McDonald’s

Ok, we’re talking lobster rolls here and in particular the McDonald lobster roll.
So as usual, my first move when I got home from work yesterday was to check out the fridge to see if anything looked promising for dinner. Definitely not a dieter’s move. And what did my hungry eyes see but a tub of freshly picked lobster meat. No need to cook, no need to order out, just something to look forward to.
Such great debates over the proper construction of a lobster roll. Most Mainers I know opt for a grilled New England style frankfurter roll with a line of crispy lettuce (for textural contrast, not simply as filler), then a heaping portion of lightly mayo’d lobster meat in chunks/​pieces to fill out the roll. Last night’s version had a larger French type roll as it’s container with the sides sliced off to give the appearance of a frankfurter roll. Anyway, that lobster had a bit of a chew, was sweet, yet held a bit of brininess, really delicious.
Breaking with tradition, various venues now offer more updated versions of the classic with mix-​in flavors and toppings that generations of Mainers might scoff at.
I am sometimes a streaky eater which might explain my desire to try the short lived McDonald’s lobster roll for lunch today.
In my experience, the common complaints about lobster rolls include the following…’ Is that all there is, just lobster on a roll?’…‘too much mayo’…’ too much lettuce’…‘where’s the lobster?’…and ‘too expensive’. Not to mention lobster that isn’t fresh.
Now, let’s be realistic here. By McDonald’s own account, the lobster used is frozen. Not one lobsterman is hauling a catch into the restaurant. No lobster boats are docking out back with traps full of fresh lobster.
The roll I received was not on the classic frankfurter roll, but rather similar to the type I used last night though not skinned on the sides and not as large. It was evenly toasted, had what I would call an appropriate amount of fresh tasting lettuce, and then filled nicely with lobster meat, some of which fell out with the first few bites. But this enabled a tasting of just the lobster which I did with my eyes closed.
Though not having the characteristics of freshly picked lobster meat neither was it mushy. It had about the right amount of mayo and enough of a lobster taste to justify it’s 7.99 price tag. Great? Absolutely not. Have I purchased similar tasting lobster rolls for double the price or more and been angrily disappointed? Most definitely. So overall, I was pretty happy with this.
Over the years, my favorite lobster rolls in Maine have come from places like Larson’s Lunch Box in Damariscotta, Libby’s Market in Brunswick, and the Fisherman’s Co-​op (now Boothbay Lobster Wharf?). Just shows, I’m not crazy after all!

The lobster roll is back!!! $ 7.99 is a great price for a decent roll. Quality lobster and tasty too.