The Maine Lobster Roll Debacle

“Tis the season to shell-ebrate the Maine lobster roll.” - Melissa Mansfield

Introduction:

I grew up in Maine and to this day I still stand, staring at the menu boards when ordering my first of the season, lobster roll. This is no easy decision! Melted, warm and rich or a crisp, refreshing and tangy? Both ways offer amazing taste but they couldn't be more different even though both are stuffed with the firm, deliciously sweet flesh of our hailed to, Maine Lobster.

With that said, here is an in depth explanation of the two. Make your own decision...or just have both! #twinlobsterrolls 🦞

1. The Place

This is Maine. Our fast food drive-thrus have even been known to have lobster rolls! Arby's used to carry one that was served with mayonnaise on a buttered and grilled burger bun and it was so good! Even our grocery stores sell them, you just need to look in the cooler in the seafood section. No matter what city you are in when you are up here, you can probably find a lobster roll.

2. The Bread

It's just how I grew up. If you hand me a lobster roll on anything other than a buttered and grilled roll, I don't trust it. See whether it's with butter or that creamy delicious mayo, lobster deserves the crispy, brown butter flavored outside and soft, warm inside of a freshly grilled hamburger or hotdog bun. PERIOD. Anything else is either too bulky or doesn't set the flavor off quite right. I only loosen this rule when it comes to melts, which still offer that salty, buttery, crisp outside!

3. The Mouth Feel

Just like that expensive glass of wine, the mouth feel of that market price lobster roll should be just what your looking for to "hit the spot". Is it a lazy day? Are you out sightseeing? These things matter! When you choose the buttered version of this delicacy, you will get a warm, tender and sweet feel with the potential for a little butter down your chin. If you opt for the mayo version, you can expect a crisp bite, a firmer lobster and a cool temperature.

4. Flavor Layers

Lobster rolls made with butter are typically softer and more tender. The butter in the roll also helps to keep the lobster meat moist and flavorful. The flavor overall is creamier and even lush. That rich butter with the deep sweetness of the Maine lobster is extravagant! The firmer bite of the roll made with mayo will include a bit of acidity and tanginess that complements the sweetness of the lobster meat. A completely different luxury. A cool lobster roll is the perfect way to top off a visit to the beach after you have gotten a little too much sun on your skin. Does your skin feel better? No! But you will forget about it while you enjoy your much deserved meal. You typically also get lettuce on the cooler version upping the refreshing flavor and crunchy bite.

5. The Facts

Whether you decide to order up the warm lobster, tossed with butter or the refreshing firm bite of the lobster salad made with mayo, celery and seasonings, you win. Ultimately it's about the star of the show anyway. FRESH, MAINE LOBSTER! Where will you be getting your first roll this year?