Sam's Chowder House Announces Grand Opening of Palo Alto Restaurant

PALO ALTO, Calif., Nov. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Sam's Chowder House announces the Grand Opening of their second restaurant, located in downtown Palo Alto at 185 University Avenue.  The 120-seat restaurant reflects the core concept of the popular Half Moon Bay flagship destination, reminiscent of a New England style seafood house, with an Oyster Bar, live lobster tank, and simple, nautical decor. 

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131118/SF19126-a)

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131118/SF19126-b)

Executive Chef Robert Holt leads the kitchen with a menu that features fresh, seasonal ingredients and signature menu items such as Clam Chowder, Sam's award-winning Lobster Roll, Fish and Chips, live Maine lobster, fresh local crab, Ahi Tuna Poke, Oyster Bar items, fresh daily "catch of the day", and fried calamari, as well as specialties specific to the Palo Alto location such as Blue Crab and Artichoke Fritters, Barbequed Shrimp Po' Boy, and Slow-Roasted Pork Spareribs.  Holt honed his skills in key leadership roles at top Bay Area restaurants such as Boulevard, Square One, Acquerello, and Oakland's Marzano restaurant where he earned a three-star review from San Francisco Chronicle critic Michael Bauer.  He was also chef de cuisine for chef Melissa Kelly at Primo restaurant in Rockland, Maine.  His farm-to-table approach and love of seafood can be traced back to his upbringing in rural Texas, where his father was a farmer and fisherman. At Sam's, Chef Holt's menu showcases the natural flavors of the freshest ingredients, and all sauces, dressings, and desserts are house-made. 

Sam's comes courtesy of Shenkman Hospitality Group and restaurateurs Paul and Julie Shenkman, business partner and Sam's Chowder House Executive Chef Lewis Rossman, and Vice President of Operations Patrick McElroy. Known for a passion and dedication to farm-fresh cuisine, their portfolio of restaurants includes Sam's Chowder House (Half Moon Bay, CA), Osteria Coppa (San Mateo, CA), and Sam's ChowderMobile (three gourmet food trucks), which jointly serve 50,000+ guests monthly in the Bay Area.   

Open seven days a week, Sam's Chowder House is at 185 University Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301.  Open for Lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, and Saturday and Sunday 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Dinner Sunday through Thursday from 5:00 – 9:00 pm, and Friday and Saturday 5:00pm to 10:00pm. Major credit cards accepted. Takeout and private dining available.  Reservations: 650.614.1177, or www.samschowderhouse.com. Facebook @samschowderhousepa. 

SOURCE Sam's Chowder House