There is something about summer that makes me crave seafood like nothing else. A lobster roll and a glass of crisp white wine at a restaurant on the beach? There is nothing better.
Unless you happen to live in Manhattan. Fewer beaches, but infinitely more dining options. It will shock no one to learn I've tried many of these restaurants. For MY money, none has stood up, in terms of seafood, to City Lobster. Located across 6th Ave from Rockefeller Center, it's a convenient location for both tourists and briefcase-carrying business people. (Ah, midtown. Ideal for people watching.) Fortunately, I was seated at a table in the window, which afforded me the best view of all the people.
For my first course, I tried a mix of Oysters from their raw bar. They had both east and west coast, and they were all delicious. (I preferred the west coast, but that's just me. They tend to be a little less briny, I've found.) The mignonette was delicious, and the oysters were perfectly shucked - which, even in oysters bars, is NOT always the case. With this, I paired a glass of Prosecco because sparkling wine just goes with shellfish, I think. I also tried the Lobster Spring Rolls. They were delightfully crunchy and served with an excellent mango dipping sauce.
The server had told me there was a "Surf and Turf" option, and, being both a seafood lover and a Texan, obviously I needed that. It came with a precisely medium rare filet, a lobster tail (already pulled out the shell for me) and 6 oz of crab meat. Crab really might be my favorite form of seafood (except for Crawfish, but I don't expect you Yankees to know about that), and I was thrilled to have that on the plate. When I asked my server what else I should try, he replied, without hesitation "The Angry Lobster". I am so glad I took him up on his advice, because the lobster was perfectly cooked, beautifully presented, delicious, and served with mashed potatoes. (Also, I got to wear a lobster bib, and really, isn't that part of the fun?) Over the course of my main dishes, I had a very crisp Sancerre (my favorite of the summery white wines), and a lovely smooth Gruner Veltliner.
The dessert options were varied, and all looked great, but I went for the Key Lime Pie, which the menu assured me was their "original recipe". I also had a glass of Tawny Port. It was the perfect finishing touch to my huge, but not too heavy, meal.
If you have a business dinner, or a nice date you'd like to impress, or if you just really get that summertime seafood craving, I highly recommend City Lobster. The space is beautiful, the location is convenient, the service was excellent, and the food is delicious. To see more pictures from my meal, follow me on Instagram @whitneygentile or use the hashtag #manhattandigest. For more information on City Lobster, check out their official site.
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