The Lobster Roll (Lunch)
Like the multitudes of citydwellers every sweltering summer, we recently made that ritualistic pilgrimage out to the East End of Long Island for our Hamptons/Montauk weekend (my first time out there!!). Because we're more about the lowly food stands and beaches than the clubby celebrity-sighting East Hamptons scene, the unassuming but legendary Lobster Roll restaurant was naturally our first stop. Affectionately known as just "Lunch", this place is for many a destination unto itself, for its simple, fresh seasonal seafood specials.
It's easy enough to spot the fabled sign and lonesome building; just be sure to stop by early since the lines can get long later in the day.
The Fried Soft Shell Crab Roll is really just a whole batter-fried soft shell crab slapped on a flimsy little hamburger bun. Simple, tasty, fried-but-not-greasy, and served with lettuce, tomato, and a tangy tartar sauce for dipping. $11.95.
The eponymous Lobster Roll: gorgeous, meaty, buttery, and packed with an extraordinary volume of pink fleshy goodness. The mayonnaise was not overwhelming but substantial (necessary in my opinion). The hot dog bun was probably the biggest disappointment for me personally: untoasted store-bought generic pale doughy stuff.
For the purists, this is the only true vehicle for the lobster salad. But I'm already thinking, "Would it kill you to use a nice crusty ciabatta roll, or a fluffy country potato roll?" Especially since the market price for this little delicacy was a not-insignificant $17. Of course, I am the same person that prefers provolone to Cheez Whiz on my philly cheese steaks... so you can make the call.
All in all, a simple summer pleasure, showcasing the sweet lobster--unadorned and unfettered with fancy shit.
The Lobster Roll (Lunch)
Napeague Stretch, 1980 Montauk Highway between Amagansett and Montauk
631.267.3740
Open only seasonally (June to September)
It's easy enough to spot the fabled sign and lonesome building; just be sure to stop by early since the lines can get long later in the day.
The Fried Soft Shell Crab Roll is really just a whole batter-fried soft shell crab slapped on a flimsy little hamburger bun. Simple, tasty, fried-but-not-greasy, and served with lettuce, tomato, and a tangy tartar sauce for dipping. $11.95.
The eponymous Lobster Roll: gorgeous, meaty, buttery, and packed with an extraordinary volume of pink fleshy goodness. The mayonnaise was not overwhelming but substantial (necessary in my opinion). The hot dog bun was probably the biggest disappointment for me personally: untoasted store-bought generic pale doughy stuff.
For the purists, this is the only true vehicle for the lobster salad. But I'm already thinking, "Would it kill you to use a nice crusty ciabatta roll, or a fluffy country potato roll?" Especially since the market price for this little delicacy was a not-insignificant $17. Of course, I am the same person that prefers provolone to Cheez Whiz on my philly cheese steaks... so you can make the call.
All in all, a simple summer pleasure, showcasing the sweet lobster--unadorned and unfettered with fancy shit.
The Lobster Roll (Lunch)
Napeague Stretch, 1980 Montauk Highway between Amagansett and Montauk
631.267.3740
Open only seasonally (June to September)
That's great! The lobster roll looks delicious!
I recently had my first trip out to Long Island myself. Went to the North Fork with four foodie friends for a picnic lunch and wine tastings. Great fun. My friend John made lobster rolls too. (Also with hot dog buns!) I had (honestly!) never heard of them until this summer, having lived in the Midwest until 4 years ago. Tasty. (I made pan bagnat sandwiches with jarred tuna from Rosario's, yum!) And I highly, highly recommend a visit to Shinn Estate vinyards if you're ever out on the North Fork.
Happy Summer!
Posted by
Harlan |
6:02 AM
Thanks for the comment, Harlan! I too had never really had a true lobster roll (the one and only time being the McLobsterRoll at a McDonald's in Boston-- seriously) and it was an epiphany once I had the real thing. Next time: wine tasting!
Posted by
Annie |
9:21 AM
Oh Seabug - how delicious you were!! May I eat many more before I die.
Posted by
Eric |
11:17 AM
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