A fantastic restaurant in a seaside town in Boston
đ Oak to Ember: Gloucesterâs Seafood GemâAsian Fusion with Coastal Charm With my mom visiting Boston, we spent the day exploring coastal gems: Hammond Castle Museum, the vintage streets of Gloucester, and Manchester-by-the-Sea (straight out of a movie). These small towns feel like stepping into different filmsâeach with its own vibe. And tucked away in Gloucester? This seafood spot, where Asian-inspired twists on classic dishes made our meal a happy surprise. đ The Standouts Countneck Clam Chowder: đ Rhode Island-style, not the thick, creamy New England versionâand what a delight. Light, brothy, with plump, whole clams. The genius touch? Smoked bacon stirred in, adding a salty, smoky depth that elevates the clamsâ sweetness. Itâs like a coastal cousin to (Chinese ham-and-bamboo soup), where cured meat brings out the brothâs richness. Coconut Curry Mussels: đ A Southeast Asian twist on Western mussels. Plump mussels simmered in coconut curry with shishito peppers (slightly crisp, could use a little more cook time). The curry is sweet, creamy, and fragrantâcoconut and seafood? A match made in heaven. More balanced than traditional buttery mussel dishes, and easier on the palate. Oysters: 𦪠Pricy ($4 each) but worth it for the qualityâfresh, briny, and plump. The garlic sauce theyâre served with? A subtle nod to Eastern flavors, bright and zesty, cutting through the oystersâ richness. ⨠Why It Works Fusion Done Right: Itâs not âAsian for the sake of itââthe bacon in the chowder, coconut in the mussels, and garlic sauce with oysters feel intentional, enhancing the seafood instead of overshadowing it. Vibe: Casual, beachy, and perfect after a day of exploring. Itâs comfort food with a creative edgeâideal for Chinese palates that crave familiarity in new flavors. Budget Score: 4/5. Oysters are a splurge, but the chowder and mussels offer great value for the quality. Oak to Ember isnât just a seafood jointâitâs a reminder that coastal cuisine can feel both local and global. Next time youâre wandering Gloucesterâs streets, make this a stop. đ Oak to Ember 9 Rogers St, Gloucester, MA 01930 #GloucesterEats #BostonCoastal #SeafoodFusion