New England Clam Chowder with Old Bay Oyster Crackers

Name: New England Clam Chowder with Old Bay Oyster Crackers
Ingredients: For the crackers; 5 cups oyster crackers; 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning; a two finger pinch fine sea salt; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; For the soup; 2 eight oz. bottles Bar Harbor clam juice; 2 six oz. cans Bar Harbor clams, chop them if they are whole, juice drained and reserved; 4 ounces bacon, diced; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 2 cups yellow onion, peeled and small dice; 1 cup celery, washed, trimmed and small dice; 1 tablespoon garlic, peeled and minced; 1/8 teaspoon fennel seed, crushed; 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme; 2 dried bay leaves; 2 tablespoons all purpose flour (optional, depends on if you want thick chowder or not); 2 cups yukon gold potatoes, peeled and 1/2 inch dice; 16 ounces 1/2 & 1/2; kosher salt and fresh ground white pepper; 1 tablespoon chives, minced; 1 tablespoon flat leaf parsley, minced