Don't Order Maine Lobster To Go

While waiting for my flight in Boston this week, I thought it wise to figure out a lunch plan.  During the flight a week earlier I discovered the meals on the plane are no longer included in the fare.  Can anyone tell it's been awhile since I was on a long flight?  Like 7 years?

Once I found my departure gate I saw a Legal Seafood Restaurant offering fresh lobster.  It was at full capacity even though the airport wasn't very busy right then so that was a good sign.  This was not a fast food place so I had the option of waiting and maybe not having enough time or ordering to go.

I digress...

 Old City Hall, Boston.  I took this photograph in October 2007.

Seven years ago when we were in Boston I ordered fresh lobster at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse (located in the Old City Hall).  It was a startling experience for me.  When it came it was intact on a large serving platter.  The kind you would serve a large family meal on.  My husband and I still laugh about that experience sometimes.  Of course I could not eat it all.  I think it cost between $75 and $100 just for that one item.   Probably the chuckles we have gotten from the experience almost make it worth it.  I think my husband, the server and the nearby patrons enjoyed my look of shock when it showed up at our table.  Also I burst out with an exclamation that made heads turn.  Whoops!  The hick from the sticks came out.

 Since I didn't take a photo of the dining room I am including this one from pbase.com

Oh how I wish I had taken a photo of the plated lobster when it arrived.  I've looked around the Internet for a photo that resembles what it looked like and this photo from Prevention.com (recipes) is the closest I found.

Certainly, I recall it overflowed the platter and it was served with butter and lemon.  No side dishes.  AND I could not eat it all.  It was very good.  That was the first time I had lobster.  Unfortunately I didn't ask the price and when the bill came...well I think I must have blocked it out because I remember it being a lot.

So now it is seven years later and I'm back in Boston (airport only this time) and I remember a thought I had before I left on this trip..."I should watch for an opportunity to have fresh Maine lobster while I'm there."  Since my dear friends provided every meal I wasn't about to breathe a word of that idea.

So here at Legal Seafoods is an opportunity and I just think I'll splurge and go for it even though there is no room in the restaurant.  "To go please," I say to the cashier.  Ha!  It is $27.00 including tax so it's quite a bit less money than last time thank goodness.  After quite a long wait it is finally brought to me and I looked at it wondering how to eat it with a plastic fork and knife...the flimsiest on the planet I think.  It is a much smaller lobster this time but it is still fully intact and I realize I'm going to have to dispense with the plastic utensils and get my hands involved.  Oh my what a mess but oh so delicious.  I could acquire a taste for this I'll have you know.

Would you believe I didn't take a photo.  And furthermore I can't find a photo of steamed lobster in a to-go box on the Internet.  Hmmm.  I think I know why.  It really isn't a good idea.  Next time I would order a lobster roll which is something I attempted to make recently but it didn't turn out well.  I haven't ever seen it or had it but I have heard of it.  I'm still learning.

Legal Seafoods offered live lobsters in a box.  Briefly, I considered bringing a couple home so my husband could share in the experience, but it was possible I would be bumped off the flight between Minneapolis and Pasco and I didn't want to be dealing with live lobster if that happened.

Live lobster isn't available here.  It's okay though.  We have a frozen foods department and it will have to do for now.