For the Love of Lobster

I love lobster. I love cracking claws and eating its fresh meat with my hands. I love devouring hearty lobster rolls, as well as wonderful lobster plates, bisques, soups and stews too. Name a lobster dish, and I’m in! So on my latest solo journey to Maine for a little summer getaway, of course, I have the fine crustacean on my mind.

After a quick flight from NYC to Portland, my solo road trip to Bar Harbor -- home of beautiful Acadia National Park, begins. As I drive through Maine’s charming waterfront towns, I pass by Red’s Eats, a popular lobster shack that’s easy to spot from its consistent line, which I previously waited on to get my lobster fix. Although I recall its deliciousness and being named “home of Maine’s #1 lobster roll,” I am excited to try new places.

Further down the road, I spot the Lobster Pound Restaurant harborside, and make a quick pit stop. I order a lobster roll to-go from the restaurant’s indoor shop, and upon first bite, I am completely content. Fresh lobster chunks simply dressed in mayo on a slightly toasted bun, and served with local chips; it's a great start to Maine eats.

After arriving in picturesque Bar Harbor and taking in the glorious nature atop Cadillac Mountain, Beehive Trailhead hike, and thunderous Thunder Hole, I satisfy my appetite at family-run, no thrills-lobster joint, C-Ray Lobster. I place my order for a locally-sourced lobster roll at its outdoor window, and await my no-fuss meal in the parking lot picnic area. Fresh lobster meat mixed with C-Ray’s secret mayo seasoning on a hot toasted brioche bun with local potato chips, hits the spot. Yes, I am on a roll!

In the evening, I make my way to Havana, a popular local American restaurant with Latin flair in Bar Harbor town. I can’t resist their specialty Lobster Moqueca – fresh lobster simmered in a savory coconut broth served with jasmine rice and grilled pineapple garnish. Rich and luscious with ample lobster pieces, I can see why it’s a signature dish.

My lobster crawl continues the next day at a leisurely alfresco lunch overlooking the harbor at Asticou Inn. The restaurant’s famous Lobster Stew with fresh lobster meat in a rich sherry cream broth, is a must, as are its housemade popovers. Served warm with a side of butter and Maine blueberry jam, it’s a perfect pairing.

Of course, I can’t leave Mount Desert Island without cracking some claws, so I make my way to Thurston’s Lobster Pound, an old school lobster pound on a working harbor. With a motto, “straight from the sea to your plate” -- I know this is the real deal. I order upfront by the live lobster showcase of fresh-from-the-boat, harvested hard shell and soft shell catch. I choose the latter as a dinner plate combo with corn, coleslaw, a dinner roll and blueberry cake, and take a seat on its partially enclosed outdoor patio with a serene waterfront view. I proudly tie my bib around my neck, smiling ear-to-ear as I begin to crack claws and eat the oh-so-satisfying lobster meat with my hands; dipping the fresh meat into the warm butter. It’s lobster heaven.

As my trip winds down, I make one last stop at Eventide Oyster Co. in downtown Portland for its famed Brown Butter Lobster Roll, a perfect hand-sized steamed bun served with warm lobster meat and chives. I order it to-go since dining-in has a 2 ½ hour wait time, and savor its buttery goodness streetside. Yes, another winner.

Maine, you had me at lobster. Save a bib for me. I’ll be back soon.