Eating Lobster In Maine & Other Deliciousness

Lobster – I love it anytime, but there is something about digging into that sweet, succulent meat while visiting Maine! It could be the fragrance of the salt air, the cool temps in July or the daily ritual of observing the many lobster boats fishing the coastlines that make the occasion feel more special.

Steamed lobster, lobster roll, lobster bisque, lobster omelet, lobster mac and cheese, lobster lasagna, these are just a few of the lobster dishes that were listed on menus throughout Maine.  I admit I indulged in more than one of these menu items but the steamed lobster won out more than any other.

Lobster is certainly on everyone’s radar when searching for a meal in Maine but there are a few other staples that shouldn’t be passed up.  Maine blueberries are sweet, juicy little jewels that elevate pancakes to a new level, fried clams served up in a paper dish with crispy onion rings, local strawberries sweet and juicy show up in strawberry rhubarb pie and strawberry shortcake and  bowls of creamy, heavenly clam chowder, New England style of course, are found on menus up and down the coast.  Donuts, cinnamon rolls and pecan sticky buns show up on breakfast menus in cafes and diners daily.

We spent 10 glorious days on the coast of Maine this summer and I can assure you we are already planning our next trip to the granite state.  If you fancy yourself as a foodie Maine won’t disappoint in that department.  If food isn’t important to you, besides eating to survive, this state still has so much to offer.  Inspecting tide pools, studying granite formations, visiting historic lighthouses, passing the day away listening to the waves crash on the craggy coast, kayaking, fishing, or watching lobstermen hauling in their catch for the day can entertain even the littlest of tourists.  Bonus – you’re likely to see American Eagles soaring overhead, perched on the rocky coastline or in a treetop.

After arriving in Boston and picking up our rental car we headed straight up the coast to the quaint town of Kennebunkport and made our way to The Clam Shack for fried clams and a cold local brew.  I can’t think of a better way to begin vacation than feeling the cool ocean breezes on my face, smelling the salt air, listening to squawking gulls and savoring perfectly fried clams and crunchy onion rings!  This was my one and only fried food fix!

Camden, Maine offers a lovely harbor view with plenty of sailors coming and going from the busy port.  At the Waterfront Restaurant with a view of the bustling waterway we enjoyed bowls of New England style clam chowder followed by traditional lobster rolls.  Lightly buttered, toasted bun, a touch of mayo, lettuce and a sprinkle of parsley – all you need!

At Fisherman’s Wharf in Boothbay Harbor with views of the glistening water front and boats of all sizes motoring in and out of the harbor I especially enjoyed a chilled lobster Caesar salad!  Truffle focaccia croutons, white anchovies, fried capers and asiago rico a speciality of award winning Executive Chef Stephen Richards.

I got my share of blueberry pancakes at the Seagull Restaurant at Pemaquid Point, while taking in the amazing views of crashing waves and gulls fighting over the days catch.

Clambering over the giant granite formations at the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse help to burn off the calories consumed at breakfast. A 5 minute walk from our cabin, the Seagull proved a convenient spot for more than one meal.

Before kayaking John’s Bay I thought a pecan sticky bun would be a delicious breakfast, not necessarily healthy but delicious!  I was absolutely correct – this sticky, gooey, bun with crunchy pecans was the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of joe!  The Cupboard Cafe also turns out amazing cinnamon rolls – laced with just the right amount of flavorful cinnamon and smeared with a generous spoonful of sweet icing (the best part in my book), an early arrival is the only way to snag one or a boxful.  We were warned to show up early as locals show up in droves to take home boxes full.  We did sink our teeth into one tender, sweet roll, but it disappeared too quickly for a photo!

At the end of the day the vote was always unanimous to swing by Shaw’s Lobster Wharf and order up fresh caught steamed lobster to go.  The wait passed quickly while we drank ice cold local brew on the dock and watched the sea birds swooping and diving.

Arriving back at the cabin tossing a salad, slicing a few Maine tomatoes and steaming ears of tender corn was all we needed for the quintessential Maine meal.