For the fourth year in a row, Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC) is on the search to find who makes the best stuffed quahog on all of Cape Cod.
Known as the Cape Cod Quahog Challenge, the competition pits local restaurants who cook up samples of the regional dish. “The quahog challenge is one of my favorite events of the summer,” said HAC’s Event and Resource Development Coordinator Deanna Bussiere. “You get to taste incredible quahog recipes from some of the best chefs in the region.”
This year’s challenge will take place on Sunday, August 5, 1-4 pm, at Trader Ed’s in Hyannis. Tickets, which can be purchased online at www.haconcapecod.org or at HAC’s office at 460 West Main Street in Hyannis, are $25 per person in advance and $30 at the door. For those 10 and under, tickets are $5 per person.
Over the past three years, Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar in Eastham has won the coveted top prize which is based upon a popular vote of those in attendance. The restaurant will not be returning to defend its title as owner Nathan Nickerson and head chef Susan Buckley promised if they won three years in a row, they would step aside to give others a chance.
That means a new winner will be crowned in August. Last year’s second place winner, Cape Tip Seafood Market in Truro, will be returning as will Trader Ed’s; Fresh Ketch in Hyannis; Portside Tavern in Hyannis; and Sea Dog Brew Pub in Yarmouth. The annual event will welcome two newcomers: Baha Brothers’ Sandbar Grill in Taunton as well as Sesuit Harbor Café in Dennis.
Jake Nardini, head chef at Sesuit, said his restaurant decided to participate this year to see how its stuffed quahog stacks up against others in the region. “We want to see people’s reactions, if they like it, and what everyone else’s take on quahogs are,” he said.
As to the region’s connection to the stuffie, he said, “it’s kind of Cape Cod to eat something out of a clam shell. That right there is different.”
Along with tasting each restaurant’s take on the popular appetizer, attendees will receive free samples of Polar Cave Ice Cream in Mashpee as well as Narragansett Beer for those 21 and over. Four Guys Cape Cod will provide live entertainment.
All proceeds from the event will go to benefit HAC’s housing programs on Cape Cod and the Islands. For Mark Lawrence, owner of Polar Cave Ice Cream which has participated in the challenge all four years, that is the best part of the event. “It is all about HAC,” he said. “It generates funds for them to support all the good they do in our community.”
About Housing Assistance Corporation
Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC) is a 44-year-old nonprofit based in Hyannis, whose mission is to ensure that all on Cape Cod and the Islands have a safe, stable, decent place to live. HAC operates four family homeless shelters on Cape Cod; develops affordable housing; oversees Section 8 vouchers for the region; conducts foreclosure counseling; holds educational workshops for first-time homebuyers and those looking to rebuild their credit; and keeps residents in their homes through its homelessness prevention program. To learn more about HAC’s programs and services visit www.HAConCapeCod.org.
