The big shock was, instead of continuing his reign as one of the early superstar chefs in the world of foodies, he chose to take on a more expansive role as a provider of brilliantly cooked seafood for the masses. Sort of Robin Hood of the restaurant business.

Jasper's new venture “Jasper White's Summer Shack” was totally different from his high-end, fine-dining, downtown Boston background. Summer Shack has become a New England icon since May 2000 when the original restaurant opened in Cambridge. The concept is a giant clam shack, that seats 300 people and serves some of the best fresh seafood anywhere. It's a relaxed, friendly and high-energy atmosphere, that attracts the attention of everyone from families to tourists and businessmen. Jasper White's Summer Shack can now be found at Logan Airport, Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino in Connecticut, in Boston's Back Bay and of course, in the original Cambridge location. Each restaurant shares the same philosophy and extraordinary color scheme, that makes this one of the most exciting and fun restaurants you can go to.

The menu features everything from their famous corn dogs and fried clams to exotic stuffed lobsters and delicate fish dishes. What lies behind the menu is Jasper's desire to demonstrate that fine food does not have to be snooty food. There's something tremendously equalizing about brown paper tablecloths and plastic lobster bibs.

If you've never eaten at the Summer Shack, then you need to brace yourself for an assault on your senses when you walk in the door. The colors in the restaurant are extraordinary, somewhere between a 1960's fairground and a test center for the latest designer colors. In the center of the building are the pots in which your lobster will be steamed. There is something strangely delicious about the direct connection between fresh seafood and your table - it makes everything at Jasper's taste just that little bit better than anywhere else.

I for one, really enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, where food is more important than appearance. Everyone seems to enjoy themselves in the same way they would do at home for a family party. During our visit, I watched a group of white shirted businessman with their sleeves rolled up, digging into a clam bake. There is nothing more interesting than watching someone trying to eat a lobster while avoiding splattering their expensive clothes.

The nice thing about the menu is the variety of food on offer, from basic comfort items to subtle and sophisticated dishes. We chose to try Jasper's pan roasted lobster, which is a sophisticated dish that you might find in any of Boston's high-end restaurants. We also sampled the “Be Good to Yourself” Kingfish, which was one of the nightly specials. This heart healthy meal was served with brown rice and red beet, orange and basil salad and was quite extraordinary.

The overall experience at the Summer Shack is one of fun and open enjoyment of food. There are few places in Boston that are quite as relaxed, friendly and approachable as Jasper's restaurant. It's a great place to take the family, visitors from out of town or just your significant other for an enjoyable evening. One thing is certain, you won't get seafood this good almost anywhere in New England and there is probably nowhere with quite such a dramatic color scheme as Jasper White's Summer Shack. Thoroughly recommended, just don't wear a white shirt, if you want a lobster and want to look cool.

We had the following wines with our meal:

Chardonnay, Frank Copolla, CA 2003
Chardonnay, Esser Vineyard, CA 2004
Pinot Noir, Beaulieu Vineyards “Coastal”, CA 2003
Chardonnay is always good with seafood, especially oysters and the Pinot was also a good pick.

There is a modest wine list with about 15 wines by the glass. The wine list was definitely approachable and affordable.

You can also find several draft beers available either by the pint or pitcher, along with a wide selection of bottled beers.

Their specialty drink menu boasts an AKU-AKU Scorpion Bowl and Shack Sangria. Tempting.