Shack Attack 2012
By The Foodies./ foodie@longislandernews.com

Few things say “summer” more clearly in Huntington than a row of cars parked haphazardly along Route 25A, a row of motorcycles near Stony Hollow Road, and the crunch of rocks under your feet as you bring a paper dish filled with fried clams back to your picnic table.

Yes, you guessed it – The Shack is open once again!

I met owner Mace Colodny, a gregarious man whose youthful appearance and attitude could make you wonder how he’s owned The Shack since 1980. Then, he was a 19-year-old who fit in gigs at CBGB’s with running the family business. Now 51, music remains a big part of his life, evident by the eclectic tunes you’ll hear during a visit.
“We’re not really following what anybody else is doing. We’re doing our own thing.” he said.

That statement is true – for both the music and the eatery. Fried clam strips ($7.95) are a nod to The Shack’s roots as a simple clam bar in the 1920s. Since then, the menu has evolved to satisfy more palates, but the classics should remain on your dining to-do list, especially if you’re a first-time visitor. These delightful little morsels are lightly breaded and gently fried, keeping the outside crispy and the clams sweet and tender. The heck with the little wood utensil; just squeeze on some lemon and use your hands. Depending on your mood, you can also get these on a roll ($11.95). Feel like pasta? Another way to get your clam fix is linguini in white or red clam sauce ($13.95).

The Shack in 2012 has plenty more than classic clams, burgers and brews. Soft and moist on the inside with a nice crunch outside, crab cakes ($7.95 for two) are another great choice to get started off with, especially if you like a little bit of peppery zest. Get this on a sandwich for $11.45.

Lobster makes plenty of appearances on the menu as well, including the classic lobster roll ($14.95; varies based on market price). Simple lobster salad with a hint of pepper is loaded into a lightly toasted bun with lettuce and tomato. Add a splash of lime to the top and enjoy the tender, juicy combination. You’ll also find lobster on salads and their Lobster BLT sandwich, which is highly recommended by Mace.

Should you make a roadside stop this season, you’ll have a more affordable Shack Attack – Mace said they’ve cut prices 15 to 20 percent across the board in a response to the ongoing recession.

“I know everybody’s suffering from the pinch,” he said.

After introducing draft beer last year while continuing to focus on microbreweries and up-and-coming brands, The Shack continues to expand its reach. New this season is the Burger Board, which, for $9, gets you one of 17 creations with fries and a medium drink. Your lip-smacking choices range from classic chili, chili-cheese and bacon cheeseburgers to Avocado Swiss, turkey and veggie burgers and blue cheese burgers. Don’t dare miss the Shack Burger, a patty with fried onions and cheddar sauce.