It was a red letter day this past Friday night in Pasadena. Of all the neighborhoods the Lobsta Truck could’ve debuted in, they chose to peddle their wares first in my fair city. How cool is that?
The man behind the truck is Justin Mi, a seafood industry veteran and fellow 626 resident. The idea for the truck was born after a recent gut-busting lobster roll tour through Maine. In the span of two days, he consumed half a dozen specimens, and at the end of it all, he was inspired to bring the simple, clean, and satisfying flavors that he experienced to Los Angeles.
The unwrapped Lobsta Tuck was parked near the corner of Colorado and Fair Oaks in Old Town Pasadena. A line ten or so deep was already formed when The Astronomer and I arrived on the scene—it was really great to see Pasadenians coming out to show their support. We took our spots and eagerly anticipated the New England fare coming our way.
While waiting in line, we contemplated what to order. In addition to lobster rolls, the truck also offers crab rolls, New England clam chowder, Cape Cod chips, whoopie pies, and fresh squeezed lemonade. The lobsters, as well as the split-top buns that both the crab and lobster rolls are served on, are flown in several times each week from the East Coast.
Since The Astronomer and I were meeting up with friends for dinner at Osteria Mozza later this evening, we opted to share a lobster roll ($11). We ordered ours Connecticut style with rich drawn butter rather than mayonnaise.
The lobster roll arrived nestled in a checkered tray. Its split-top bun was buttered and toasty, while the lobster meat was fresh, sweet, and plentiful. The entire roll was sprinkled lightly with salt, which added a wonderful other dimension. My only suggestion for improvement would be to serve the Connecticut style rolls warm. It was a bit jarring biting into cold lobster meat sauced with butter.
For dessert, we shared a classic chocolate whoopie pie ($4) made by Baking Whoopie. I’ve loved whoopie pies ever since my friend Laurie introduced them to me back in the day, and this version didn’t disappoint. Although I found the cake moist and the filling well balanced, my whoopie-expert friend Laurie thought the entire sandwich was a smidgen too sweet.
Follow Lobsta Truck on Twitter @LobstaTruck.
POWER RANKINGS
The Manila Machine > India Jones Chow Truck > Lobsta Truck > Dim Sum Truck > Great Balls on Tires > World Fare Bustaurant > Ahn Joo > Border Grill Truck > Cool Haus > Lomo Arigato > Don Chow > Kogi > Yatta-! Truck > Marked 5 > Dosa Truck > Phamish
I agree with wanting lobster to be warm, the only problem with that is if you re-heat it you run the risk of it getting chewy. They need to steam them, then somehow keep the meat warm until they serve it — without overcooking of course. Nothing yuckier than chewy lobster meat. I had it at Bar Hayama. Was no picnic.
another great post!!!! being a chef from maine, it’s fun to see someone get inspired in such a way after a 2 day trip!!! just for fun, take a look at the comments posted on this recipe for a “world famous maine lobster roll” by jasper white. hilarious. and true 😀 peace
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/saras-secrets/the-world-famous-maine-lobster-roll-recipe/reviews/index.html
I am missing out! We don’t have lobsta cart in Portland. Love the New England flava flav!
Nice! That’s probably one of the cheapest lobster rolls around!
what a great idea, i like that you can order it sans mayo style.
oh man when i heard about this truck i wanted to go try it. good to hear it is yummy and there’s crab too!
Oh wow! I can’t even imagine eating buttery lobster cold! Must have been a bit of shock to your palate! But overall this truck looks very promising! Even to a girl who is not so truck-inclined.
Nice work Cathy!! Sounds like a good truck.
yum yum! I would so love to find that lobstah truck trundling along any nearby street… even with cold lobster meat and too sweet whoopsies.
So jealous! Thinking about leaving San Diego and moving north. I too wouldn’t mind if the Lobstah truck peddled nearby.
It was a great alternative compared to going to Blue Oysterette if you consider price, wait, and distance.
(I’m in one of your pictures!)
People, PLEASE!!!! No self respecting East coaster would EVER ask for a warm “lobsta” roll! If you want warm lobster meat, go to “The Lobster” in Santa Monica and get a lobster dinner. Do not mess with tradition!!! Thank you LOBSTA TRUCK for bringing some of the east coast to the west coast!!
Orig from the east and I have to agree with Jill 100%. Lobster rolls are served cold. Its how its done. Its a cultural rule. I like warm lobster as a dinner, but in a lobster roll…just no.
Well, I tried a lobster roll from the Lobsta Truck, and was disappointed. The bread they used looked and tasted like a hot dog bun. Lobster was chewy and tasteless…I thought it was imitation lobster meat.