As we move steadily toward winter, I thought I would take a moment to reminisce on a trip to Maine this summer where I ate my first whole Maine lobster, among a few other things… Cue montage music!
Let’s start off with my birthday treat — a (mildly terrifying) whole lobster dinner. I was taught how to eat this beast (fortunately it wasn’t cooked in my presence, though I was prepared to witness this if necessary), and found that I am not terribly skilled at doing so. But, it was yummy!
Because there was a massive storm the night before, these lobsters weren’t able to be purchased from the local fishermen, as was the plan, and were instead acquired from everyone’s favorite Vinalhaven diner: the Harbor Gawker (who purchased them from said local fishermen).
The Harbor Gawker Restaurant, Vinalhaven, ME
Note that everyone who isn’t me pronounces this like the locals, which sounds something like “Haw-bah Gaw-kah”, and ensured that I had no idea what anyone was saying the first dozen times it was referenced in my presence. Fortunately, their signs are in normal English, even if their accent isn’t, so upon arrival to the restaurant, I was able to discern the name. I also enjoyed my very first lobster roll courtesy of the Harbor Gawker, and it was pretty dang good.
A very, very recent addition to this particular tiny island town is an uncharacteristically chic restaurant called Salt. We were able to get reservations, and pay SF prices for a very SF-style dinner. It was great, and made me feel right at home.
Scallops Gasperini ($13) – scallop crudo, seared scallop, citrus oil, caper aioli from Salt
House Cured Salmon ($14) with avocado cream, dilled potato salad, crisps from Salt
House-cut Pappardelle Pasta ($20) from Salt
Pan-seared Local-caught Halibut ($25) from Salt
And finally, after returning to the mainland, but before leaving the state, I did get to enjoy a personal favorite of mine with a little twist of Maine: a lobster Benedict.
Lobster Benedict — booya.
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