Clam Box of Ipswich

If there is a fried-clam epicenter of Massachusetts, it is Route 133 in Essex and Ipswich. There, four places vie for clam lovers' hearts: Essex Seafood, J.T. Farnham's, Woodman's of Essex, and the Clam Box of Ipswich. Each has its own distinct charms. But which has the best fried clams? After an unhealthy sampling at each place, the verdict is in: the Clam Box. It serves tender, sweet clams in a batter that is light and just crunchy enough. (Boston Globe, Sept. 10)