By Marnely Murray
Do you have a favorite? The hot, buttery lobster roll that’s drenched in butter or is it the refreshingly cold lobster roll that clings to a light dressing of mayonnaise? Today, we’re putting them face to face and letting you decide!
“We only use claw and knuckle meat in our lobster rolls!” says Mike Santoro, owner of Lookout Tavern and lobster roll lover.
New England is known for its lighthouses, beaches, but most importantly, its lobster rolls. The states differ in the ways the rolls themselves are made, with Connecticut-style lobster rolls being the warm, buttered rolls versus the Maine-style lobster rolls that are the cold lobster salad ones. Here in Massachusetts and of course on Martha’s Vineyard, you can find them both no matter what. Most places serve one of the other, so it was nice to see that the Lookout Tavern in Oak Bluffs actually has both styles of rolls, to please everyone that visits.
Let’s start with “The Tavern”, their lobster roll that’s the Maine-style roll of lobster meat tossed lightly in mayonnaise. Served with a lemon wedge that when squeezed over the lobster meat just brings out the sweet flavor of the lobster, it is a divine lobster roll. Get this on a hot day during the season paired with a local craft beer and you’re halfway to heaven!
On the other side, the “Sauteed” is their lobster roll that’s basically just knuckle and claw meat that’s sauteed and drenched in butter, spooned over a toasted brioche roll. This is the roll you want to have on a cooler day, so that buttery lobster warms you up from head to toe. To sweeten the deal even more, order a cup of lobster bisque and crispy hot fries to pair with it and you’re living your best life.
Honestly, it’s tough to decide between the two, as there’s just a moment for everything. And even lobster rolls have that moment – so depending on your mood, order the lobster roll. Just remember that Lookout Tavern has one of the largest rolls on island as well, so the amount of lobster you’re getting is going to satisfy even the hungriest of travelers!
