Eco-friendly

At Sam's, we're committed to the environment and ecological systems from where our food is sourced and grown – and we're working hard to meet today's needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Sustainable Seafood Practices

The seafood we select is caught or farmed in an environmentally sensitive manner, which protects the long-term health of individual fisheries and our ocean ecosystems as a whole.
As our guideline, we use the Seafood Watch recommendations published by the Monterey Bay Aquarium (www.montereybayaquarium.org) whenever possible.

Biodegradable Packaging

We use 100% biodegradable and compostable boxes made from sugarcane for all of our to- go items. After the sugarcane stems are crushed and the juice is removed, the dry fibrous material leftover is called bagasse – and that's used to create the durable, disposable to-go boxes. We also recycle all of our bottles and cans.

Oil Recycling

We recycle all of our rice-based, trans fat-free vegetable oil from our fryers. The oil is picked up weekly by a local auto repair shop, who transforms it into "diesel" fuel for their fleet of vehicles.

We also use 100% biodegradable and compostable packaging and utensils, as well as trans fat-free vegetable oil in our fryers, so it's all recyclable.

The Team

Lewis Rossman, award-winning Executive Chef/Partner for Sam’s Chowder House and Sam’s ChowderMobile, has contributed to the success of some of the Bay Area’s top dining spots. As opening team member and later Executive Chef of Cetrella in Half Moon Bay, California, he won many accolades, including San Francisco Chronicle’s“Top 100 Bay Area Restaurants” list for three years in a row, and “Culinary Hospitality Restaurant of the Year” in the US by Sante, the Magazine for Restaurant Professionals, the only peer-judged awards program in America. As Chef de Cuisine Acquerello, rated one of Wine Spectator's“10 best Italian Restaurants in the U.S.”, Rossman worked closely with award-winning chef Suzette Gresham.

Rossman grew up in rural Buck's County, a charming area outside of Philadelphia filled with farmlands, wineries, and local artisans, reminiscent of California's Napa Valley. Today his mantra remains sustainable, fresh, local when possible and always seasonal. The ingredients are the foundation of every dish, and produce in the fields of Half Moon Bay in the morning often finds its way onto the salad plate at Sam’s by evening. This passion for fine, fresh ingredients is evident from the house-made dressings, sauces, and house-made desserts served at the restaurant and on Sam’s ChowderMobile.

Paul Shenkman, award-winning culinary entrepreneur, is largely responsible for bringing fine dining to the coastal town of Half Moon Bay, California, as founder and original proprietor of both Pasta Moon and Cetrella. Born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Shenkman was raised in Margate, a place, “with a small town atmosphere, fresh local seafood and a connection with the seasons,” says Shenkman. His love of food began with the local cuisine of the Jersey shore and he fondly remembers the steamed and raw clams and blue crabs at Abe’s Oyster House and authentic Italian dinners at the homes of his friends.

His oceanfront restaurant, Sam’s Chowder House, grew out of memories spent as a youth on the shores of the eastern seaboard. With its sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Sam’s offers a casual and authentic New England-style seafood experience. In two years, Sam’s Chowder House has already been featured on NBC’s The Today Show (Lobster Roll named in Top Five Best Sandwiches in America), Best of the Bay TV, and earned Top three “Best Outdoor Dining” restaurants from San Francisco Magazine. Twelve months in the making, Sam’s ChowderMobile stemmed from the enormous demand he experienced at the restaurant for fresh, simple seafood and his belief that the same food experience could be delivered anywhere, affordably and conveniently.

SAM'S CHOWDERMOBILE – GOURMET SEAFOOD CATERING

Sam's Lobster Roll Named Top Five "BEST SANDWICHES IN AMERICA" NBC's The Today Show

"Best Seafood in San Mateo County"

"Best Seafood Restaurant in San Mateo County"

Executive Chef/Partner Lewis Rossman featured in TasteTV's new book "Sexy Dishes"

Sam's ChowderMobile offers the same fresh New England style seafood as our original restaurant location, Sam's Chowder House in Half Moon Bay. Our fleet of mobile trucks travel throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, from Napa to Monterey, serving...

• Lunch & Dinner Routes: Businesses on the Peninsula and in San Francisco can enjoy our New England Clam Chowder, Shrimp Po' Boys, Fried Calamari, Fish n' Chips, Baja-Style Fish Tacos or our award-winning Lobster Roll, named one of the top five "Best Sandwiches in America", by NBC's The Today Show.
• Catered Corporate Events: From company picnics and business meetings to teambuilding events, the ChowderMobile brings delicious seafood right to you.
• Private Events: Celebrate birthday parties, anniversaries, graduation dinners, rehearsal dinners, receptions and more, with Sam's ChowderMobile.
• Weddings: Already have the wedding location of your dreams? We can bring our award winning seafood right to you, whether at an elegant winery, your own backyard, or right on the beach. Your guests can order from the traditional menu, or enjoy our special Lobster Clambake.
• Authentic New England Style Lobster Clambakes: It's more than a meal, it's an experience, as the food is loaded in a huge steamer and cooked before your eyes! Perfect for large groups – it's a seafood feast your guests will never forget.
• Community and Local events: From street fairs, to food truck festivals and farmers markets, Sam's ChowderMobile is on the scene.

Nationally known Executive Chef/Partner Lewis Rossman, directs all food and kitchen activities. His seafood earned Sam's "Culinary Hospitality Restaurant of the Year" by Sante Magazine, and "Best Seafood in the Bay Area" by San Francisco's Best of the BayList, and he's been featured on "Best of the Bay" TV.

Whether you need a quick and delicious lunch, or a three course Lobster Clambake on the beach, Sam's ChowderMobile will bring the party to you.

For more information about routes, events and catering options, please click here or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.