The Unique Lobster Dining Experience You Must Try When Visiting Prince Edward Island

Figuring out the lobster capital of North America is a difficult enterprise. I concern I’d alienate far too many readers if I declared one specific province or state to have the continent’s best crustaceans. However I really feel very assured after I say that I do know the place you’ll have one of the best lobster eating expertise.
Since 1958, New Glasgow Lobster Suppers within the little neighborhood of New Glasgow, Prince Edward Island, (simply half-hour north of Charlottetown) have been serving up unbelievable journey recollections and scrumptious meals. Right here’s what to anticipate throughout your go to.

Lobster suppers are a practice on Prince Edward Island
Picture credit score: New Glasgow Lobster Suppers / Flickr
The Lobster Suppers Are Half Of PEI Custom
The lobster suppers are a part of a neighborhood custom you’ll discover all throughout PEI. Church buildings, fireplace halls, recreation facilities, and different teams in want of fundraising would sponsor lobster dinners (and typically turkey or roast beef through the vacation season). The mixture of very good native seafood plus heat hospitality meant that the New Glasgow group quickly discovered themselves in demand to supply extra than simply the occasional occasion. Whereas they’ve grown tremendously since 1958, I’d wish to assume I can nonetheless see the affect of their homey early days despite the fact that they’re now a big, skilled group.

A number of the choices at New Glasgow Lobster Suppers
Picture credit score: New Glasgow Lobster Suppers / Flickr
The Starters Are Excellent
I can’t imagine I’m about to say that one of the best factor concerning the lobster supper is all the pieces aside from the lobster, nevertheless it’s true! Certain, the lobster is irresistible (and particularly succulent dipped in melted butter), however there may be a lot else occurring. All dinners include a alternative of seafood chowder or tomato basil soup (which was my alternative and maybe essentially the most underrated a part of the meal), do-it-yourself rolls, and a literal bucket of steamed mussels served with butter. I’m not usually a fan of mussels, however these had been essentially the most tender I’ve ever had. Lastly, you’ll take pleasure in a salad sampler plate with backyard salad, coleslaw, and potato salad — all earlier than your foremost course.
You Can Get Seconds
Include a hearty urge for food, as a result of you may get second helpings on any a part of the dinner — save for the primary course — in addition to dessert and the included espresso, tea, and tender drinks.

Everybody enjoys New Glasgow Lobster Suppers
Picture credit score: New Glasgow Lobster Suppers / Flickr
They Make Consuming Straightforward
Lobster isn’t precisely essentially the most refined type of dish to eat, however the workers at New Glasgow Lobster Suppers have your again. All platters include the shells partially pre-cracked so you’ll be able to simply open up your dish. Your server may also give you extra instruments if you wish to actually dig in. They’ll even tie a bib round your neck so that you don’t make a complete mess of your self. (Sure, I did certainly select this!)
Curiously, in addition they ask if you’d like your lobster served sizzling or chilly. I’ve to confess that I used to be stumped by this query. Who would need something however sizzling lobster — naturally, dipped in sizzling butter? Our server stated that most individuals do certainly select the recent choice however some people desire their lobster chilly. Attention-grabbing! No matter your desire, it’s good that they cater to everybody.

“Mile-Excessive” Pie at New Glasgow Lobster Suppers
Picture credit score: New Glasgow Lobster Suppers / Flickr
Lobster Is Simply The Starting
Lobster is only the start of PEI’s culinary scene. In the event you’ve stuffed your self on lobster already and wish a little bit of a break, you’ll have ample choices in New Glasgow. Various foremost programs embody scallops (which my buddy ordered and liked — she was supremely glad together with her alternative), haddock, salmon, strip loin from native beef, surf and turf, ham, hen, and a vegetarian pasta served with native cheese.
There’s additionally a sneaky choice of getting no foremost course in any respect and simply having fun with starters and desserts (which embody their well-known “mile-high” lemon pie and old school classics like raisin pie). Costing about $30, this can be a nice alternative when you think about what number of mussels you’ll be able to eat. They’re virtually a foremost course all on their very own!

A meal at New Glasgow Lobster Suppers
Picture credit score: New Glasgow Lobster Suppers / Flickr
Costs Are Worth-Centered
At about $44 for a one-pound lobster meal on the time of publication, I feel the New Glasgow Lobster Suppers signify an excellent worth. The place else are you able to get a multi-course meal for that worth, not to mention one with native seafood?
You may improve to a 1.5-pound lobster for an additional $10 (which is what I did) and a 2-pound lobster for about an additional $20. I went in with the mentality of excitedly treating myself, however in hindsight, I’m undecided I appreciated having all the additional lobster meat. I used to be stuffed and I’m undecided I really appreciated the additional bites.
Logistics And Ideas For Visiting
Except you’re a part of a gaggle, service is first come, first served. The constructing is bigger than you assume and contours transfer shortly. You’re unlikely to be ready for lengthy and there’s a bar space in which you’ll be able to bide your time. (On very uncommon events, New Glasgow Lobster Suppers are closed for personal capabilities. When this occurs, info is shared on their Facebook page. Moreover, because the lobster suppers function seasonally, that is the place yow will discover their opening and shutting dates in spring and fall).
One of many causes that issues transfer shortly when you’re seated is that you simply’ve already chosen and pre-paid to your meal. Whenever you request a desk, you’ll be requested what entree you need and also you’ll pay for prematurely and be issued a ticket which you then flip over to your server.
Whenever you’re accomplished, you merely say thanks to your server, and off you go! However there may be one difficult factor which may not happen to you till you’re inside: tipping. There wasn’t an choice to tip prematurely whereas paying on the door. It’s good to have money available to depart a tip on the desk. Alternatively, when you’re ordering bar service, you’ll should settle up your tab on the finish of the evening and that’s an alternative choice for leaving a tip.

Prince Edward Island Protect Firm
Picture credit score: Valphotog / Shutterstock.com
Issues To Do In New Glasgow
New Glasgow has a number of sights past the lobster suppers. The neighborhood is dwelling to the Prince Edward Island Preserve Company. They produce do-it-yourself jams and jellies, plus pickles, chutneys, teas, and extra. Their Backyard Cafe operates seasonally and is an efficient alternative for breakfast and lunch. You may as well go to the onsite butterfly home in season and benefit from the tranquil fantastic thing about the Garden of Hope, which helps these in want of respite.
Different sights within the space embody the Glasgow Hills Golf Club, the Glasgow Glen Farm (which provides do-it-yourself cheese and connoisseur pizza), and The Toy Factory toy workshop.