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July 4th marks the official start of summer in Maine. And with that, we begin to see the addition of lobster on restaurant menus across the State. Although restaurateurs are primarily targeting summer tourists, the locals I know cannot resist indulging in these tasty crustaceans.
My husband and I decided to kick off the long weekend with lunch at The Merry Table Creperie. We were delighted with their creative and decadent Lobster Crepe with Newburg sauce (a cream sauce made with lobster and sherry). It felt like we were on vacation, enjoying our crepe at one of the sidewalk tables on the tiny cobblestone street in Portland's Old Port. Jean Claude assured us that he plans to have Lobster Crepes on the menu throughout the summer, as long as they remain in demand.
For more traditional Maine lobster preparation, I continue my quest for Southern Maine's best lobster roll (what a grueling job). Of the places I've tried so far, here are my thoughts:
Old Port Sea Grill
(Portland): the most generous portion of lobster - with a price tag to match. Rather than a traditional airy hot dog bun, the Old Port Sea Grill's version is high quality and about 50% larger in size than you'll find elsewhere.
Leavitt & Sons (Falmouth): for only $10.99, this may be the best value in the area, featuring 1/2 lobster in each roll. The fresh lobster and quality mayo are mixed to order, the leafy green lettuce is grown on premise, and each roll is topped with a lobster claw.
The Dry Dock (Portland): lobster doesn't get much fresher than what you'll find at the Dry Dock. Sit on the deck and overlook the working waterfront as you enjoy your roll. The only downside is having to mix in the mayo yourself.
Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster (Freeport): fresh lobster rolls, made to order in a spectacular and classic New England waterfront setting. A bit out of the way, it's a perfect destination on a hot summer night.
The Town Landing Market (Falmouth Foreside): the kaiser rolls are a plus, but the bun is not toasted or buttered and the lobster doesn't taste as fresh as it does elsewhere. Watch out for the shells...
Kettle Cove Takeout (Cape Elizabeth): the lobster and mayo are pre-mixed and dry; the bun is not toasted. I'd go elsewhere.
Maine summers are short, and the number of establishments serving lobster rolls is long. If you have a suggestion as to where I can find the best lobster roll in Southern Maine, please share by commenting below.
Happy Summer!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Lobster Time!
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5 comments:
I'm glad someone else tried the lobster roll at the drydock, they are my favorite, I think its great that you can actually control amount of mayo you have on the bun!
Is it wrong that I drooled while reading this post? I'm a native Mainer now living in seafood-starved Vermont. I always liked the Lobster Shack at Two Lights in Cape Elizabeth. Location, location, location. Red's Eats in Wiscasset (although not in southern Maine) is pretty fabulous, too.
For price to taste ratio I actually really like Rapid Ray's in Saco - always a tasty snack (avoid the fries here though, frozen yuckiness). Other than that I prefer to make my own - Lobster meat from Free Range or another monger. As for this mixing "fresh" idea - i like the mayo to "marinate" a little to pick up whatever flavor it can.
I've had two lobster rolls from J's Oyster within the past month and they were excellent. Mayo on the side (which I prefer) toasted hot dog buns and lobster runneth over...
I completely agree that the lobster rolls at the Falmouth Town Landing are not that great. However, their crab rolls are amazing. You should avoid their lobster rolls and always, always, always order the crab roll when at the Falmouth Town Landing Market.
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