Over a year since my last post, a recent trip to Maine for my friend Tiffany’s wedding inspired me to write about the source of a great East Coast debate – the lobster roll.
When J and I drove the Maine coast for our honeymoon three years ago, we ate our fair share of these treats – and learned a bit about the passionate perspectives behind a seemingly simple dish. As described in the New York Times, lobster lovers are divided as to how the meat should be dressed…Mayo? Butter? A bit of salt and pepper? Nothing at all?
On this trip, we made a stop at the famous Red’s Eats, stood patiently in line, and were rewarded with a toasty bun full of unadorned lobster. Red’s provides both drawn butter and mayo on the side, but we found that just a touch of butter was enough so as not to overpower the richness and flavor of the star of the show. Indeed, some purists argue that if the meat is fresh enough, you shouldn’t need much else to accompany it. The roll at Red’s certainly proved this point, though I think a small amount of mayo can be tasty if you’re in the mood.
What are YOUR thoughts on the lobster roll debate? Or are you not a lobster fan at all and prefer another summer sandwich? Post a comment below!
I’ve only had a lobster a handful of times, and an actual lobster ROLL even less… but I agree that it’s deeeelicious! Being a lover of all things buttery (well, almost all things), and having enjoyed the lobster-butter combo before, I think I would vote for a healthy dose of melted butter on a lobster roll…. I don’t think it would overpower the meat, since fresh lobster has a pretty lovely and memorable flavor!
Thanks for reading, Lil! Butter or not, I have a feeling your primary concern would be a non-flaky pastry roll! 😉
I first read about Red’s Eats in the the book Eat Your Way Across America and the book and culture of cult food places like that of Red’s Eats kinda got me hooked. Though I haven’t been there in a handful of years, your post took me back to Maine. Thanks! I’m going to have to go find me a lobster now:)
I like both lobster and lobster rolls. I have one rule though, after years of going to Maine and eating lobsters that came from the sea that day. The rule is never eat a lobster if you are not in Maine. You will be disappointed.