.J.’s Clam Shack
BY TERRY SCHMIDA
KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER
There’s no shortage of fresh fish, and fish-centric eateries in Key West.
But only at DJ’s Clam Shack, 629 Duval St., do “Northern & Southern seafood meet.”
It’s been a while since I stopped by to indulge in some delicious offerings from proprietors Doug Bell and Jeff Gagnon’s, so last week I did just that.
As it turned out, my timing couldn’t have been better. The pair treated me to a seafood feast, including their new Grilled Garlic Shrimp Roll, a sampling of side dishes, including Beer Battered Onion Rings, Conch Fritters, and even a bowl of their signature New England Clam Chowder.
All were to die for, and well worth ordering again.
As mentioned, the Grilled Garlic Shrimp Roll is a new menu item, and one that, according to Bell, is growing in popularity. The local shrimp are perfectly cooked, and liberally spread on a buttered top-load roll that’s a treat in itself.
Bell and Gagon’s Conch Fritters are perfect. I’ve had gooey fritters, overcooked fritters, and everything in-between, but DJ’s are just the right texture, and stuffed full of chewy, delicious conch. They’re also served, like most everything else in the place, with a tasty dipping sauce.
Ditto for the Onion Rings, which are now battered by hand, and the perfect accompaniment to the Shrimp Roll.
I was stuffed, but Gagnon insisted that I also sample his beloved clam chowder.
It’s amazing how much of this we sell, even on a hot day,” he told me. “I guess it’s one of those things, like tea, that can be refreshing, even though it’s hot.”
He was correct about that, and also about keeping his soup white. I’ve always preferred the creamy, New England variety to tomato-based, Manhattan chowders, and Gagnon and Bell’s soup reminded me why. It really was wonderful, even when I reheated the left-over chowder later on that day.
Do yourself a flavor. Make tracks to DJ’s, where no-frills seafood never tasted so good!
D.J.’s Clam Shack is open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
To order take-out, or for more information, call 305-294-0102, or visit www.djsclamshack.com.

 

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