Need lots of lobsters

[Nyleve]

I know this has been discussed in the past but I'm having trouble narrowing down the search function to only search in Toronto - so please forgive me for being redundant. Anyway I'm looking for a LOT of lobsters for a lobster party - live, fresh and a good price - preferably in the northeast end of Toronto. Where would you recommend we buy? I've been looking at Lobster Island, Mac's Lobster and Bergon Lobster.

[neville nosher]

I would go to T&T. Prices are pretty good and their seafood is impeccably fresh. Large lobsters (3 lb +) are often a lot cheaper than the 2 lb size, but not as desirable

[Nyleve]

I promised to report on the lobster situation and so here I am. For extremely complicated reasons - mostly having to do with relative convenience of pick-up and the fact that a friend had a personal connection with the owner - we ended up getting lobsters from Bergon Lobster in Markham-ish. The owner, Domenic, was very friendly and gave us a bit of a discount for the large order. We were able to pick the lobsters up on Sunday, just hours before the event, which made it all much more convenient. The lobsters themselves were excellent, delicious and meaty - 1/1/2 pounders. In fact many people who had ordered 2 lobsters each (or 3 lobsters for 2 people) ended up not being able to finish! I actually found myself with several leftover lobsters (hahahaha!!!) and my son took one home with him. My only complaint - and this had nothing to do with the lobsters, but with the cooking - was that they were probably slightly undercooked and so the lobster roe in several of them was still black. This turned a few people off and I only figured out what that was all about by googling today. Apparently a few minutes further cooking and the roe would have turned orange. Who knew? We were boiling them outside in a large cauldron - men's work - so I had nothing to do with the cooking.

For anyone in that end of the city, I would definitely recommend Bergon. The place is very clean and the tanks look well maintained. And they always have lots of lobsters.

[Nyleve]

I spoke to someone at Bill's and at T & T (Markham). Same prices at both places ($12.99-ish) but I agree the guy at Bill's was very nice on the phone. If I can convince someone to drive downtown to pick the lobsters up on Sunday morning (he'll be open) I will go with Bill's.

Hmmm...my son is planning to join us for "Lobsterfest 2" - maybe I can get him to pick up the lobsters on his way...

That would be perfect. Will let you all know how this drama unfolds. Thank you for all your suggestions.

[foodyDudey]

If I can join you for lobsterfest I'll pick them up! Did you try asking anyone for a discount, based on the large quantity you are buying?

[acd123]

Bill's in the BEST. I love that they fly them in pretty much every day. Only place in town for lobsters. Scallops are also great, especially the live ones when they have them.

[Atahualpa]

Sixth for Bill's. But, you might also consider T&T -- they sometimes have really cheap prices on lobster and they look decent. Bill's would be my preference though; they are worth giving your business too.

[childofthestorm]

Fifth for Bill's. That place is a treasure.

[JonasBrand]

The name says it all.... The place you need to go for lobster (and any super fresh fruits of the sea) is Bill's. Fair prices and BEST quality. 4th vouch.

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Bill's Lobster
599 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4M, CA

[cybergod]

I third the Bill's Lobsters recommendation. Even though it's a bit out of your way, Bill's has the best price to quality ratio in town (and they might even cut you a deal if the quantity is high enough). I think it was around $11.99 or $12.99 a pound for top grade 1.5-2.5 lb lobsters a week or two ago (which is actually a bit high for Bill's, but apparently wholesale prices out East have been high this year).

[oracle347]

I'd head up a little north of the city to T+T - Warden and Steels or the Promanade Mall. Theu usuallu have tanks full of both East Coast and Spiney Lobsters, at a reasonable price, and they're kicking (What Can I Say? Us chinese are picky about seafood). They offer a cleaninf service for free and don't blink at large orders.

[c_snapper]

i second the chinese supermarket idea. T&T is generally reasonably priced with pretty good quality LIVE lobster. not sure if you can get a deal if you buy in a LARGE quantity. good luck with the search!

[jayt90]

Sobey's in Pickering (Brock Road) is charging $9.99/lb for canners. I had one last week that cost $12 and it was good. They usually keep 15-20 in a tank, but I'm sure they could get more as required. They will cook while you shop (free service), but I don't know that they can do your big order in minutes.

[Smalph]

Atlantic Ocean Harvest (www.atlanticoceanharvest.com) professes to do delivery that's ocean-to-your-door in 24 hours. Looks like the price runs about $15/lb. I've not ordered from them (yet) myself, bit have been keeping them in mind for some occasion. They're very responsive in email (I've sent a couple of questions) if you have any queries for them.

[Vise]

Not in the northeast part of the city but I'd highly recommend Bill's Lobster on Gerrard near Broadview. Several huge tanks filled with lobsters ranging from canners up to about 3lbs. Great service too.

[Zengarden]

I second Bill's Lobsters. Great place with good advice if you need some tips.

[SpiceMustFlow]

I third Bill's Lobsters. Good price, perfectly fresh n' feisty, and they do indeed have LOTS.

[domesticgodess]

have you tried City Fish at Dufferin/Lawrence?