Lure of the Lobster

Ever since I spent the July 4th holiday with friends in the Boothbay region of Maine, I have spent hours (ridiculous, I know!) pondering the lure of the lobster; and if that wasn’t enough of an endeavor, the seemingly serious attraction of the lobster roll. First, let’s examine the lobster-that kind of funny looking, spiny crustacean which has become a much sought after delicacy.

Lobster holds a special place in my heart-not because I had it on a first date or ate it on a special anniversary, but rather because my first lobster eating frenzy occurred on the Joysa, a beautiful 42 foot Chris Craft. The captain and first mate of this boat were two wonderful people, who 33 years later became my in-laws! How that came to be is a terrific story, but way too complicated to include in this post.

Anyway, one fine night as we were cruising to our evening’s “port of call”, we encountered a lobster boat, proudly displaying the day’s haul on its deck. After purchasing several beauties, Rhoda (my future mother-in-law and queen of the galley) steamed them to perfection in just a few inches of sea water. It was during that summer evening of 1965 that I learned how to eat a lobster. The memory of sitting on deck in the Atlantic Ocean, artfully using the nut cracker to get at the succulent meat of the claws and tail and sucking the tentacles with an occasional errant spray of lobster juice, will forever be etched in my mind. Having been raised in a very proper Viennese home, where eating with one’s hands was strictly forbidden, the lobster experience was certainly enhanced by the opportunity to actually handle the sucker!

This past trip to Maine certainly brought back those wonderful memories, but I was also struck by the notion that “lobstering” in Maine is a unique industry and is actually a way of life steeped in tradition. It is often a family affair-techniques and territories are passed from one generation to the next. In fact, these specialized fishermen are often called “lobster gangs”. The lobstermen ensure that certain lobsters are not over-harvested and that breeding stock remains in the cold, fresh waters off of the Maine coast. All of these men and women are dedicated to their families and their livelihood but all the while cognizant that they have the responsibility of managing a community resource.

So what is the lure of the lobster for you? Do you only eat it on special occasions? Were you one of those lucky people who spent summers in Maine and had lobster for breakfast, lunch and dinner? Are you at all like me in your appreciation of the history and tradition of the lobster industry? I know that Susan of Food Blogga has some special memories. You can read about it here. What is the lure of the lobster for you?

Off to Maine on Thursday to eat a lobster roll (and to buy a house!). Stay tuned for part II of the Lure of the Lobster.

Comments

[Christine (myplateoryours)]

I remember going to a high school boy friend's house on the day that they had brought a huge tank of lobsters in for dinner. We played with them in the kitchen, getting them to grab pencils from us. When dinner rolled around, and one of my former playmates was on my plate, I couldn't do it.

Since then I have gotten less squeamish. Had fried lobster the other day -- better (and richer) than you would guess.

By the way, have you read The Secret Life of Lobsters by Trevor Corson?

[Lydia]

Having grown up on the East Coast and living in New England for the past 30 years, I cannot imagine summer without lobster. Favorite lobster memory: the lobster suppers at St. Ann's Church on Prince Edward Island. All you can eat, of the freshest lobster imaginable.

[Rhoda]

That was a memorable trip. You were as you are now,a good sport,fun to be with and good crew.

[Ronnie at Around the Table]

Christie, ordered the book and it was waiting for me upon my return from Maine. Can't wait to read it.
Lydia, thanks for sharing your memory. I hear Prince Edward Island is gorgeous. On my list to visit.

[Deborah Dowd]

The cost of lobster keeps it from being an everyday treat here in Hampton Roads, but we enjoy a similar experience here with Chesapeake blue crabs. However, years ago we visited family in New England and went to a place called Appies near Groton, CT, and they had brown paper on the tables and brought you your steamed lobster with bowls of butter and claw crackers and actually, I don't remember what else we had with that lobster... it was so delicious!

[Susan from Food Blogga]

Thanks for the link, Ronnie! You know, just last week I was going to make my husband a lobster dish and couldn't find any Maine lobsters here. I called one fish store, and they wanted $45/ lb for Maine lobster and $30 for West Coast spiny lobsters. I made shrimp instead.

Looks like I'll be waiting till we go back to RI for some Maine lobsters. :)

[lavaterra]

Every year my husband and I spend our vacation in Canada, Nova Scotia. We've been there always in the autumn. But this year we changed and stood there when the season for Lobster started and so we had the oportunity to ate several lobster. Everything was very excited for us and so we like to remember to the lobsters.
Greeting from munic, germany

[Ronnie]

Lavaterra, thanks for visiting my blog-all the way from Munich, Germany!
Susan, I know that Cook's Lobster on Bailey Island ships and I think for a lot less than you are being charged locally. Check it out: www.cookslobster.com
Deborah, when I eat lobster, I never care what else comes with it.

[rc helicopter]

Impressive blog! -Arron