My Lobster-Mania Trip!! All About Maine "New-Shell" Lobsters

Lobsters have long been considered a delicacy.  The ultimate and proverbial "last and final meal" most people would choose before meeting our maker.  Since lobsters have seemed so lofty and unattainable (especially in daily life) the general public knows very little about this fascinating arthropod.  I was fortunate enough to be sent to Portland, ME last week to delve into all that encompasses the Maine Lobster.  This trip could NOT have been more perfect for me, as I have NEVER had the privilege of visiting the beautiful state of Maine, and I have also become  more appreciative of lobsters recently as I try to no longer eat red meat (or mammals).  

Freshly caught Maine Lobster

In Maine, lobsters are a way of life.  They are a massive part of the economy and also a way of employing thousands of lobstermen and sustaining their families.  Seeing this dynamic and the importance of lobsters to this region was truly special.  Thanks to the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative, I was able to get an inside look on the entire process; from trap to table.  Most importantly, we were to learn all about Maine "New-Shell" Lobsters.  These are lobsters that have recently shed their hard outer shell toward the end of the summer.  The shell is much softer, you're even able to poke a hole in a claw with your finger...unheard of for old or hard-shell lobsters.  These "new-shell" lobsters are supposed to be the sweetest and tastiest lobster in the world, and I'm here to taste them myself!

Freshly picked Maine New-Shell Lobster

The first stop on our lobster tour was the Cape Seafood processing plant.  The vast majority of the lobster that is processed at Cape is shipped out to all the Luke's Lobster restaurants around the country.  We really got up close and personal with all the lobbies here...all while wearing the finest in rubber boots, hairnets, gloves, and cloaks in order to keep everything as sterile as possible.  We saw how the lobster is cleaned, cooked,  cooled... and ultimately, picked.  They had a room full of about 50 pickers who were as quick as lightening and can pick all the meat from a knuckle and claw in about 2 seconds flat.  It was incredible to watch, not to mention the respect you garner for the pickers' talent, dexterity, and diligence.  

Next, we got to actually TASTE the incredible "new-shell" Maine Lobsters at one of the most famous lobster roll restaurants in the country.  The Clam Shack, in Kennebunk, ME, has won award after award and continuously has been voted "best lobster roll".  They put in on a round brioche bun instead of the typical hot dog bun or split roll.  They also use a mixture of mayo AND butter to give you the best of both worlds.  It was a simple, sweet, and outstanding sandwich.  

Lobster Roll at the Clam Shack

Later, we all were aboard The Lucky Catch, a real lobster boat.  The weather was perfect, even out at sea.  The skies were pure blue as was the water, and the shoreline of Portland was breathtaking.  Few things are more beautiful than the historic shores and harbors of New England, and to see it from an actual lobster boat was surreal.  Our lobsterman captain was going to show us the ropes (pun somewhat intended) of how to set the traps and haul in the goods.  

A big ole bag of herring bait

First off,  we put bait in bags.  Several pounds of large herring went into each orange mesh bag.  Those would then be placed inside the large and genius-ly configured lobster traps.  Once we caught some lobsters we got to measure them and band them.  

Me learning how to band a lobster

Measuring them is of utmost importance.  The Maine Lobster rules and regulations are incredibly strict in order to conserve and sustain the lobster population.  A legal lobster in the State of Maine has a carapace or body shell length that measures between 3 ¼ inches and 5 inches.  If they are too big or too small they MUST be immediately thrown back.  Small lobsters haven't yet been given the chance to breed and larger lobsters have shown that they are good breeders and are to be kept in the population.  Check out this video I shot to see how it works!

We also had the rare chance to see a "berried" female, or a female who is covered in eggs.  These females must be immediately thrown back and notched on their tail to tell future lobsterman that they are capable of breeding.  It was one of the coolest things I have witnessed in nature.  

A "berried" female lobster

When I heard we were going to the Maine State Aquarium, I wasn't all that excited at first, as I thought it would be "just for kids".  However, when I saw all of the insanely rare specimen of lobster they had in their possession... I was blown away.   Check these out!!  The 1st is a 1 in 100,000,000 rare albino lobster, and the second is a 1 in 2,000,000 cobalt blue lobster.  It was one of the most stunning  sights my eyes have ever laid upon.  

A rare albino lobster

A rare blue lobster... NO FILTER!

We closed out this lobster immersion trip by, well, eating more lobster!  Attending the Claw Down event in Boothbay Harbor was a fantastic way to bring this experience full circle.  20 local chefs were competing for the "best bite" of lobster.  It was a blast and was so cool to see all of the different and unique ways in which new-shell lobster could be prepared.  There was pasta, sandwiches, stews, sautés, etc.  Here is a lobster salad served with crispy chicken skin on a soft roll.  Delicious!  

A lobster dish at the Claw Down Event

I've always been a huge fan of lobster.  However, now that I know everything that goes into the fishing, sustainability, dealing, processing, preparation, and of course...eating...I have an entirely new respect for this delicious animal.  I've also now become a fan of the succulent and sweet "new-shell" Maine lobster.  Make sure that when you order your next lobster, if it's in the late summer, early fall, ask if it's new-shell.  If it is...watch your tastebuds explode and then please tell me all about it!! 

To learn more, visit: http://www.lobsterfrommaine.com

Hey Chicagoans! How about a Staycation? (2012)

So I have to admit, and this is no secret, but my day-to-day life can be pretty fun. This summer has really been the epitome of me enjoying La Dolce Vita…and I haven’t even left Chicago yet! I do hear from people all the time, “Hey Kelly, do you work??” The answer of course is, “Yea, kinda!” I have managed to make the most of my summer here in Chi while still attending to life’s lame responsibilities. Since I have made my last 2 months feel like freakin’ Yacht Week, I figured I’d help my fellow Chicagoans turn the next 2 months into a memorable vacay…right here at home. And I WILL NOT discuss boring tourist activities such as Navy Pier or Architecture Tours. These recs are legit and are what the real locals do.

There are a couple different themes I want to dive into (no pun intended), as my awesome activities are quite varied.

For those of you who like a cosmopolitan type of vacation, let’s say to New York, here is a fun way to spend your day: When I’m in chic chick mode I usually begin my day with some shopping. I will ALWAYS hit up Oak Street, which is renowned for its world-class boutiques. If you really want the New York vibe, you can always pop into Barney’s New York, but I usually opt for smaller non-corporate shops. My FAVORITE boutique in all of Chicago is Sofia. They’re moving to Walton Street (1 block over) this summer, so don’t be alarmed if it looks like they’ve closed. But they have the best collection of the season’s best trends and looks. Plus you actually feel you’re in a walk up in The Village. After I’ve put my credit card into panic mode, I’ll head to Rush Street for brunch or lunch at Tavern on Rush. Now, this place is no secret…but if you haven’t had a table on the sidewalk in the summer… you do NOT know what people watching is. This is probably one of the scene-iest places in the city and I always feel like I'm on vacation when I’m relaxing and gossiping outside at this hot spot. A crisp glass of Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc and their Bellevue Salad with rock shrimp will definitely make you feel like you’re lunching on Madison Ave.

If that’s a bit too fancy-schmancy for you, and you’re more the active beachy type, well fear not, I’ve got you covered. If you have not yet heard of Stand Up Paddle Surfing (or Boarding) or SUP, where have you been?! This is the sport that has captivated cool people everywhere. Celebs and athletes go nuts for SUP and it’s the most popular activity on the West Coast and Hawaii. Fortunately for us, some bad-ass folks called Great Lakes Board Company, decided to bring this trend to our gorgeous lake front. It is one hell of a workout. It stabilizes your core, can burn up to 500 calories in an hour, and is somehow still relaxing. The view of the city you get while floating around on your board ain’t bad either. I paddle at least twice a week and it’s definitely become my favorite new sport. Don’t take our lake front for granted people!!! Head to North Ave. Beach, spend $25 for an hour rental (package deals are avail) and magically transport yourself to the Pacific. To finish off a good beach/paddle day, you can always head to Castaways on the Beach for a delicious frozen cocktail but I’m usually in the mood for some fresh seafood. To really feel like you are on a vacation head to El Barco Mariscos. It’s in East Ukranian Village on Ashland and it reminds me of so many places I’ve eaten at all over Mexico. You feel as if you’re in an old wooden boat- sounds strange but the seafood is awesome. They specialize in whole Huachinango (red snapper) and ginormous seafood platters that could feed a village. Everything is delicious and their margaritas are amazing. It’s super affordable too, so it’s a great way to end your beach staycation!

Finally, if you’re a fan of Jamaica and reggae music (I’m obsessed) here is an awesome way to spend a Thursday or Sunday evening. Check out Ja’Grill in Lincoln Park on Armitage. The chef hails from Ocho Rios in Jamaica, and makes a mean Red Snapper Escoveitch (sweet, spicy, and tangy, sautéed with peppers and onions) and Spicy Curried Goat. Their coconut cabbage side dish is addictive, and they have an impressive collection of Jamaican Rum cocktails to cool you down. The reggae is always booming and the huge Bob Marley mural on the wall will transport you right back to the Caribbean. After dinner and drinks head to Underground Wonder Bar in River North on Clark Street. Every Thursday and Sunday from 1am to 4 am they have live reggae. The bands are always incredible and can literally put you into a musical “One Love Mon” kind of trance. Order a Red Stripe beer from the bartender brothers, Jordan and Elliott, who have dreadlocks down to their knees, and just jam in front of the stage with the crowd. ALWAYS a blast, Wagwan!!

So that’s a typical staycation week in the life of EatTravelRockOut. Chicago has so many wonderful and exciting things to do that so many natives are even unaware of. If you can’t get away this summer you can make the very most of your time at home and still feel like you just traveled to NYC, Mexico, Jamaica, or a ton of other places. I have dozens of more fun things to do as well, so if you want some ideas, just shoot me an email or comment below. Enjoy, ChiTown!!!