Lobster “In the Rough”

Now that’s a lobstah!  You might actually hear such a thing, because this is New England, after all.  From May through October we grab every chance we can to dine at local lobster pounds, enjoying what locals call lobster “in the rough.”  Eating lobster outdoors is a great way to enjoy the sunshine, fresh air, and spectacular views.

Being transplants from the West Coast, lobster pounds were a new experience for us, and one that brought some surprises.  When we first experienced lobster “in the rough,” as locals call it, we were utterly unprepared.  Locals may love eating outdoors on picnic tables, but that doesn’t mean they sacrifice elegance.

Our fellow diners set their tables with linens, flowers, chilled wine, country bread, salad, fruit platters, and candles.  We learned fast, and on our second trip to a lobster pound, we arrived with our wicker basket packed with sparkling wine, side dishes, all set on a checked tablecloth, and topped with a candle.  We felt as elegant and refined as possible, when you’re pulling a lobster apart and eating with your fingers.

Lobster has always been my favorite food, but lobster pounds have lots of other seafood options.  Our then three year-old daughter fell in love with steamers dipped in broth.  A tiny confession:  I’d rather not wrangle with a whole steamed lobster, so I usually opt for a lobster roll.  You can also order corn-on-the-cob, and often cole slaw, but vegetable options tend to be slim.  That’s why we pack our own salads.  Here’s the best part – at many establishments in Maine, you can finish your meal with wild blueberry pie.

We usually save these excursions for warm, sunny days, because Jim’s always looking for an excuse to put the top down on the convertible.  In reality, convertibles are a great way to view the countryside.  Get off the highway and take small, back roads, and you’ll be astonished at the beauty of the fields, villages, stone fences and other iconic New England sites.

One of our favorite drives is Route 103, a meandering highway along the southern Maine coast.  Pick it up in Kittery and drive north, and it will bring you past Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier, set on a wooded coastal inlet, with brightly painted picnic tables, where diners often arrive by boat, tie up, and dig into seafood.  In Essex, Massachusetts, Woodman’s is an institution, and so popular there are often lines running down the street.  Whichever you choose, you can’t go wrong.  Do you have favorites?  If so, let us know about them.