Shellfish is a term used to describe shelled molluscs and crustaceans used as food. Shelled molluscs include the clam, mussel, oyster, winkle and scallop; some crustaceans are the shrimp, prawn, lobster, crayfish, and crab. Squid, octopus and terrestrial snails, though edible and biologically similar to mollusc shellfish, are generally not considered to be shellfish. Some other marine animals, such as sea urchins, are also considered to be shellfish, but they are less commonly eaten. Crustacean shellfish usually "taste like chicken" with a hint of fishiness. Molluscs are rather slimy when raw, and taste more earthy or fishy.

Lobster in particular is a great delicacy in the United States, where families in the northeast region make them into the centerpiece of a clam bake, usually for a special occasion. Lobsters are eaten on much of the East Coast; the American lobster ranges from Nova Scotia down to about the Carolinas, but is most often associated with Maine. A typical meal involves boiling the lobster with some slight seasoning and then serving with drawn butter, baked potato, and corn on the cob.

Clamming is done both commercially and recreationally along the Northeast coastline of America. Various type of clams are incorporated into the cuisine of New England. Notable is the soft-shelled clam, which is eaten fried or steamed, where they are called 'steamers.' Many types of clams can be used for clam chowder, but quahogs, a hard shelled clam also know as a chowder clam, are often used because the long cooking time softens its tougher meat.

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L.A. Times - Food & Dining

So many ways to chill
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:20:07 -0700
This May 2007 article argued that you can dress 'em up or dress 'em down, but one thing is certain: In a quick and easy salad or an elegant, four-part dessert, cucumbers are simply the coolest things around. Who doesn't love a cucumber?
Cookbook politics: Democrats, Republicans in the kitchen
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Out on the fringes of the campaign trail, the partisan cookbook is a perennial candidate. Want a cookie? "NOT ONLY do I eat, I also am a Democrat," wrote Frank Sinatra in an intro to 1960's "Many Happy Returns: The Democrats' Cook Book, or How to Cook a G.O.P. Goose" (the sales of which helped buy TV air time for candidates). "Not only should every Democrat own a copy of this book, but he should load up all his or her friends, and even smuggle some copies into Pasadena and other points where the enemy is strong and square."
Los Angeles taco trucks can stay put again
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700
A judge overturns a recent county supervisors' rule limiting how long the mobile food vendors can remain parked in one spot. Taco trucks are back in full force -- at least for now.

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