Vinny T.
Yelp
As the world's leading authority on clams and clamcentric cuisine, I have had the privilege of sampling a myriad of clam dishes from across the globe. However, there is one dish from one single restaurant that stands out as a culinary masterpiece - Clams Casino from Tiro A Segno. This classic dish, with its harmonius blend of flavors and textures, is a testament to the versatility and richness of clams.
Before I go into the details of this most amazing dish, I need to recommend that you don't forget that this restaurant has a proper dress code. Men need to dress in a collared shirt and jacket or they will throw you out like the dog you are and send you back to Olive Garden where you belong.
This restaurant has a proper four-course meal. My only disappointment that all four courses could not be their Clams Casino. The first bite of this dish is a sensory explosion. The tender, succulent clam meat, nestled in its shell, is perfectly complemented by the crisp, smoky bacon.
The dish is further enhanced by the addition of bell peppers and onions that remind me of how my grandmother learned to make this dish while fleeing Mussolini nearly 80 years ago. The garlic and butter provide a rich, savory undertone while the splash of white wine adds a hint of acidity, cutting through the richness and bringing a refreshing lightness to the dish.
The presentation of the Clams Casino is also a sight to behold as they are a visual feast served in their shells. I brought home a couple of the empty shells to make Christmas ornaments to help me remember the greatest plate of food that I ever consumed.
In conclusion, Clams Casino is a dish that truly celebrates the humble clam and the glorious heritage of Italy. If this plate of Clams Casino existed in 1492, Christopher Columbus would've had no reason to cross the ocean.
They also let you shoot guns in the basement.