Seafood, steamers, lobster rolls
http://lobsterbarnyc.com/
222 Lafayette St. – Soho

We first started going to Ed’s Lobster Bar when they opened in 2007. At the time there was a big buzz because the chef/owner Ed McFarland worked at Pearl Oyster Bar for 6 years prior to the opening of Ed’s and supposedly there was litigation about copying the concept. The concept, by the way, is traditional Maine Lobster Shack with a New York twist. Ok they are similar in that you cannot move in either place, but beyond that each has its own personality. And many others have joined the game since 2007 like Luke’s, Urban Lobster Shack, Mermaid Inn, Mermaid Oyster Bar and BLT Fish. And then there’s the institution, Mary’s Fish Camp…some have come and gone like Choptank, which was a Maryland Crab twist on the same theme.  New York will always have the obsession of the moment whether it is burgers, hot dogs, pizzas or lobster rolls.  Ed’s Lobster Bar is as popular today as when it opened for good reason!

Ed’s has also opened an outpost at World Financial Center overlooking the Marina.  We plan a lobster roll smack-down this week and intend to try the roll there…

Ed's World Financial

The interior of the Soho location is whitewashed to create that Maine vibe.  And it’s tight.  But there are a ton of seats at the bar.  Get there early!  There are also a few tables in the rear of the bar area.

Ed’s offers a standard raw bar with jumbo shrimp, lobster, tuna tartare, oysters & little necks. The appetizer menu includes classics like steamers, mussels, fried clams, calamari, chowder and salads.  The lobster menu covers the gamut of lobster dishes from lobster bisque, galette, roll, pot pie, ravioli and burger to the classic whole or 1/2 steamed, grilled and broiled lobster. Additionally, they have entrees and sides.  Ed’s homemade pickles are the best and you can also take a jar home.  We are also big fans of their bloody Mary with oyster shooter.

This visit we did the bucket of steamed little necks.  Market price was $20, but it was a fair amount of clams.  And those of you who get our updates know how we love steamed clams.  We prefer the small cherrystones, but these were some of the best little necks we’ve had of late.

Lobster Rolls are currently $28 at market price.  We have not had one in some time, but we plan on a lobster roll smack-down this week and we will surely include Ed’s.  His price is a bit steep with all of the new guys doing versions for $14.  He’s got an outpost right here in Battery Park with a view of the Marina.

Ed's Lobster Roll

Ed openly shares his Lobster Roll Recipe on his blog along with other specialties.

One of the most interesting items is the ‘Ice Cream Sandwich’ dessert.  It is a hot dog roll caramelized in butter and topped with 3 scoops of vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce.  The sweet, sugary, buttery roll was amazing.  What a fun idea.  It deserves a place on the Hot Dog Smack-down for most creative use of a hot dog bun!