Seafood Chowder

I apologize for my absence, we had to attend 2 funerals this past week on the east coast, so I was unable to post any new recipes. However, while in Connecticut, I was lucky to visit Knapp's Landing Restaurant in Stratford, and enjoyed a wonderful cup of Seafood Chowder! AMAZING! Nothing better than having a great chowder on the east coast! Based on the ingredients I tasted, I found the following recipe on The Food Network, that I believe best replicates what I enjoyed at Knapp's Landing. Hope you enjoy it too!

Ingredients
5 cups clam juice
1 pound potatoes, diced
5 slices bacon, 1/2-inch dice
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 bay leaves
1 tablespoon freshly chopped thyme leaves
1/2 stick butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups half and half
2 pounds fresh or frozen clams, diced
2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley leaves
Kosher salt and white pepper
Directions
Bring the clam juice and diced potatoes to a boil in a large soup pot. Cook until the potatoes are tender. Set aside.

To make roux: In a pot, render the bacon, until crispy. Stir in the onion until it's translucent. Add bay leaves, thyme and butter and let it melt. Whisk in the flour and let the roux cook until it turns golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Bring the clam juice and potato back to a boil. Whisk in a ladleful of clam juice into the roux then gradually whisk the roux into the soup pot until it thickens. Then whisk in the half and half and heat to a simmer while whisking. Add the clams and let simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Then add the parsley and kosher salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with oyster crackers.
Source: Mike's Clam Chowder
Restaurant: Knapps Landing Restaurant