FOLLOW A FOODIE: In search of the Maritimes’ best lobster roll 🦞🦞

For a lot of Maritimers, the lobster roll is a summertime ceremony of passage. Whereas we virtually all agree that it is without doubt one of the province’s iconic dishes and a must have summertime deal with, we are able to’t all agree the place to get the perfect one, and even the way it ought to be constructed.  

Pam Wamback, a media relations specialist with Tourism Nova Scotia, is a lobster roll fanatic. Unsurprisingly she will get requested quite a lot of questions on lobster rolls.  Wamback says “so simple as they’re to make, the perfect lobster roll all the time comes down to 2 issues: butter and mayonnaise. Classically, lobster rolls are actually sandwiches that mount chunks of recent lobster meat onto a buttered and griddled split-top hotdog bun. However simply because it is easy does not imply it is simple. The hot button is to hunt out and use the perfect, most tender meat attainable and most will argue that meat comes from the lobster knuckle.” 

The meat performs centre stage, however there may be a lot extra to it. Served chilly tossed in mayonnaise? Or heat drenched with butter? In keeping with Prince Edward Island-based Chef Ilona Daniel “it’s a loaded query like this that may result in some heated debates in these components, however at Dave’s Lobster you’ll be able to have both or. Their Some Fancy roll is P.E.I. lobster warmed in Island butter and lemon and the Native’s Roll is a calming lobster roll tossed with chives, celery and only a contact of mayo. If having to choose only one type is simply too difficult (which is completely comprehensible), you will get the half and half. Who says you’ll be able to’t have your cake and eat it too?” 

How concerning the bun?

 Most would concede that lobster rolls are historically served in sizzling canine buns, however Wamback says “it doesn’t matter what you select, a gentle, squishy, and barely candy roll is good. I like a toasted bun exterior brushed with a little bit of garlic butter. Holding the within gentle and the skin golden and crusty makes for some good textural distinction towards the tender lobster” 

Ought to different components grace your lobster roll? Purists would argue there isn’t a want for something with the lobster, however others recommend including the freshness of dill and chives, or the crunchiness iceberg lettuce and celery provides to the dish. Then, after all, there may be additionally the Crobster roll loopy – the mix of lobster and crab meat – as made to perfection by the likes of Dartmouth’s The Canteen, however that’s one other article.

I requested Pam, Tammy Brideau (Govt Director of Meals & Beverage Atlantic and former Director of the Shediac Lobster Competition), Chef Ilona Daniel, and sommelier Lesley Quinn for his or her favorite locations to take pleasure in a lobster roll.

10 Locations for a Lobster Roll Feed This Summer season 

Dave’s Lobster Shack– RisePEI, Nova Scotia, Cavendish and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island  

In keeping with Wamback “they provide a standard ‘native’ chilly roll and a warmed ‘fancy’ roll… and even higher, “The Half & Half Roll.” Half the roll was conventional chilly lobster with celery and mayo (known as the native); the opposite half was heat lobster with garlic and lemon (known as the flowery). 

Tom’s Lobster Shack– Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia 

In keeping with Wamback “the basic roll has heaps of lobster evenly tossed with mayo with simply the correct amount of celery, shallots, inexperienced onions and lettuce to offer a stunning flavour. All served in a toasted bun with a aspect of kettle chips.” 

Osprey’s Nest Public House– Petite Riviere, Nova Scotia 

Wamback says of the 2022 Lobster Crawl Competition Lobster Roll Winner, “giant lobster items served on a recent made roll from Boulangerie La Vendéenne and nicely seasoned with a house-made lemon aioli sauce.” 

 Aubrey’s North Shore Lobster Rolls– Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia  

Wamback says “A wholesome quantity of lobster evenly dressed, seasoned and tossed with a little bit of celery on a heat buttered bun. Bear in mind you’ll be able to solely get this roll on Saturdays on the Farmers Market in Tatamagouche.” 

The Rusty Anchor Restaurant– Nice Bay, Nova Scotia 

Recent Nova Scotia lobster layered on a bun and drizzled with melted butter. 

The Roquette, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

In keeping with Lesley Quinn “The Roquette Kitchen is a small spot on Queen Avenue in Charlottetown. It’s behind a document store (Again Alley Music). They use lemon zest within the roll which I like because it provides the roll a sure freshness.”

Fin Takeaway, Tracadie Seashore, Prince Edward Island

Of Fin Takeaway’s lobster roll, Quinn says “it’s arduous to say if the lobster roll is absolutely nice or if it’s the view of Tracadie Seashore that makes them so scrumptious.”

Richard’s Seafood, Covehead Wharf, Stanhope, Prince Edward Island

In keeping with Ilona Daniel “Richard’s Wharf situated at Covehead Wharf has one of many absolute best lobster rolls on the Island and they’re loved by locals and guests alike. The roll is generously full of chunks of lobster and a bit little bit of celery and chives. I really like attending to take pleasure in consuming these rolls whereas searching on the water. It’s perfection!”

Lobster Shack, Souris, Prince Edward Island

In keeping with Chef Daniels, “right here you can see one of many iconic PEI lobster rolls that can have you ever wanting to return for an additional one. The bun is butter toasted and the freshly shelled lobster meat is judiciously handled in order that the inherent sweetness of the lobster is highlighted in all its crustacean glory.”

Bistro Le Moque-Tortue, Shediac, New Brunswick

For these travelling to New Brunswick this summer time, Tammy Brideau recommends stopping in at Shediac’s Bistro Le Moque-Torque for his or her lobster roll which options lobster, mayonnaise, lettuce, celery, and chives.

Lobster Roll with Browned Butter + Chives

Recipe from Canada’s Food Island: A Collection of Stories and Recipes from Prince Edward Island by Farmers and Fishers of Prince Edward Island.  The ebook will likely be launched this September however will be pre-ordered from most bookstores. 

4 servings  

Substances:

Half cup unsalted butter   

4 lbs cooked lobster, shelled, chopped (hold claws intact)   

Salt   

Freshly floor black pepper   

4 split-top sizzling canine buns   

Half cup shredded iceberg lettuce   

2 tbsp finely chopped chives   

Instructions: In a small pot soften butter over medium excessive warmth, after which let it cook dinner and bubble till it begins to foam and odor like toasted nuts and caramel, about 5 minutes. Take away from warmth. Brush all sides of the buns with browned butter. Toast on a grill or frying pan till all sides is golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes per aspect. In a big bowl toss collectively remaining browned butter and lobster, season with salt and pepper. Fill every bun with lettuce and lobster, high with a lobster claw and garnish with chives.