Lobster Rolls

Alrighty ladies and gentlemen, here is one of the most well-known local specialties amongst tourists: the infamous Maritime lobser roll. Lobster rolls are common throughout the Maritimes. The basic dish is a roll stuffed with lobster meat (usually claw or tail) which has been mixed with mayonnaise, and perhaps a few other spices or fillers. There are many varities available- some places throw celery or dill in the mix, you might find your lobster roll on a homemade roll or a store-bought hotdog bun, and the lobster:filler ratio varies drastically. So, what should you consider when you get a lobster roll? 1) Lobster season moves. The actual season in an individual community lasts mere weeks before it moves along to another part of the Maritimes. Generally, it moves counter-clockwise, so that it's earlier in Maine, the bay of Fundy and the South Shore, and later in PEI, the Northumberland straight and the Bay des Chaleurs. 2) The price point tends to fall within the 8-14 dollar range. This depends largely on whether you're just getting the lobster roll itself or whether there's also a side-dish. 3) The size of the roll varies greatly. Bear in mind that if you snag a lobster roll at the 7-8 dollar range, it probably won't fill you, not even for lunch. Have it in a combo, with fries or veggies. 4) Taste and quality vary, as do the ratios of what's mixed in it. If you don't like it the first time (but otherwise do like lobster), give it another go at a different place, in a different community. It may be more to your liking. 5) You'll find the general style of lobster rolls adapted into different formats. Lobster clubs are pretty common, and can be better than the rolls because they're often more substantial. 6) Bigger chains are getting in on the lobster craze. These aren't the way to go to try it the first time, though they are a fun way to try something local if you wind up at a national chain. I've had lobster rolls ranging from great to horrible. My favourite is probably actually the lobster club at the Irving Big Stops. I haven't had much luck with my recent attempts to grab a good lobster roll, so this section will remain devoid of concrete recommendations. I can say that you should try to find a locally-owned place, the smaller the better. Also, try to make sure that lobster is in season locally, since that helps with the freshness. Two places I've had my eye on trying, but haven't yet, would be the lobster rolls at the Fredericton Market, and the lobster paninis at Frank and Gino's in Truro.