A lobster roll is a fast-food sandwich native to New England made of lobster meat served on a grilled hot dog-style bun with the opening on the top rather than the side. The filling may also contain butter, lemon juice, salt and black pepper, with variants made in other parts of New England replacing the butter with mayonnaise. Others contain diced celery or scallion. Potato chips or french fries are the typical sides.
History
According to the "Encyclopedia of American Food and Drink" the lobster roll originated as a hot dish at a restaurant named Perry's in Milford, Connecticut, as early as 1929. Its popularity then spread up and down the Connecticut coast, but not far beyond it. In Connecticut, the sandwich served warm is a "lobster roll", cold a "lobster salad roll".
As far back as 1970, chopped lobster meat heated in drawn butter was served on a hot dog bun at road side stands such as Red's Eats in Maine. Lobster rolls in the U.S. are associated with the state of Maine, but are also commonly available at seafood restaurants in the other New England states and on Eastern Long Island, where lobster fishing is common.
Lobster rolls in Maine are characteristically served on a New England-style hot dog bun, which is split on the top instead of the side and has flat sides for grilling. The lobster meat is usually served cold, rather than warm or hot, and mayonnaise is typically spread inside the bun or tossed with the meat. The filling consists of chunked knuckle, claw, and lobster tail, and only lightly seasoned if at all, and is otherwise plain. Four ounces is a standard serving size.
Lobster rolls are a staple summer meal throughout the Maritime provinces in Canada, particularly Nova Scotia where they may also appear on hamburger buns, baguettes, or other types of bread rolls and even pita pockets. The traditional sides are potato chips and dill pickles.
McDonald's restaurants in Canadian provinces, such as Nova Scotia and Ontario, as well as in New England, offer lobster rolls as a limited edition item in the summer.
Down East Magazine selection
In July 2017, Down East Magazine held their inaugural "World’s Best Lobster Roll" competition, selecting Freshies Lobster in Park City, Utah as its winner. The magazine used 100 Maine VIP's to select the winner based upon the entrant's story, the recipe, success of their lobster roll, and three judges who made the final decision.
See also
- Cuisine of New England
- List of regional dishes of the United States
- List of sandwiches
- List of seafood dishes
References
