Kittery lows (Chauncy Creek) and highs (Bob's)
On a drive through Kittery, we decided to stop at Chauncy Creek Lobster Pier for lunch. This was a mixed group, none of which were in the mood for a boiled lobster. We ordered two lobster rolls and their "fish bites and chips" and settled down on the pier. Lovely location, but our glimpses of people eating boiled lobster with their own side dishes started us worrying...why wasn't anyone eating anything else off the menu? We got our answer as soon as our food was served. Lobster rolls ($14.95) were served on hamburger buns and were overly mayo'd in Miracle Whip (YUCK!!!!!). Served only with chips. "Fish bites" were vile prefrozen thingies served with fries that tasted more like onion rings from dirty oil. We returned them and requested our money back. We managed to finish most of the lobster rolls, but they were awful.
Searching for a satiety, we returned to an old familiar haunt, Bob's clam hut on Rt. 1. Another lobster roll ($12.50 with fries and a pickle) was abundant, fresh and lightly mayo'd. Fish -n- chips were impeccably fresh and cooked in light, clean oil. We sat in the back, which is very pleasant and you almost don't realize Rt 1 is just in front of the building.
After I got home, I read old posts on Chancy Creek. ....seems like most folks find it overpriced, and inconsistent. I should have checked first!!
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WOW - my head is spinning.
I like Chauncy Creek, but the parking alone is a reason for me not to go there. Other then cooking my lobster at home and enjoying it with a fingerling potatoes and fresh corn and a bottle of Vovray or Riesling I prefer to eat my lobster in a real restaurant with a wine list and such.
My favorite place is Patio in P-town - www.ptownpatio.com. They have a chilled lobster on the raw bar and about ten preparations on their regular menu such as the Lobster Styr Fry - DAYLISHHH -
Chauncey Creek is not a place you go for Lobster Rolls. Traditionally it is for Lobster & Steamers. You bring your own bottle of wine, any utensils, glasses, candles to make the night special. Know your destination before going there. Your review is akin to someone ordering a NY Strip at a chinese food restaraunt. Bob's is great for lobster rolls, at least you got that right.
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re: provinceroad
Science Chick
Jul 18, 2007 09:02 AM
Yes, I am certainly aware of Chauncey Creek's main focus now.....but I don't think that going into a lobster joint blindly and expecting a decent lobster roll is unreasonable, nor is it even close to "ordering a NY strip at a Chinese restaurant"!! We were driving by and the place looked interesting, so we thought we'd give it a try. This could easily happen to anyone going for a drive on a nice day, and you can't always "know your destination before going there".......sponteneity!! As a member of the Chowhound community, I think it is my duty to report my experience, so that others can decide if this is the place for them. That being said, it seems that a number of posters (here and on other threads) have mixed things to say about Chauncey Creek, even for a lobster dinner.
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re: JaneRI
Science Chick
Jul 18, 2007 10:21 AM
Thanks, JaneRI. I guess my general rule of thumb is, if you are going to offer something on your menu, it should be good.
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Bob's might not have the best location, but I really think they serve up a better fried clam than any of the places in Essex and Ipswich.
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re: rufustfi
Had lunch at BOb's today- excellent lobster roll- just a little mayo on a toasted hot dog bun. Excellent fried clams also.
Not a fan of Cahuncy Creek but it you go way north in Maine there are quite a few places that serve lobster rolls on hamburger buns. I think it is a very old fashioned Maine thing.
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BostonZest
Jul 4, 2007 03:52 PM
Having lucked onto Bob's the first time we were in Kittery, we have found the need to look any further. Friends from PA were traveling through Maine and sent me a thank you note for the Bob's recommendation.
Here's the website for those who would like to try it while down east.
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I agree Science Chick, Chauncey Creek is TERRIBLE. I made the mistake of driving from RI to Kittery just for lunch one day. Myself, mom and grown niece. 3 chicken lobsters, 2 chowders, an order of steamers....maybe some french fries? Not only was it over $80, the food was awful .....lobsters horribly overcooked. NEVER AGAIN.
To the poster who mentioned the ability to bring your own 6-pk.....that just is not enough of a draw to make up for all the other negatives of this place.
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I actually tried the lobster roll at the Chauncy Creek about a week ago or so. While I agree that using a hamburger bun instead of a hot dog roll was an odd surprise (and would have asked to have it toasted if I had known how it was to be served), I didn't think the filling was overly mayo'd -- it seemed about right to me. It's possible my palate isn't as sensitive, but I also couldn't taste that they used Miracle Whip instead of regular mayo to make it. Science Chick, you may well be right that they used Miracle Whip, but was wondering if you knew for sure on this.
I did appreciate that there wasn't any lettuce or other filler in the salad or on the roll, and also liked that fact that using a hamburger roll seemingly allows them to put more lobster salad on the sandwich. And the counter help were very helpful and friendly. I'll agree, the location is pleasant.
Haven't tried Bob's, and hope to get the chance at some point.
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re: bachslunch
Science Chick
Jul 3, 2007 07:20 AM
The reason I am suspecting Miracle Whip (or its ilk) is the heavy sweetness. I eat very little sugar, and am VERY sensitive to its presence in foods. Didn't check directly with them, though. I actually adore mayo (confessin' here), but poor quality or Miracle Whip-type doesn't cut it with me.
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re: Science Chick
Wow -- I just didn't get the sweet taste you say you got when I had my lobster roll there. It tasted normal -- and not unpleasant -- at least to me. And the lobster wasn't overcooked or mealy, like I've had at some places I didn't like (like The Mayflower in Provincetown).
I guess we'll have to agree to disagree on this one. Believe me, I'm not shy about complaining when I don't like something, and I had no significant problems at CCLP.
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re: debbed
Science Chick
Jul 4, 2007 08:01 PM
I must admit no satisfaction in being correct here.....YUCKK!!!!!!
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re: debbed
Science Chick
Jul 5, 2007 08:49 AM
Also, if you check the labels, Miracle Whip has 2g sugar per 1 T serving, whereas Hellman's has 0g carbohydrates (ie 0g sugar...although sugar is one of the ingredients...probably not enough to contribute significantly to the total carb content).
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re: bachslunch
You're going to pass on Bob's . . . why? Because many people don't like Miracle Whip in their lobster rolls and criticize Chauncey Creek for this reason? Bob's isn't really an alternative; they don't serve whole steamed/boiled lobsters. It's a very different kind of place. I don't understand your reasoning, but if it makes sense to you, fine.
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re: Science Chick
Hi S C
The FDA in its infinite wisdom allows up to 1/2 gram of fats carbs and protein per portion to be in an item and still call it 0. Its a real scam, and is one reason I do not trust "no trans fat" labels. You would be surprised at how much sugar you might find in certain foods labelled "0" . However americans stuff down much more sugar than our european cousin and people like ourselves who try to avoid gratuitous sugar in our diets do become supremely sensitive to its appearance in foods that don't need them. Good call S C
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re: jjbourgeois
GilbyEast
Jul 18, 2007 11:19 AM
Not only the Phantom Gourmet, but Gourmet Magazine too! I swear I read about Chauncey Creek in their March issue. I haven't been, but it seems the CHOW consensus is contrary to what they had to say. Are there not enough really good places to write about that they have to fill space with mediocre places? Perhaps my comment is more about food media than Chauncey Creek...
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Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I was of the understanding that you were supposed to bring your own wine, sides, salads and whatnot to Chauncy Creek. The only thing most locals get IS the lobster, albeit overpriced, as the attraction was to bring your own picnic. I would love to see you try to bring a six pack of beer to Bobs . . .
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re: bewley
Found Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier's website, and it appears you're pretty much correct, bewley. It specifically says, and I quote:
"Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier is a BYOB establishment, please feel free to bring your own alcoholic beverages and any food or drink that is NOT sold here."
http://www.chaunceycreek.com/menu.html
Their menu consists of lobster and other shellfish (raw or steamed), chowder and chili, various seafood rolls, fried fish and chicken and shrimp, standard in-the-rough sides (fries, chips, beans, coleslaw, etc.), a couple of desserts, and various non-alcoholic beverages.
They don't let folks bring in their own food or beverage that is already on the menu, but most all restaurants I know of are that way -- which is a perfectly understandable policy to have. And several places won't let you bring in any outside food or beverage at all, which CCLP clearly doesn't do.
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I can relate! I have always thought of Chauncy Creek as the worst example of a lobster pound. Cruddy food, indifferent service, silly rules. Have tried it 4 times hoping that it will get better and it just dosen't. Always feel ripped off. I could go on and on. Lovely location though!
Yep, Bob's is and has always been the real deal. I always make the stop going north or south.
-Moe
