Summer in Connecticut can look like a lot of different things: hometown parades, trips to the beach, and of course, lobster rolls. Seafood is a quintessential part of dining in New England, so much so that there are heated debates over how to properly prepare a lobster roll, with hot meat with melted butter being the traditional Connecticut style and cold meat with mayonnaise originating out of Maine. It is no surprise, then, that there is a plethora of lobster shacks around the state, with most of them concentrated along the shoreline.
These ‘lobster shacks’ or ‘clam shacks’ have everything that you could want in a great seafood dinner without any added frills. If you are looking for more of a restaurant vibe, there are many seafood-centric businesses in the state that serve great lobster rolls. Another New England tradition that pops up each summer is the clambake. These events are usually centered around some sort of special occasion and involve steaming a medley of ingredients like clams, crab, scallops, lobster, and mussels together. There are several businesses in Connecticut that will help cater your next clambake, which are included in this guide as well.
It is doubtful that, when mentioning summer eats, lobster anything wouldn’t be in the Top 3 list of foods that folks love, drive miles for, yearn for during the winter months and spiritedly debate (hot? cold? with mayo? just butter?). Well, summer is here, time to strap on that bib, lick those buttery fingers and well, get crackin’. From piled-high lobster rolls and creamy bisques, to hot fried clams and fluffy fritters, seafood rules the roost when temps rise and those ocean breezes soothe the soul. Whether you are searching for a lunch by the water or hosting a party for friends (weee! finally!), these venues will add some buttery fun to your summer days. Bon appetit! Here, let me tie that bib for you….
Crack ‘em, steam ‘em, grill ‘em, looooove ‘em. Lobster, lobster, oh sweet lovely lobster, you make our hearts swoon. Summer is here, the living is easy and to make it even easier, why not throw a good ol’ New England Lobster Bake catered to your venue of choice? You’ll feel like you are oceanside (minus the Great Whites trolling the shores) no matter where you decide to hold your bash. Draw that buttah and color yourself happy! We’ve compiled a whole boatful of vendors that will cater to every whim you might have in order to create a memorable and gloriously fun time. We may even need a bigger boat, the list is so long (ok, who got the reference?). Two big claws up to great companies that are attentive to their customers’ needs and desires and strive to make every Lobster and Clambake a delicious event. Having just used up all the lobster-talk I have up my sleeve, please read on and enjoy…
It’s just as you’d imagine a perfect lobster shack to be – small, somewhat quirky, a whole lotta fun and absolutely delicious. LobsterCraft opened its retail doors a few months ago in Fairfield, just off of the Post Road. You have to look for it. If you blink you’ll likely drive past the sandwich board sign, the first time you go. But once you find it you’ll never forget.
Parked next to the shop is their truck, and a tented, casual seating area, reminiscent of those great roadside eateries along the coast of Maine. I think those are the truest gems – lobster rolls the way lobster rolls are meant to be. This is a paper plate and paper napkin eatery which only enhances the whole lobster roll experience.
Summah. Lobstah. Chowdah. Did you notice that all of these “words” end in “ah”? Ahhhh, guess there is a reason. Summer, with it’s blazing sunshine and easy and delicious seasonal eats, is perfectly ahhh-inducing. One of great things about this time of year is the fresh seafood. Does anything really compare to a New England clambake with all the trimmings? Fresh, sweet lobster, briny clams, crunchy fresh corn, succulent mussels, creamy red potatoes…wait! Don’t forget the buttah. There’s that “ah” again. We hope you have many of these enjoyable shared meals with friends and family in the beautiful, warm months ahead. Here’s a list to help you on your way…
