Cundy's Harbor Lobster Roll: Holbrook's Lobster Wharf + Grille

Just another summer evening and a drive up to the Mid Coast. That seems to be our go-to activity in these weird, germy times. My biggest fear is that I'm going to leave my house and forget my mask. Our destination: Cundy's Harbor... or Cundy's Hahbah, depending on where you're from. I guess I say the latter. 

There's really not much happening in this Harpswell neighborhood unless you're a lobsterman or a local. Regardless, I'll never take for granted being able to hop in the car to drive a coastal route or just find a spot to stare out at the ocean. I would seriously sell a kidney to be able to afford to live on the coast with its cool ocean breezes and sticky salt air. To be woken up by the squawking seagulls rather than the neighbor's obnoxiously loud chickens.

Ok... that's enough dreaming for one afternoon. Let's get down to the good stuff. We stumbled upon Holbrook's Lobster  Wharf + Grille on our drive and just in the nick of time as the "hangries" were starting to set in (that's the last time I forget to eat my post-work snack!) My first thought was that this place was completely adorbs. Pots and baskets of flowers littered every surface and there was ample outdoor seating along the wharf. We picked out a spot at the very end overlooking the water where we were entertained by a seal on the hunt for his dinner.

Lobster Roll: $18.99

I'll start with the high points of the lobster roll. This thing was delicious - the best tasting lobster I've had all summer. I'm guessing that crustacean went from trap to table to my trap all in the span of about 30 minutes. I haven't had lobster that tasted that salty and fresh in a long time. It made my heart and my taste buds wicked happy! The roll wasn't overly stuffed, but the meat in it was top quality and flavor. If it was mixed with any mayo, it was not easily detected. The roll was nicely toasted and served its purpose of holding all that beautiful lobster together while not contributing a whole lot to the overall flavor. 

As usual, the low points of the experience make me sound like a picky asshole. Would you believe me if I said I was trying to be better about that? No? Me neither. 

The price was the first thing that irked me. I found $18.99 to be high for just the lobster roll. No chips, no coleslaw, no pickle... nothing included at all. I didn't even get a plate to put it on. It just came in its little ol' cardboard holder. That's what happens when two people order two meals and there's one tray of food. I splurged an extra $2.99 for a small side of rather tasty potato salad. And if you're going to charge nineteen bucks for a lonely lobster roll, at least fill the bun until it's threatening to burst.

But seriously, if you're in the area, swing in for a bite. I also think this joint might be a BYOB establishment... or the people sitting near us may have just smuggled in the booze illegally. Next time I'll show up prepared!

Tenants Harbor Lobster Roll: The Happy Clam

I recently celebrated my 50th birthday by doing what we do best... going on an adventure up the Maine coast. Hopping in the car to explore new places seems to be our go-to activity in this pandemically-challenged world. We caught the car ferry to Islesboro and toured the island... hiked a few short, scenic trails, and then searched for a bite to eat. If you've ever been to Islesboro, you'll know that there is little sustenance to be found on the tiny island. So back on the ferry and on a serious hunt for food!

Not too far away in Tenants Harbor, we stumbled onto a little hole in the wall joint called The Happy Clam. My first thought was maybe we've made a mistake and there had to be someplace better just down the road. But we donned our masks, grabbed the vat of hand sanitizer, and got ourselves a table. Neither one of us had high hopes for the food but hunger got the best of us. This pub-style restaurant interestingly serves both German cuisine and local seafood.

Lucky for me, The Happy Clam offered a lobster roll. Well, Happy Birthday to me! It was a simple order, Lobster Roll with Fries and Cole Slaw for $19.99. Ok, I'll bite.

The lobster roll came on a nicely toasted bun with a pretty substantial amount of chilled lobster lightly bathed in butter. The meat was presented in bite-sized pieces which is a mark in the plus column because we all know how much I hate the dismantling of a perfectly good roll because one big chunk of lobster pulls all the rest of the lobster out of the bun. I know... you're probably thinking to yourself, who the hell complains about big pieces of lobster. That would be me. I don't enjoy having to gnaw off bites of my sandwich.

Guess what? That lobster roll was delicious! The meat tasted fresh and sweet and if you don't love butter, you might be a serial killer. I think I love butter more than I should but it was my birthday so I was going to eat all the butter. The fries were thin cut and crispy perfection. The only thing that would've made my dining experience better was if maybe one million degrees out. Outside dining does have its drawbacks. Sometimes I really hate summer.

Would I send someone to The Happy Clam just for the lobster roll? Probably not. But if you're in the area and are looking for some good food, I wouldn't hesitate to swing by. Although I have no idea what the inside looks like!