As long as we’re in a Cape Cod state of mind, we must talk
about one of the most important attractions the Cape has to offer - I speak now
of lobster!
Specifically, I’m referring to the lobster roll, but you
can, depending on your preference, just as easily say: lobster dinner, lobster breakfast, lobster
anything.
Other than Maine itself, I suspect Cape Cod is the most
popular place in the universe for eating lobster. I remember one year I vowed
to eat lobster every day I was at the Cape, and easily was able to do that, at
any meal I wished. And no, I never tired
of it. Lobster omelets are especially
good!
When kids were little and the Cape was their yearly treat,
they used to make lobster “things” out
of the shells…like dolls I suppose. This was usually done at the Lobster Boat
restaurant. One such creation we christened: “Larry the
Lobster.” Larry looked like he could
actually walk away. I don’t know how they did it. Nothing like breaking the kids in right -
they learned their priorities early.
It is hard for me to believe that lobsters were not always
so popular, or even highly thought of as food.
It wasn’t until the mid 19th century that New Yorkers and
Bostonians (now there is an eclectic mix) developed a taste for them.
Prior to that, lobster was considered a mark of poverty or
as food for indentured servants or lower members of society in Maine, Mass.,
and the Maritimes. Servants specified in
employment contracts they would not eat lobster more than twice a week
(fools). Lobster originally was deemed
worthy only as fertilizer or fish bait.
Perhaps this because of their inherent nature as a bottom feeder, but
geez, didn’t anyone just taste them - little butter and a glass of wine? OK, that
option was not available then to every person, but it would have changed their minds!
But back to present day.
My theoretical favorite lobster roll consists of lumps and lumps of
lobster meat in a large hot dog roll (toasted w/butter would be nice), with a
side of mayo - simple, elegant,
delicious. I’ve had them with the meat
cold and warm…love them both.
My personal quest in life is to find the perfect lobster
roll. It is one of the few things one
could never tire of doing. I’ve had them from Maine to Florida, and even on the
Mass Pike (yup, at a rest stop, at a “chain” restaurant). It
remains a never to be fulfilled quest, for I am always thinking – there’s a
better one out there, somewhere!
So far, the most unique, and for its own reasons, best
lobster roll I have encountered can be found at Chapin’s restaurant on Cape
Cod. They have 2 locations: 85 Taunton Ave in Dennis (close to Mayflower
Beach) and 228 Lower County Road in Dennis Port. Casual, inexpensive, a bit noisy, with very
good food, it is a perfect Cape stop.
They have this lobster “roll” that is different than any I
have seen. Words fall short, but a
picture, well a picture is what a picture does (sorry Forrest). Luckily, I always have camera at the ready, and food is definitely on my
list of must subjects, right up there with Mark Twain’s house, Mt. Rushmore,
and the Grand Canyon.
 |
| Larry the Lobster - in a roll |
Now folks, there is a
bun underneath all that lobster. The
chips and slaw are just dressing for the photo, and they only get eaten if
there’s any room left.
So, if you find yourself near the Cape this summer, make
this one of your “must” stops, and you’d better order the lobster roll. Or, if you’re really lazy, you can order just
a bowl of hot, buttered lobster meat – heavenly!
Mark Twain Quote: “Do
not tell fish stories where the people know you; but particularly, don’t tell
them where they know the fish.”
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