It's too easy to resort to hyperbole when describing things, like food and dining experiences. Sometimes it seems like Yelp is either, that was the best...worst ________ I've ever had. Maybe it's an American thing, I don't know.
However, it's nice to read someone who knows what they're talking about, write glowingly about a place, and then, based on that review, also have a similar experience. Validation matters.
This happened yesterday.
Based on Sally Lerman's favorable review (she being the author of the wonderful "Lobster Rolls of New England: Seeking Sweet Summer Delight") of Erica's Seafood in Harpswell, my wife and I hurried down Route 123 (past Bowdoin College) on the South Harpswell side. I say "hurried" because it was late afternoon and the ominous clouds were a portent of the late afternoon prediction of thunderstorms and rain.
Erica's has been on my list of lobster roll establishments to try. Since it was mid-afternoon, I hadn't eaten since breakfast after running 3+ miles and my wife had had a crazy pre-holiday sales day, she was agreeable to my spur of the moment suggestion of Erica's.
Erica's lobster rolls are terrific. Even better, they are 2 for $20, which generally means an inferior roll, mixed with other ingredients other than fresh, succulent lobster meat. That's not the case with Erica's. The rolls, built on a perfectly buttered and grilled Country Kitchen hot dog roll, are stuffed with lobster meat that was swimming in the nearby Atlantic that morning.
The stand (not a shack--read Lerman's book for her explanation) is near the end of Basin Point Road, just prior to the Dolphin Marina and Restaurant, and borders a newer lobster wharf. Erica (actually, Angela, as Erica is her 12-year-old daughter) and her husband, Tom Hunter, own the adjoining wharf, which also sells fresh lobsters out of the tank in the neighboring garage.
Just as our meals were announced, the skies opened and while huddled together under the picnic table umbrellas, Miss Mary and I were doomed to get soaked. Angela directed us to the garage and the large picnic table to stay dry. She provided covers for our trays and we headed next door.
The lobster rolls were terrific. Even better, were the chowders. Both the clam and seafood chowders had rich, flavorful broths, not overly thick, but perfect for the abundant clams and other seafood, onions and potatoes inherent in these treats. These might be the best (ah, yes--hyperbole) chowders we've had.
We also split a fried oyster basket. The oysters were perfectly fried, sans the usual greasiness of many deep-fried items cooked in a fryolator. The fries are hand-cut and also a nice accompaniment.
I enjoyed talking with a local fisherman about life out on the water. It reminded me again how fortunate we are to have fishermen who go out on the water and bring in the seafood we love to eat.
Before leaving, we had Tom put four lobsters together for us and we took these home to have later. We cooked them up and good lord, these were terrific! What's in the water off South Harpswell that make the lobsters taste so heavenly?
Erica's is a mere 14 mile/25-minute drive from Brunswick. The food is terrific and on a sunny day, the view off Basin Point will only enhance your experience.
Note: Erica's doesn't take credit cards, so bring cash. read more