People from all over the world stop at Sam’s Chowder House for fresh seafood in Half Moon Bay, but the restaurant also brings its food to locations all over the South Bay with a bright red ChowderMobile.

Truck Name: Sam’s ChowderMobile

Cuisine style: New England style gourmet seafood

Hometown: Half Moon Bay

Favorite location: Golden Gate Park, where Sam’s ChowderMobile is on weekends

Years in Business: 3

Owners: Paul Shenkman, Julie Shenkman and Lewis Rossman (Executive Chef/Partner at Sam’s Chowder House); Director: Juan Hurtado

Backstory: Juan found his passion in cooking. Working in the kitchen reminded him of his grandfather’s preparation of delicious authentic dishes over the grill such as Carne Asada. His admiration for his grandfather’s ability to unite people through cooking inspired him to do the same. 

Specialty menu items: 
Sam’s New England Clam Chowder – Traditional New England style chowder prepared with natural ingredients, including a light, savory clam broth, cream, clams, potatoes, smoked bacon, onion and thyme.  

Sam’s Fish and Chips – lightly beer-battered fish fried in cholesterol and trans-fat free oil and served with Sam’s French fries. 

Sam’s Lobster Clambake – An East Coast tradition and a favorite for Sam’s ChowderMobile private events. A huge wooden steamer box is used to cook the Clambake, loaded with fresh whole Maine lobsters (one per person), clams, mussels, red potatoes, fresh corn on the cob and savory Andouille sausage, and layered with special lobster seaweed flown in from Maine.

The box is covered in the traditional manner, with a special burlap tarp, and steams for over an hour, bringing out the smoky sweetness of the shellfish. When the Lobster Clambake is complete, guests enjoy the excitement of the “unveiling” as the steam billows out and the seafood is poured into family style bowls in preparation for serving. The three-course feast begins with Sam’s New England Clam Chowder, and ends with dessert. 

Top seller: Sam’s Lobster Roll served “naked style” – Maine lobster lightly tossed with butter and diced celery, served on a toasted artisan bun.

Favorite music to listen to in the truck: Music 60’s Soul, 70’s Punk and Lemonhead Reggae.

Favorite Food Truck: Tandoori USA Truck

Facebook: www.facebook.com/samschowdermobile

Twitter: @chowdermobile

What South Bay food truck should we cover next? Leave a comment with your suggestion.