Lobster Season is here and I’m so excited. My current favorite lobster dish: lobster rolls.
Funny enough that wasn’t always true. Something about cold lobster didn’t entice me until about 2 years ago. Although my past rolls were good from Boston, I would like to share what I think is Hands-Down one of the BEST tasting lobster rolls of my lobster-loving searches. That would be Luke’s Lobster hailing from New York City.
Founded by Luke Holden in 2009, this business started when Luke moved to NYC for finance and noticed the overpriced lobster “slop” they would call lobster rolls. Determined to bring the lobster he knew and loved from Maine to the cities of New York, Luke and his dad Jeff came up with a plan and Luke’s Lobster was born.
With locations in New York, Washington D.C., Maryland and Philadelphia the company is in the process of bringing a Luke’s Lobster’s to…you guessed it, BOSTON. Unfortunately it’s not certain where and when the team will make Boston their 5th home with a restaurant and or food truck (yes, food truck) however Boston recently got a taste of what Luke has to offer at Supply Good Market, a pop up flea market on Newbury Street to benefit survivors of the Marathon Bombing treated at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Center. I can’t imagine a better event to have your name attached to.
Now a bit about the roll: from one of the five Maine Harbors used by Luke each roll contains 5 or 6 lobster claws. That’s right, CLAWS. Not lobster bits with about 2 claws and a sea of mayo. The roll is lightly toasted with a “swipe” of mayo. That sounds quite refreshing to me. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not saying lobster salad is terrible, I’m just glad I found an eatery that sees lobster rolls in another light.
The menu? Short, sweet, and to the point. There are three type of rolls (Lobster, Crab, and Shrimp) and you can have it 3 ways: with soda, chips, and a pickle OR with beer, chips, and a pickle, OR just the roll itself. You can’t lose. Rolls alone are $15, $12, and $8 and if you wanted to add one of the two meal options it’s $2 or $3 more. Two specials they have are “Taste of Maine” which is three half rolls of lobster, crab and shrimp with soda, chips, and a pickle for $20 or you can do “Noah’s Arch” which would be double the “Taste” and is designed for two costing $38. There was no beer option for the pop-up, but I’m sure when their permanent things will work out.
I got the Lobster Roll with a Blueberry soda. I think can talk about this lobster roll forever!
I’ve never seen so much “meat” on a lobster roll before. The seasoning used was visible and gave the lobster added flavor, which I found interesting because usually if there is any seasoning, it’s drowned with mayo. The warm split top bun with the melted butter brought happiness to my taste buds. The touch of light mayo was appropriate; it didn’t take over the lobster, or rob the roll of the main focus that IS the lobster. Not into spices? You can have the mayo, butter, and spices removed if that’s your style.
I want it ALL!
I can see Luke’s Lobster thriving in Boston whenever they bring us a permanent location. With such a fresh product and obvious care for their consumers they’ll have no problem keeping the people of this city satisfied. It’ll also the quickest way for Bostonians to have Maine lobster without driving, flying or taking the train.
Thanks in advance.
Luke’s Lobster
Coming Soon to Boston
Update: October 5th, 2018
*There are now SEVERAL locations throughout Boston. Thanks Luke!*
PlaneTastebuds 