I just cannot clam up about a fabulous new restaurant in New York City.

As usual, I devour all the information and news that I can about dining establishments…new, old, fancy, inexpensive.

I read about a happening new small restaurant in an up and coming section of Hudson Street in the trendy west village.

The Clam is a 50-seat neighborhood gem.The place is unimposing from the outside and perfectly designed on the inside. The surfaces are hard with wood floors, brick walls and oyster shell ceiling, but there is real warmth emanating from the interior vibe.

Chef and co-owner, Mike Price, resume is impressive. Price was sous chef at NYC’s, The Harrison, head chef at The Little Mermaid and opened the acclaimed Market Table with Joey Campanaro.

David Giuliano, a Little Owl and Market Table veteran, has cultivated an inspired wine list which is value driven, carefully selected and unique.

General manager, the eternally preppy, Oliver Tysver, creates an affable environment and makes sure each and every diner is greeted and treated accordingly.

Our server, Megan, was a forthright, perfectly calibrated enthusiastic fan of The Clam. She guided us through the small, but mighty menu.

We started with the memorable asparagus and lola rosa salad with fresh chevre, french breakfast radish and pumpernickel bagel shaped crouton ($11). They were kind enough to split the Lola. The photo is a 1/2 order…it is substantial.

This was seriously one of the most delicious and beautifully plated salads I have ever consumed. The asparagus were perfectly blanched, the radish lovely and the hint of horseradish just the right addition.

We shared the amazing fried belly clam and lobster sandwich ($29). The clams tasted just like the seafood gems I used to eat by the bucketful at Jimmie’s at Savin Rock by the beach in New Haven, Connecticut and later at Wingaersheek Beach near Rockport, Massachusetts. Being a New England lass, I know fried clams and these rivaled my childhood favorites.

The lobster was sweet and flavorful with a small amount of mayo and no added unnecessary filler. The brioche bun was also tasty. It was served with old bay fries, crispy and delicious.

I look forward to dinner at The Clam, featuring black sea bass with carrots, grilled lettuce and pistachio pesto ($31) or the crispy jumbo softshell crab with slaw and tomato cayenne butter ($26). The roasted half chicken with sweet pea risotto and busted tomatoes ($22) or the prime black angus strip loin with home fires and spring onion ($38) sound enticing.

The Clam also features littleneck clams (6 for $8), oysters (6 for $15…that is such a perfect price…restaurants have lost their minds with their fresh oyster pricing), classic oyster rockefeller ($12), the reliable clam dip with zesty potato chips ($9), clam chowder with the must have oyster crackers ($12) and the clam fried rice with pork belly confit, snow peas, pickled onions ($16)…perfect dish for those suffering a hangover.

Last weekend we re-visited The Clam with my mother before a matinee of the amazing, Beautiful, The Carole King Musical.

One bite of the crispy, delicious fried clams and she was back at Lake Sebago in Maine, recalling cherished memories of her camp days, feasting on fried clams at the local clam shack.

The fried clam belly and lobster salad was as fab as the first time. The asparagus and lola salad was off the menu and in its’ place was a very nice apricot salad…it did not compare to the Lola…I am all about Lola and whatever it takes to get Lola back, do it.

We celebrated my mother’s coming of age with a gingerbread ice cream sandwich with mascarpone gelato and brown butter caramel sauce ($9)…yum.

Don’t clam up…open wide and consume some really fabulous food.

The Clam 420 Hudson New York City. Lunch: Monday-Friday 11:30am-3pm Dinner: Nightly Brunch: Saturday and Sunday 10am-3pm.