Summer in the Hamptons just isn't summer without a fantastic, fresh lobster roll! This is a summer favorite, and the waters of the East End provide us with very high quality lobster. In celebration of the summer months, The Plaza Café, located in Southampton, created a new bar menu. The lobster roll is a great feature on that menu, and it's become a favorite amongst customers. We have the recipe for you, which is easy to follow and straight forward. Enjoy!
Yield: 4 orders
Lobster meat, cooked, diced - 1 pound
Celery, minced - 1 stalk
Fennel, stalks, minced - 2 ea.
Cucumber, seedless, minced - ½ each
Mayonnaise, preferably homemade* - 1½ cups
Tarragon, snipped - 2-3 stems
Brioche hot dog rolls** - 4 ea.
1. Combine lobster meat with celery, fennel and cucumber.
2. Gently fold in mayo.
3. Add tarragon and then lemon juice.
4. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Butter rolls and grill or sauté until golden.
6. Pour lobster salad in bun and serve.
*We make homemade mayo and fold in heavily reduced lobster sauce for added flavor.
**Potato buns can be substituted.
And now for Christopher's Perfect Pairings
Any of you that have been to the East End of Long Island during the summer months know just how rich our waters are in fresh fish and crustaceans. That being said, you may also know that the best way to judge a local restaurant is to taste either their crab cake or lobster roll. Obviously, the key to both would be to use fresh ingredients, and what better place to get fresh seafood than the East End of Long Island! After all, that is what we do best out here. Doug's recipe is straight forward and easy to prepare. Such a great dish for the casual lunch at home with friends and family. As far as wine, I actually prefer a Chardonnay with my lobster roll. One with not too much oak influence is always my choice, coupled with firm acidity seems to work best. Here are a few I've had that really impress. Bon Appetit!
2009 Antica Chardonnay $27.99 - 94 RP
"The 2009 Chardonnay is one of the most unique Chardonnays being made in California. It shows gorgeous textural finesse and fabulous overall balance. The signature Napa Valley richness is there, but in a cooler, more mineral-driven style. Smoke, crushed rocks and citrus are layered into the vibrant finish. This is a fabulous showing. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019."~ Robert Parker
2009 Alain Chavy Puligny Montrachet $39.99 - 93 JS
"Wonderful Puligny. Aromas of minerals, stone and dried apples with hints of flowers. Full body, with fresh acidity and a clean long finish. Minerally and gorgeous. Drink now." ~ James Suckling
2009 Louis Latour Corton Charlemagne $89.99 - 97 JS
"I think the 2009 is very much in the same style as 1989. I love the 2009 Louis Latour Corton-Charlemagne's almond and cooked apple character with hints of mineral and meringue. It's full-bodied with a juicy fruit and cream flavors. Bright acidity too. It's intense with mineral and spice undertones. Drink now or hold." ~ James Suckling