Land ahoy Diners partial to the clam chowder and lobster bisque at Bahrs Landing in Highlands may buy canned versions of the soups in the restaurant, in several Monmouth County markets, and on the Internet. "Customers said they liked the soups so much, they asked us to can them, so they could eat them at home," says general manager Jay Cosgrove, 39, of Shrewsbury. He's a fourth-generation member of the Bahrs family, the restaurant's founders. The facility still is on its original 1917 site on the Shrewsbury River, overlooking Sandy Hook. Cosgrove said he visited a few canneries over a couple of years, until he found one on the Eastern Shore of Maryland that recreated the Bahrs' recipes to his liking. At the cannery, meaty, palm- sized ocean clams are chopped for the soups. Commercial fishermen harvest the clams from North Carolina to Cape Cod, with New Jersey "probably the most productive waters," Cosgrove says. It's about half and half, Cosgrove says, of his customers' preference for bowls of spicy tomato- based Manhattan ($5.50) or creamy New England ($6.25) chowders. The restaurant sells 8,000 gallons of clam chowder a year. The chowders are $2.79 a can, the lobster bisque $3.25. They're available at Rumson Market and Food Circus Foodtown stores in Atlantic Highlands, Port Monmouth, Red Bank, Oakhurst and Sea Girt. Twelve-can cases of soup -- prices vary -- may be ordered at www. bahrs.com. Bahrs introduced the canned chowders about a year ago and the lobster bisque last fall. About 15,000 cans have been sold so far, Cosgrove said. He himself likes New England- style clam chowder. "Nearly every day I have a bowl for lunch, along with some Oysterettes and the view," he says. Bahrs Landing is at 2 Bay Ave. (off Route 36), Highlands. Hours are 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays- Thursdays; 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays; 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays. Entr饳 range from $15 to $29. The restaurant's marina has dock-and-dine slips for boaters. Call (732) 872-1245. -- Bette Spero |
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