A memorable scene from Forrest Gump occurs when his friend Bubba drones on endlessly about the many ways that shrimp can been prepared and eaten. As a refresher, watch it here.
When we got off the plane in Portland, Maine recently, one of my goals was to experience lobster, Maine lobster, in as many ways as I could find. After all, hadn’t we just come to the Lobster Capital of the United States, maybe even the world?? According to a March 4, 2016 article in Portland Press Herald, lobstermen in Maine hauled a record $616.5 million worth of lobsters in 2015, derived from 276.5 million pounds. Stacks of lobster traps and displays of colorful lobster buoys are common there but very uncommon for our native Alabamian eyes.
Lobster buoys and traps in Boothbay Harbor.
I had not eaten lobster since a very nice date during college insisted I order it in a restaurant and try it for the first time. I remembered liking it, but there again, over 45 years had passed in the meantime.
Fresh from the lobster boat ready for the boiling pot.
Since I wasn’t positive I’d really like it, I ordered a combination lobster/crab roll for one of our first lunches in Kennebunkport. I liked the crab, but I LOVED the lobster, so it was full on after that.
A lobster roll in Boothbay Harbor. It tastes even better eaten outdoors overlooking the harbor.
For dinner that night, we had lobster bisque served in a coffee mug, then lobster mac and cheese. Both were delicious. The lobster mac and cheese was fancier than the name implied with huge chunks of lobster and both fontina and Gruyere cheeses.
Lobster mac and cheese in Kennebunkport.
During our first night in Rockland, we decided to go for broke and order “the whole deal” and try our best to crack that beast and coax out the meat. It was an ordeal and a lot of work. Dishes where the lobster has been picked out for you are much better deals. Trust me.
My lobster bib getting ready to tackle the whole monster.
All except the white albino lobsters turn red when they’re cooked. I think they look better when they are this nice color.
While watching the Auburn game at a sports bar in Bar Harbor (see what I did there?), we enjoyed hot crab and lobster dip on flatbread wedges. Oh my goodness. YUMMMMM!!
After about 3 days of lobster, we decided to move on to some of the other delectable seafood choices and found the haddock and scallops to be amazing. If you are a seafood lover, I strongly recommend a trip to Maine. Try some dishes that aren’t fried and don’t expect hushpuppies, and you’ll be very satisfied. I promise.
Just as a quick side note, we had breakfast one day with a couple from Cape Cod. They had no plans to eat lobster in Maine declaring that the lobster on their part of the coast was much “sweeter and softer.” Maybe that calls for another exploration trip. 🙂
When you’re planning your trip, check the websites for these restaurants:
Pier 77 at Cape Porpoise near Kennebunkport
Mabel’s Lobster Claw, Kennebunkport
Alisson’s, Kennebunkport
Archer’s on the Pier, Rockland
Mariner’s Grill, Camden
The Pearl on the Pier, Rockland
Paddy’s Irish Pub, Bar Harbor
The Chart Room, Bar Harbor
Be aware that some of these may only be open for “the season” which basically runs from Memorial Day till Columbus Day, so do your research.