Official Website of UCLA, United Clam Lovers of America
THE PLACE, Guilford CT
4/28/06 Opening Night
▲Here's what was left after your humble webmaster did his work. Recent rainy weather had
hurt the local clam supply, and there were only 8 dozen available. Feeling charitable, he
cut back his order to 4 dozen so other clam fans could slurp some, too. It was chilly, but the
weather was beautiful -- a good omen for the 37th year.
▲ Lobbies, chicken, steak, and salmon are up a buck from
last year. Corn costs a dime more. Shrimp, vegibob and
unadorned ice cream pricing has held steady. Steamers now
cost more than mussels. Plain clams now cost as much as
specials, and the specials are up 30 cents a dozen. Still, it's a
much better deal than you'll find at the local Exxon station,
and you'll drive away smiling, not swearing.
▲Other boss Vaughn Knowles, in the center under the "Danger Men Cooking" sign, watches over the fire.
Vaughn and Gary worked for original owner Whitey, and now they own the place, and The Place. At the left
is Chilly Culver, now in his eighth year at The Place. At the right is Chris Braumann, another chef with years
of experience roasting and toasting.
▲Women don't cook at The Place, but the men don't get tips. Vanessa (far left) is a Knowles, so she's allowed
to count cash, and gets the family discount price on shirts and hats. Lynn McGregor (second from left) and
Christine Corning (third from left) also carry trays and clean tables, and were at last year's opening night. All
three young ladies work hard, so be generous. Despite the strong resemblance, Christine Corning is not Willie
Nelson's granddaughter. Maybe she's just a Willie Nelson groupie. Maybe she doesn't care about Willie Nelson,
but just likes braids and bandannas.
▲There were plenty of rumps to sit on the stumps on opening night. We wanted everyone to smile for the
camera, and most folks complied. For the two young ladies who would not show their faces, well, at least your
behinds are now online.
▲Lobster-meister Chris Braumann sheds a tear. Perhaps it's a tear of joy. Maybe he feels sorry for the
lobbies. Maybe it's just smoke in his eyes. Chris's beard is new for the '06 season.
▲You can't buy anything stronger than birch beer at The Place, but you can bring a bottle of anything you
like. We don't know if these nice folks are smiling from the wine, or in anticipation of the food. They offered
to share their primo vino with your humble Clam Master, but he was already high on clam fumes. Hey kid,
share some of that hair!
▲We hope there's nothing wrong here, but she sure seems to be happier than he is. Maybe he's worried
about the Red Sox. The big bag of beer should cheer him up.
▲This guy is wearing a Carolina sweatshirt in Yale territory, and he lost a couple of hairs, but he's
surrounded by smiling women and there's plenty of wine on the table. Life is good.
▲Class picture. Yale students didn't look like this when your humble Clam Master was in college. Back then,
Yalies were malies. Born too soon. Darn.
▲BE CAREFUL! PAY ATTENTION! Food disappears quickly at The Place. While Yale Guy on left is telling
kid to turn around to be photographed, blonde lady is snatching food from his plate.
WeLoveClams.com                   Michael N. Marcus, Clam Master
Co-proprietor Gary Knowles▲
proudly presents the first
lobsters of the '06 season.
Forget about crabmeat
stuffing, thermidor or fra
diavolo. Dining al fresco is
best kept simple. You get
melted butter and a wooden
fork, and can order boiled or
roasted.