Lobster Roll???
okay, did a search here and most posts are old and recent ones all mention.......nothing good! i think the closest ,most talked about place in recent years is the lobster roll at the Hungry Cat.
hoping some new places popped up recently with a good lobster roll. any suggestions? if not, maybe i just need to go to the Hungry Cat....i am willing to go anywhere in LA County.
ive never had one..but lately ive seen many TV shows, magazines that show lobster rolls from the east coast....looks mighty tasty!
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The Hungry Cat
1535 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028
By samtron608
on Aug 17, 2010 02:44 PM
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I've seen Blue Plate Oysterette http://blueplatesantamonica.com/ recommended here a few times. If you're on the west side that would be a convenient place to try.
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Tried the Blue Plate. We liked the Hungry Cat one better, it just had better lobster flavor.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dommichu/4649465854/
We also recently had the one from Joans on 3rd. Although it did contain some crab and didn't use the right bun, it still was very crisp and buttery.
http://yfrog.com/jm52rkj
--Dommy!
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The Hungry Cat
1535 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Blue Plate
1415 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403
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Dommy,
Thanks for the photo! Had no idea Joan's on 3rd did a sandwich like that!!
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It's a summer special.... I would call first if you have your heart set on it... also it's like $16.00... so it ain't cheap... 8|
--Dommy!
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don't bother with blue plate oysterette-
terrible food and way over-priced
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I like some stuff at blue Plate Oysterette, but really haven't been a fan of the lobster roll there. Minimally, I think saying "terrrible" food is a bit strong. I like the raw bar stuff there, far from terrible. But yeah, wouldn't order the lobster roll there again.
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SweetSalt in Toluca Lake just added a Lobster Roll to their menu. Someone in my office had it and raved about it. Looked pretty amazing.
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This LAist article persuaded me I need to try Water Grill's lobster roll someday soon:
http://laist.com/2010/07/22/lobster_r...
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Finn's Creekside in Calabasas has a pretty good lobster roll. There is a sister restaurant in Westlake.
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Finns Creekside in Calabasas is now gone, but Finns in Westlake is still there!
There is also a new Hungry Cat in my area/life. Just up from PCH on Channel Rd, in SM
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The Hungry Cat
100 W Channel Rd, Santa Monica, CA 90402
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I don't want to get too excited here, as this is not a big Chowhound destination, but Twohey's in Alhambra is offering lobster rolls as their Monday-Tuesday special through August, according to the gushy "news" article in the Pasadena Star-News's weekly restaurant advertiser page. They're even flying in the proper split-top rolls from Boston. I have not seen prices, and the rolls didn't show up last time I went to their website, but if you all ask real nice I might be persuaded to go over there and find out what I can...
Just noticed it's discussed a bit here:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/7107...
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Twohey's Restaurant
1224 N Atlantic Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91801
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Twohey's lobster rolls are 10.95, available until Labor Day.
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only $10.95? seems fairly inexpensive! maybe worth a try!! anyone try it yet??
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Hey Will - should we go try it??!!
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Drop me a line, kid. Duty calls!
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Will do!! ;-)
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Isn't Twohey's supposed to have good milkshakes? I generally go past while threading the needle down to Fosselman's and so have never stopped in.
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Twohey's Restaurant
1224 N Atlantic Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91801
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Very decent shakes and freezes. I prefer their sundaes to Fosselman's, not because the ice cream itself is any better, but the overall sundae is better, and has the added attraction of being served in real parfait glasses rather than flimsy plastic bowls.
Of course if Scoops or Milk were closer to Pasadena, it would be no contest.
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Lobster rolls, milkshakes, Labor Day approaching, hmmm ... sounds like a good time to check on Twohey's. Thanks, Peripatetic.
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Their hot fudge sundae is awesome, and insanely so with chocolate ice cream! They also use REAL whipped cream... Back in the early days of our Eatin' Posse, say maybe four years ago, we'd stuff ourselves at someplace like Har Lam Kee, and then someone would say, "How about Twohey's for dessert?" and we'd head over there. I'd have every intention of just having a cup of coffee, and then someone would order the hot fudge and I'd say Ohhhh, what the hell...
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Twohey's Restaurant
1224 N Atlantic Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91801
Har Lam Kee Restaurant
150 E Garvey Ave, Monterey Park, CA 91755
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I don't want to hijack this thread from lobster roll to Twohey's, but their burgers have really improved recently.
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Twohey's Restaurant
1224 N Atlantic Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91801
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Once again, The 'Baja..........' whatever it's called on the Summer 2010 menu at Mendocino Farms which is lobster tail, bacon, lettuce, tomato, aioli on a Bread Bar roll may not be regionally authentic but it's very tasty and a bit messy with all the lobster they stuff in there! I think it's $12.95.
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Mendocino Farms
300 S Grand Ave Ste Lp40, Los Angeles, CA 90071
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Is the lobster pre-mixed with aioli or just added on the bread? I like mine sans mayo or aioli so would love to try it if they can do without it. What kind of roll is it? Toasted?
Thank you!
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Premixed and not toasted. Sort of a softer type of submarine sandwich roll. It didn't knock my socks off (as I had hoped it would). Not like an east coast lobster roll. I found the taste of the lobster (whatever type of lobster they were using that day) much more like shrimp than lobster.
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I think that they will toast the Bread Bar roll or any other bread upon request.
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Good to know. I guess I got their default setting version.
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Hmmmm. I don't like the idea of adding bacon to my lobster sandwich. Did anyone go to TWOHEY'S for their lobster roll special? What's the verdict?
Otherwise I'm just going to head over to Hungry Cat or Water Grill. Thanks!
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The Hungry Cat
1535 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Water Grill
544 South Grand, Los Angeles, CA 90071
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"Did anyone go to TWOHEY'S for their lobster roll special?"
Not yet - keep yer shirt on, dammit! The way August is going I'll be lucky to get there at all... but I will strive mightily.
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I expect to see photos, Will!
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I DID! Went last night. Now, I don't have anything to compare it to since my trip to Maine that I was going to take in October has been postponed til next year, but I will describe the taste and look.
For $10.95 (they also have a surf and turf (one walked by me and the lobster looked GREAT!) and a whole lobster plate (cannot remember the price, sorry).
The roll is about 6" long. The "roll" looks like a piece of bread folded and is toasted (looks like those I have seen pics of from the east coast, but this is how I am choosing to describe it!). The lobster itself seemed to be almost shredded with small pieces throughout. Very finely diced celery and mayo added with a very, very light hand They may have also added some black pepper since I saw some black specks in there. Very fresh and mild tasting. I added a little salt and pepper to make it more flavorful. Came with chips, but I only had them bring me the roll. Came with a very good pickle wedge. That, and a vanilla coke and I was a happy girl!
They also have 66 cent "mini"sundaes for the month of August in honor of their 66th anniversary. I decided to forego that and get a large order of their curry clam chowder (so yummy) to go.
All in all, it was good. But since I don't have anything to compare it to, I cannot wait to hear what those that do have to say. Lobster Fest is through Labor Day.
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Yeah, definitely not "chunky" but most of it was lobster. I really wish I had my camera with me, but I did not know that I was going to stop in last night. I think you should still try it...
Red's sounds great! I will make a note of it for the trip! Thanks!
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oh..thought this was only for monday and tuesday? is it available everyday?
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Yep - everyday through Labor Day.
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YAY!! And thanks for jumping in there! I've been both busy and broke lately, both of which afflictions will be past me next week. Will try to remember the camera...
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Okay.... Inspired by WildSwede, several of us Hounds hit 2EEs and tried the lobster roll...
VERDICT: Not quite authentic, but not bad for the price, especialy when other lobster rolls mentioned here cost nearly twice as much and don't even use a proper bun.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dommichu...
--Dommy!
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I thought the flavor was good, and the rolls were griddled correctly, but we all agreed that the lobster was too finely minced. Almost like a tuna salad texture. The manager of Twohey's copped a bit of an attitude that this minced type is authentic because the owners are from Boston, blah, blah, blah, not knowing that many in the group are also East coasters with extensive expertise on these matters (especially Dommy's DH).
Yes, I've had this minced, lobster salad style of lobster roll in Maine, but it was one of the worst examples I've eaten in Maine. Compare lobsters rolls in my report here: http://professorsalt.com/2005/08/10/w...
Twohey's version might be authentic by this definition, but they sure as hell can aim a lot higher.
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Twohey's Restaurant
1224 N Atlantic Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91801
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I checked out your picture of the lobster rolls from Red's Eat. Amazing looking. Twoheys' look horrible.
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Twohey's Restaurant
1224 N Atlantic Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91801
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I too have experienced a minced lobster roll in Maine...at McDonald's believe it or not...while tasty, it does not have the mouth feel and lusciousness of a Red's or almost any other NE lobster roll. I am glad they got the buns right, but a good lobster roll requires identifiable chunks of lobster meat with a minimum of mayo...if any mayo at all!!
Fortunately, I travel to the Boston area almost every month and I get my fill on the way to the airport at a local fast food place that does an amazingly good Lobster roll...Kelly's, they actually use the meat from two one pound lobsters!!
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I too thought the flavor was good, but the flake-tuna texture was not what I expected or wanted. I would have been very happy if the tasty coleslaw had been shredded as finely as the lobster and the lobster had been in as big chunks as the coleslaw!
Of course it was not the size I'd been expecting either. I'd like something that needs to be held with both hands... but for a lousy eleven bucks that might be a pipe dream.
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Does this verdict include anyone from Mattapoisett?
- Peripatetic (who lived for a while in nearby Marion during his teens).
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But of course.
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Thanks to those who bit the bullet (lobster roll). Saved me the drive and stomach space.
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so is it worth going if you live near by?
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If you live near by, it is, at least once. $11 is not that bad a price for what we were served. When I make them at home my wholesale cost is about $13 depending on the price of Lobster. The buns are spot on and the Lobster though shredded and a small portion was good. The dressing was light so the flavor of lobster came through. But as Professor Salt said, "It could be so much more" but then it would cost more and would not be in the Twohey's price point for something that size. So go Rickym13, Try it and report back, I'm interested to hear. Plus, the homemade Potato Chips are worth the trip if you are local and maybe if you are not.
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Twohey's Restaurant
1224 N Atlantic Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91801
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Tried the Mendocino Farms Baja thing yesterday and have to concur...even though the lemon aoili is fairly mild and tasty, it's enough to overpower any flavor the lobster may have had. So it may be a somewhat enjoyable sandwich, but when it comes to real lobster rolls...this one is so close and yet so far. And I agree, the lobster they use is oddly shrimp like, though I think the menu does say that it's Pacific lobster, which may be part of the reason.
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Mendocino Farms
300 S Grand Ave Ste Lp40, Los Angeles, CA 90071
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Thanks for your updated review. They do have a lot of other great sounding (and looking at the ones going out) sandwiches. So, while the lobster one wasn't THE ONE I'll definitely go back and try others. It's a nice addition to the Marina.
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Hmmm... maybe Langostinos instead? Rubio's pulls that trick! :P
--Dommy!
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Dommy! You are BRILLIANT!
I actually have a cold spicy noodle salad recipe that is supposed to be with lobster, but I've used langostino tails and it's excellent.
Now I just have to refind those tails and I can have lobster roll experiments without having to sell a kidney!
(Imagine, a side to side comparison of the mayo versus butter. Can't wait!)
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Okay Dommy, you got me thinking. Then googling. And it turns out a guy in LA (Pasadena to be exact) has done the langostino lobster roll "try".
His first try, good but not perfect -
http://animmovablefeast.blogspot.com/2009/01/langostino-lobster-rolls.html
His second one - much better --
http://animmovablefeast.blogspot.com/...
I think the butter version looks best too. I guess I'm going to have to try it!
BTW - you are still brilliant : )
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Trader Joes sells the tails in the frozen section.
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Thank you!
I have fallen out of the Trader Joe's habit with a nutty summer and Super King jaunts. But they still have the langostino tails? I am THERE.
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YES! We use them ALL the time for Pasta! :D
The texture will be a bit more mushy than good fresh steamed lobster... but here's how we handle it...
Thaw (Alton Brown Style)
http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/in...
Then, pat gently with paper towels to dry. Put in fine mesh colander...
THEN, dunk in ICE WATER
Pat dry again and prepare.
--Dommy!
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Just gobbled down the lobster-crab roll at JOAN'S ON THIRD in WeHo. It's $17.40 after tax. Pretty good. Generous portion on a toasted roll with a side of chips. It's larger than the LOBSTA TRUCK portion... but overall I do like to separate my lobster from my crab to better appreciate the unique flavor of each. But it definitely satisfies the craving for an East-Coast lobster roll. MY NEXT STOP: to finally try the lobster roll at HUNGRY CAT!
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I just called Twohey's Restaurant and asked if they were having the Lobster Rolls again, and the guy on the phone said not at this time. Maybe they'll have the lobster rolls in August. Bummer.
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Twohey's Restaurant
1224 N Atlantic Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91801
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"Minced lobster" doesn't sound so hot to me, though.
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Wasn't in the mood to read through all these posts, so I apologize if someone here mentioned the Lobsta Truck's lobster rolls. Yes, they are a truck, so you have to check their website to see where they will be, but they fly in their lobsters and rolls from the east coast. I, personally, prefer the crab rolls with butter (you can choose butter, mayo or a mix of the two) - they use dungeness crab, which are my favorite. They do not use any filler - just the lobster, butter/mayo and a sprinkle of sea salt on top. Skip the whoopie pies - not worth the cost.
http://lobstatruck.com/
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Lobsta Truck
, Los Angeles, CA
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Randomly, I went to PH in Las Vegas where they'ev opened up a LOBSTER ME location.
It was $22 for a large lobster roll. They claim it has as much meat as a 2.5 pound ME lobster.
just FYI for price comparisons.
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Lobster Me is expanding to LA possibly on the 3rd Street Promenade Santa Monica in 2012.
http://lobsterme.com/
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thanks for the heads up - it seems like a decent value and everything looked/smelled great, I just didn't want to spend $30pp on lunch.
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My favorite Lobster Roll is still the one at The Hungry Cat. Just a great balance of everything. Don't even consider the one at Blue Plate Oysterette. That is one sad sandwich.
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