On the Road Eats: New England Lobster Tour
Start off at Young’s Lobster Pound where lobster and shellfish are sold by the pound. Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster in Maine still carries the signature “no-frills” lobster roll, a favorite since 1970, while the Brass Compass Cafe’s award-winning "King of Clubs" lobster sandwich stacks layer upon layer of sweet lobster meat. True lobster aficionados can keep going — this trip makes stops all along the coast.
1. Young's Lobster Pound
What can be better than enjoying a fresh Maine lobster by the shore at Young's Lobster Pound? Nothing, according to Michael Psilakis, who likes to order the Shore Dinner. The buttery sweet lobster is served with a lobster bisque, steamers and corn, making for a tasty and relaxing meal.
2. Hancock Gourmet Lobster Co.
Bobby thought he could throw down the Lobster Queen herself, but Cal Hancock's award-winning Port Clyde Lobster Macaroni and Cheese proved him wrong. Her online and mail-order business ensures everyone can try her beloved mac 'n' cheese as well as lobster coconut curries, corn chowders and risotto.
3. Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster
On her trip to Portland, Maine, Rachael found the quintessential state dish at Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster Co. The sweet lobster rolls are served in "no-frills" fashion with big lobster chunks and a little mayo. But they also serve fish sandwiches, fried clams, burgers and hot dogs.
4. Academe Maine Brasserie & Tavern
Cat Cora may be an expert at making chicken pot pie. But when in Maine, she races to Academe for their pot pie using lobster. Here, everything is handmade with a little Maine in every bite. Try the Atlantic Salmon Panini or Citrus Crab Ravioli. Dessert does a flip with Reverse Root Beer Floats.
5. Maine Diner
Guy's visit to the Maine Diner had him sampling "Maine in a bowl." The signature Lobster Pie contains fresh Maine lobster meat with a delicious, secret stuffing baked in a casserole dish. But for more than just a pie, try "The Triple D," which comes with chowder, lobster pie and a codfish cake.
6. Fisherman's Net
If you need a quick fix of Boston's famous clam chowder, head to Fisherman's Net in Faneuil Hall. Get it in a bread bowl to make your meal extra-filling.
7. Yankee Lobster Company
The lobster here is extra fresh especially because the water for the aquariums is pumped directly from the ocean. The lobster mac 'n' cheese Guy called "ridiculous," while the cod cakes tasted like the "perfect storm." Locals like the crab and other seafood-inspired dishes as well.
8. PJ's Family Restaurant
Because of the tasty lobster rolls at PJ's Family Restaurant, Duff will endure hours of summertime Cape Cod traffic. PJ's knows the drill, as flocks of customers travel all the way up the arm of Cape Cod for a bite of the local hard-shell lobster stuffed inside a grilled, buttery roll.
9. The Seafood Shanty
Rachael's trip to Martha's Vineyard had her sampling from the local vineyard and then dining at The Seafood Shanty where they've "got it all," from shanty-style mussels to peel-and-eat shrimp. But Rachael had to try the Lobster Quesadilla made with Jack and cheddar cheeses and a mango and papaya salsa.
10. Anthony's Seafood
Whether you're a wholesale buyer, home chef or restaurant-goer, look no further than this market and restaurant where the seafood is always fresh. Guy loved the kick from the chourico and the "big clam flavor" he got from the stuffed quahogs. If you want something unique, try the Kung Pao calamari.
11. Cabby Shack
The Cabby Shack has great views of Plymouth Harbor, tons of outdoor seating, live music and seafood that practically jumps straight from the ocean into the kitchen. Try the famous clam "chowdah," served bursting out of a bread bowl.
12. The Lobster Shanty
At The Lobster Shanty, you can enjoy lobster pie, lobster mac ‘n’ cheese and even lobster risotto. But the signature Lobstertini has lobster fans – and Guy – taking a second look. With lemon, “lobster essence” and a lobster claw hanging on the rim, Guy calls it “absolutely lobster martini.”
13. The Lobster Shack
Although The Lobster Shack is only open during the summers, the short time frame is enough to sell thousands of lobster rolls. During Bobby Flay's FoodNation visit, he learned the secret to their success: let the natural lobster flavor take over. Or, like Bobby, add a little mayonnaise and pickle.
14. Brass Compass Café
The "King of Clubs" lobster club sandwich at The Brass Compass Cafe reigned supreme when Bobby challenged owner Lynn Archer to a throwdown. Lynn only uses locally sourced Maine lobster, and her tasty club is just one of her specialties, as she offers everything from crab cakes to onion strips.