Cracking claws!

Much to the amazement of Mainers, I had never before had the full lobster experience...never until tonight! I got to experience a proper lobster dinner with the other teachers on my wing. I did need to suspend my vegetarian principles a little to enjoy it fully.

The lobsters were fresh from Casco Bay, thanks to Sarah's husband Jeff, a lobsterman. They were transported bravely by Sarah in a Hannaford carrier bag (equivalent of Sainsburys) in the back of her car. This did cause her a little distress as she had visions of crawling lobsters seeking revenge from the back seat. She managed to emerge unscathed. The same can't be said for the lobsters...

Julie soon had her lobster pot boiling on the stove. The bands were exeprtly removed from their claws  and the lobsters quickly plopped into the pot. They made last ditch attempts to escape their fate and seek freedom but were quickly trapped beneath the lid, thankfully without any screaming. (Apparently, in Regio Emilia, Italy, you can be fined almost 500 euros for killing lobsters in this way as it is thought to be inhumane).

Twelve minutes later, our lobsters emerged nice and pink and ready to eat...hmmmm I wondered about this ready to eat part but the table was set with lobster crackers so full steam ahead. Luckily, I was surrounded by experts who directed me to remove the claws first and pick out the meat. Very nice, so far so good. Then it was on to the body and there was no being dainty about it. Crack the shell with your hands and yank the tail away from the body. Next it was off to the sink to clean out the poo shute...not so pleasant but much better to see it float down the plug hole before chomping on the rest!

It was a really great and tasty experience. One I wouldn't mind repeating at all so a big thank you to the lobsterman, the chef and my instructors this evening.

Fascinating lobster fact: Eating lobster in the U.S. used to be a sign of poverty and it was reserved for servants and prisoners. Servants specified in exployment contracts that they would only eat lobster twice a week.