Cousins Maine Lobster

by
​Lori Allen
St. Johns Mag Local Foodie Blogger

Neptune Beach
630-14 Atlantic Boulevard
Neptune Beach Florida
www.cousinesmainelobster.com

So I ventured out of our 210 area to see what all the rave was about down at Atlantic Beach.  That’s right, a new place in town that boasts of the best lobster rolls. So you know this New England Girl had to give them a try! Cousins Maine Lobster food truck has set up a permanent shop (and Yes these are the people that won on Shark tank!).  Their menu consists of several New England favorites but I got right to the point…Lobster.         

They have the Maine – with mayo and the Connecticut - with butter so of course I had to give both of them a try!  The Maine- is not overpowering with mayo it is just lightly tossed in it which makes the lobster taste cool and creamy. The Connecticut- is not dressed with anything that I could taste but possibly lightly poached in butter. This roll is served with melted butter for either pouring over or dipping in so the lobster is warm and buttery. Both of these lobster rolls are served in butter toasted New England style hotdog roll. This roll is a must for us New Englanders. It is crispy on the outside and soft in the middle which makes it a perfect vessel to hold the succulent tender lobster.  These rolls had nice large chunks of tender lobster meat that were perfectly cooked, fresh tasting and full of flavor.  I did indulge and got the “extra meat” on the Connecticut and it was worth every bite! I have tried a few lobster rolls around town (but not all, I’m working on it) and so far this one most replicates the Lobster rolls that I’m familiar with from the North.  Nothing overly fru fru just down to the lobster and the roll.
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I also had to try their whole belly clams. I understand that these are an acquired taste because you are eating the entire clam, belly and all not just cut up strips.  These were definitely some of the best I’ve had in Florida.  They had the light flour batter (not the cornmeal that they use in the south) and were cooked to a golden brown, so crispy and briny, a true taste of the sea.  Served with a house made tartar ("tada") sauce you really did feel like you were at a clam shop in Cape Cod.

My friends gave the Lobster tots a try so of course my wandering fork made it over to their plate. These tots were amazingly crunchy with all the stuff they had piled on top of them.  From the Pico de gallo (tomatoes and onions) to the cilantro lime sauce and of course the tender lobster meat one forkful of these and your mouth just had a flavor explosion.  So if you are tater tot fan these are definitely worth a try.  My friends were also a huge fan of the lobster bisque. So creamy with a hint of Sherry and tons of lobster flavor!


    For the sweet tooth in y’all give the whoopee pie a try. I grew up on this chocolate cake-like cream stuffed delightful treat.  It’s not too sweet but the perfect bite after your lobster meal.

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    I see that I may need to go back to try their Haddock (not often found here in the south), Lobster grilled cheese and possibly their Lobster tail and tots. And of course another Lobster roll..or two.  So if anyone is heading that way, give me a shout so I can tag along! YUM!