The East Coast is serious about its lobster rolls, but what's actually the difference between a Maine and a Connecticut lobster roll?
My love for lobster goes all the way back to the day I was born. No, really. As the story goes, this particular hospital rewarded new moms with their choice of a luxurious meal after giving birth. With one glance at the menu, my mom jumped at the chance to order the lobster tail and did so for every single meal in the hospital after that until we went home. I theorize some of that intoxicating elixir from the shellfish was passed down to me, because I have been a fan of all things seafood ever since.
Fast forward thirty-odd years, and I found myself living on the East Coast, where summer cafes by the sea aren’t complete without a lobster roll on the menu. That’s when I first discovered the rivalry between the Maine-style and Connecticut-style lobster roll. In this discussion, I am truly an impartial juror. I will gladly enjoy both styles any day of the week and can see the beauty in each one. However, locals are often die-hard fans of one or the other. Both lobster roll sandwiches start in a similar way, inside a soft, split-top bun. From there, the differences begin.
What is a Maine-style lobster roll?
A Maine-style lobster roll is served cold or chilled, and the filling is essentially a lobster salad. Succulent chunks of lobster tail, claw and any other bits of meat that can be extracted are tossed with mayonnaise, a squeeze of lemon, some chopped celery, and maybe a few minced chives. There might be a few delicate lettuce leaves sandwiched in there as well for added crunch. It is creamy, refreshing and outstanding on a hot New England summer day.
What is a Connecticut-style lobster roll?
Devout fans of the Connecticut-style lobster rolls consider themselves purists. These are assembled and enjoyed immediately after steaming the lobster. They are served warm with nothing more than melted butter and a squeeze of lemon on a warm, toasted roll. I like to think of it as everything you love about ordering a whole lobster with drawn butter, except someone else did all the work and handed it to you in a convenient bun.
Which style is best?
For me, this is like being asked to pick a favorite child. I have more than enough lobster love to go around. Especially nowadays. I’ve since traded East Coast life for the Midwest, and I long for breezy summer afternoons on the coast, diving into a lobster roll during a relaxed weekend lunch. However, should you ask New England natives, they might offer a more opinionated answer.
Which type of lobster roll do you prefer? Let us know in the comments below!
