A New Look At The Old Fashioned Lobster Bake
by Kaley Noonan for Weddings Down East

Here's the fantasy: It's approaching dusk on the rocky shores of Maine. You and your wedding party are looking gorgeous in your tuxedoes and off-white gowns. Up on the rocks, a small acoustic trio is playing. In the distance, a three-masted schooner glides right across the sun as it touches the ocean. Everybody is glowing, indescribably happy. Spread out before you is a moveable feast of steaming red lobster, corn on the cob, mussels, and steamers on a bed of seaweed. On a white plate before you are delicate morsels of lobster.

Okay, that was beautiful, now here's the reality. Cracking open lobster claws and tails is messy, messy, messy. Salt water and juice spurt everywhere-in your hair and without fail, on everyone dresses and suits. Mussels and steamers dunked in butter are not any neater. By the time you're done, your mouth looks like it did when you were sitting in a high chair at age two. And wearing plastic bibs (which are cute when you're sitting in a restaurant), can look completely out of place at an elegant reception.

So what can you do? If you're a laid-back couple who can roll with the obstacles on your wedding day, then, perhaps, the classic boiled lobster as an entrée is best for you. However, many people who speak from experience recommend doing the lobster bake as a casual rehearsal dinner when you can really enjoy the meal in a pair of jeans in a setting where the lobster bib just might be an accepted fashion accessory.

For many Maine weddings lobster just has to be on the menu. It has to. So what are the options? Susie Shapiro-Laidlaw owner and chef at Chi Chi Chef catering gave us a glimpse at how she incorporates lobster into the menu for her clients."As a caterer, I have the obligation to provide my clients with the most appropriate menu, beautiful and suitable presentation, and mouthwatering food for what often times is the biggest day of ones life. Owning a food related business on the Coast of Maine frequently entails incorporating lobster into a meal in some way or another- I would be committing a crime by not serving it based on the allurement alone! Integrating the two can be a challenge. I like to offer items that act as a vessel to get freshly picked Maine lobster meat from ones plate, neatly and manageably into ones mouth, without the hassle and mess for the guest. There are times when cracking and picking your own lobster can be a new and exciting experience. For that, I offer gourmet lobster bakes and find the rehearsal dinner to be a fitting time. Below are some menu ideas for lobster variations and options. I hope this helps you plan your Downeast Maine event!"

- Grilled Lobster & Pineapple Satay

- Cucumber Cups filled with Lobster & Sweet Corn & topped with a creamy dressing

- Blinis- topped with lobster & creme fraiche

- Lobster Purses- Fresh Maine lobster, garden basil and Vermont cheddar wrapped in pastry and baked

Susie also suggests Lobster bisque as a perfect start to a reception dinner (done right, this is absolutely nectar from the Gods). According to the book, Cooking Maine Lobster "cocktail claws" would serve as another easy appetizer (see photo). These are fully cooked claws whose shells have been scored for ease in cracking open when served. For the main course, pre-cut lobster tails, grilled or boiled (which are sliced down the center) will also satisfy without the mess. Many Maine caterers will have their own ideas for bringing lobster to the menu. Finding the one that's right for your wedding goal. Call the Chi Chi Chef or consult your caterer and ask for their suggestions and you might also ask them about some of ours.

Article Resources:
Chi Chi Chef Catering
Statewide

Fosters Clambake
South Coast or on location

There are several companies in Maine who will do all the work for you.
The Black Tie Co. on Peaks Island (Near Portland)
http://www.theblacktieco.com/lobster_bake_index.html
Diamonds Edge Restaurant, Great Diamond Island, Casco Bay (Near Portland)
http://diamondsedge.com/lobster_and_clambakes.html
Sam's Lobsterbakes, Portland
http://www.samslobsterbakes.com
Robinhood Meetinghouse, Georgetown (Near Bath)
http://www.robinhood-meetinghouse.com/
Grays Wharf - Boothbay
http://www.grayswharf.com/


For more information on how to do a good old-fashioned Maine lobster bake yourself, check out, Fosters Clambake