East Providence

4th ANNUAL RHODE ISLAND QUAHOG WEEK KICKS OFF MARCH 25TH

Participating restaurants and markets across the state will offer specials featuring Rhode Island’s favorite clam

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.

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

Quahog Night East Bay

“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.”

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.

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.

Featured items being offered by participating restaurants include: clam chowder at The Mooring in Newport; littlenecks, clams casino, and littlenecks with chourico at Matunuck Oyster Bar in South Kingstown; littlenecks Italiano in a red or white clam sauce at Atwood Grill in Johnston; mussels and clams Portofino and Portuguese clams at George’s of Galilee in Narragansett; and unique versions of stuffed quahogs at 22 Bowen’s in Newport, Griswold’s Tavern in Newport, Sorrento Restaurant in North Providence, Paquette’s Family Restaurant in East Providence, Trio in Narragansett, 15 Point Road in Portsmouth, and Waterman Grill in Providence. The already large group of participating restaurants is growing larger every day.

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.

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.