Most of us have at least one little passion in life that
resides near the center of our existence and, for better or worse, is usually
stuck there like velcro, never to be lost or discarded. For some, it is a lofty and altruistic vision
that sends them forth every day, Don Quixote-esque, with dreams of improving
mankind.
But for others, that thing tugging at their strings is,
well, more mundane, selfish perhaps, and
totally unimportant in the cauldron that holds the world’s troubles. It deserves to be tossed to the compost pile
of useless endeavors, many would say.
That is, of course, unless that “thing” happens to be: the
quest for the perfect lobster roll.
For those of us who love those ugly little crustaceans, not much else in
this life matters, if we were to speak our deepest thoughts.
Which kinda describes me, to a “T.” Oh, I will freely give of my time and reach
into my wallet to help friend and stranger alike, and I still have faint aspirations
for world peace one day. But when it
comes to that one little thing that propels me to action, just say the words
“lobster roll” and I’m on the move.
I have sampled them from Maine to Florida. I don’t even try to find them when I’m west
of any state where I can’t dip my toes in the Atlantic Ocean. There is something missing when the
experience doesn’t include the squawking of a gull, or the smell of the tide,
or the rhythm of waves as part of the deal.
Can you imagine anyone enjoying fully a lobster roll served alongside a
plate of Bar-B-Q ribs in Austin, Texas?
Pleeeze.
I have tasted the worst and the best, at least the best that
I’ve been able to find…thus far! That
distinction currently belongs to the roll offered up at Chapin’s Restaurant on
Cape Cod (you were surprised?). That
lofty honor may soon change.
During the bleak and dreary winter just passed, I was
talking to a woman, and both of us were deep in winter blues. Who knows how these things happen, but talk
went to summer, then to vacation spots, and then on to Cape Cod, of
course. Soon, lobster became part of the
equation, and she asked, “Have you ever tried the Sesuit Harbor Café?” In all my years of going to Cape Cod, I’ve
never even heard of the Sesuit Harbor Café.
“They have a great lobster roll,” said she. I’m am so there, thought I.
As soon as I could, I visited my favorite one word
portal to the world … Google. In seconds, I was reading all about – the Sesuit Harbor Café. It
appears the café is a classic example of an informal
seaside eatery. Walk up and order at
the counter please. There’s no wait
staff to pamper you here. Take your food
and leave, or choose to stay and eat at one of the waterside tables. Soak up the sights and smells that uniquely belong
to Cape Cod. And, you are encouraged to
BYOB….what a perfect addition to a casual meal.
Oh, how I love these kind of places.
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| The Cafe |
Which reminds me … Sesuit Harbor Café must be the twin of
another fine place I have traveled to, just for a lobster roll: Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough in Noank, CT
(not far off Rt. 95, just outside Mystic).
This too is very informal, as
you walk up to the counter and order, then take your food wherever you want to
go – or stay at the tables by the water.
I remember one visit to Abbott’s all too well. Walking to the table, tray in both hands and
my lobster roll perched on top. With no
warning, I was befriended from above by a hungry sea gull, who decided to
relieve me of most of my lobster, leaving me with more roll than crustacean. I
have never looked at a seagull the same way since. Bad bird, just making a living.
Pardon the digression.
Now, back to Sesuit Harbor. The
website had a menu, which of course I opened.
I quickly scrolled to the lunch section.
And what should appear, right at the top of the list: Sesuit
Harbor Café’s World Famous Lobster Roll! Seriously?
Honestly? World Famous?
Bib on. The quest
begins anew. Come this July, you’ll find
me cruising Rt. 6A on my way to what promises to be another great experience. And it
is only about 15 minutes from Chapin's.
How utterly perfect! I could
actually have a mini contest going here. I see many lobster rolls in my future. What a way to spend the week! Stay tuned for a post visit "post."
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| The tables - watch for gulls! |
Mark Twain
Quote: “Newport, Rhode Island, that
breeding place – that stud farm, so to speak – of aristocracy; aristocracy of
the American type.”
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