In a devastating turn of events, I traveled to Boston two weeks ago and did not consume a lick of seafood while in town. It seems that I’ve officially transitioned to the part in my life where family time takes precedence over food-centric pursuits. Well, I guess this is growing up.
Needless to say, I was totally craving a lobster roll as soon as my feet touched down on Southland soil, so I made my way to Chloe Dahl and Nikki Booth’s Knuckle & Claw just as soon as I could.
Opened this past March, the Sunset Boulevard eatery serves up classic New England fare using Maine lobster that’s flown in daily. The menu is super-simple and highly-specialized; it’s my kind of place.
The Astronomer, June, and I shared the shrimp ($5), blue crab ($6), and lobster ($9) mini rolls, as well as the grilled cheese ($8) and a cup o’ soup ($8), on our visit.
The toasted split-top rolls, sourced from Rockenwagner, were stuffed full of the good stuff and not much else. This minimalist approach yielded maximum pleasure, allowing the pristine seafood to shine without interference from sauces and seasonings. While the shrimp and crab were wonderful, the lobster was easily my favorite.
Also excellent was the pressed cheddar cheese on sourdough, which provided a warm and decadent contrast to the chilled and light seafood spread.
Rounding out our lunch was the chipotle corn soup served with oyster crackers. Each spoonful was creamy and rich with just a touch of heat.
To finish, a superb chocolate and salted caramel ice cream sandwich from local darling Carmela Ice Cream…
…as well as a whoopie pie candy bar from Hammond’s.
A sweet finish to an even sweeter afternoon.
—
Knuckle & Claw
3112 Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Phone: 323-407-6142
One year ago: Flour + Water – San Francisco
Two year ago: Xiao Long Bao in Shanghai: Xiao Jin Ling
Three years ago: Proof Bakery – Los Angeles (Atwater Village)
Four years ago: Dinner at Farmshop – Los Angeles (Santa Monica)
Five years ago: Flour Bakery + Cafe – Boston
Six years ago: Corton – New York City
Seven years ago: Cơm Gà Xối Mỡ – Vietnamese Fried Chicken
Eight years ago: Chuối Nếp Nướng
Nine years ago: Irish Pub – Philadelphia
That lobster roll looks delicious. I love that it is minimally dressed. My town is deep in the heart of nowhere so I rarely get lobster. When I do get it, it needs to be unadulterated deliciousness.