Rhode Island takes its venerated stuffed clam "stuffie" dish on US tour

Rhode Island’s economic development organization has launched a national tour of the U.S. state's signature seafood dish.

The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation is taking the stuffed clam, or as it's locally known, the “stuffie”, across the U.S. through the rest of 2023. The tour kicks off in Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A. on 2 September, then will travel to Atlanta, Georgia; Baltimore, Maryland; and Los Angeles, California, RICC said.

The promotional campaign will include a stuffie installation alongside a hot sauce bottle placed in prominent locations in each city. The hot sauce bottle features an embedded TV monitor that will show a live-action cooking demonstration, plus recipe details. Viewers can also watch a quahogging video filmed on Narragansett Bay, and view other images from around the state.

The stuffie installations will showcase the unique, lesser known, yet delicious, cuisine offered in the “The Ocean State," according to Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Director Terry Gray.

“Unbeknownst to most, quahogging – or as some may call it – clamming, plays an integral role in Rhode Island, aiding in the growth of its US 5 billion [EUR 4.7 billion] blue economy,” Gray said. "This humble mollusk represents one of our most valuable commercial fisheries and a vital part of our history, culture, traditions, and families. The quahog is an awesome ambassador for Rhode Island and highlights our abundant and sustainable fishery in Narragansett Bay."

The RICC said the campaign is also intended to raise support for the state and national "blue economy."

“The strategic location, port infrastructure, skilled labor, and novel training programs make Rhode Island an ideal location for growing blue economy companies including aquaculture, seafood, and more,” RICC said. "As tourists visit Rhode Island and develop a taste for stuffies, guests will be supporting the business behind the dish:  the state's shellfishers as well as environmental management.”

Rhode Island is known as “The Ocean State” because it boasts nearly 400 miles of coastline, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee said.

"Rhode Island boasts a diverse and award-winning culinary scene and many cultural and historical attractions,"  McKee said. "By bringing a little bit of the Ocean State to our direct fly markets across the country, we are working to increase tourism to Rhode Island which in turn supports our small businesses and continues our economic momentum."

Photo courtesy of Rhode Island Commerce Corp.