I can't count how many Neptune Oyster lobster rolls I've eaten since the North End restaurant opened in November of 2004. My choice is always the hot lobster roll with butter. To me, this is clearly the best lobster roll in Boston. So far, it's also the best lobster roll I've had in New England.
While I know that others like their cold lobster salad roll, I'm true to my Rhode Island roots, and I don't want a lot of stuff messing up my lobster.
Saturday I needed a reward for a morning spent in a workshop so I sent a text off to Ed suggesting lunch. We met up in the Public Garden and wandered over to the North End. As fate would have it, two seats at the bar opened up just as we poked our heads in the door at Neptune. We grabbed them.
I always intend to order something different at Neptune. I've heard raves about the fried clams, ciopppino and the lobster spaghettini. But, alas, the gentleman on my right ordered the hot lobster roll, and I knew I couldn't sit there and eat something else with a hot lobster roll within inches of me.
My faithfulness to this menu item was rewarded. Because of all the lobster rolls they've served me over the years, this one was the best. It was perfect. I sent complements to the person who managed to take these simple ingredients, not mess with them, cook each component perfectly and dish it up to me in superb form.
Ed reminded me that this is the time of year when he likes lobster. Cold water adds something to the taste and texture. But even the freshest, best mid-winter crustacean needs skillful preparation, and this dish had it. Congratulations and thank you to the staff at Neptune. I can still close my eyes and taste it!
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Details:
Neptune Oyster
63 Salem Street, Boston, MA 02113-2273 ( map )
(617) 742-3474
www.neptuneoyster.com
Writer: Penny Cherubino
Photos: © 2010 Penny Cherubino
