I kept hearing that clam chowder as best along the Atlantic coast. The American cuisine originated in the northeastern United States. There are three most prevalent variations. We had the chance to taste the New England variation.

We were walking around Bearskin Neck at Rockport, Massachusetts after we saw motif # 1. I was craving for coffee that morning and we chanced upon Bean & Leaf cafe. There were small glass windows with a sign on top and an old-looking door. I thought the cafe was closed but saw people inside. There was coffee indeed when we went in and saw the full menu on a big sign behind the counter. We asked for clam chowder.

We sat by a window while having a bowl of clam chowder. Outside, we watched the serene waters of Lumber wharf. It must have been lucky day. There was only one other couple next to us and the cafe staff were the friendliest. We later talked to one of them about places to see around and she pointed us to Gloucester. A bigger town, she said, and more interesting places to see. We did find the town of Rockport, Massachusetts small and quiet. We liked it.