For most, summer in Maine is synonymous with lobster.

These lobster rolls make it tough to settle for any others.

If you’re like me, one of the things about summer you love the most is those gorgeous bright red crustaceans. I really love it. Most often I love it in the rough. A whole lobster, all to myself. Friends can attest that I pride myself in my ability to rip through a lobster like a surgeon. The bigger the better and please, hold the butter. I’m a bit of a lobster purist. But, there are times that I love a really good, well balanced lobster roll. And when that time strikes, only a few places can rise to the occasion. One of my very favorites is in Kennebunkport, ME.

The Clam Shack does a lobster roll to perfection. Not served on what we native New Englanders would normally consider the standard, this one comes on a round soft roll vs the split hot dog bun that is most commonly found in these parts. At the Clam Shack, you can choose to have your roll with mayo or butter or both. Highly suggest mayo with a drizzle of butter. Nay sayers, remember this is coming from the lobster purist. This roll is heaven. Just enough mayo to keep the toasted bun from being dry and just enough butter to enhance the sweetness that Maine lobster is known for. Beware, the lines are long but worth the wait and most often other folks in line are friendly and interesting to chat with. Go with a partner and have one keep an eye out for a picnic table while the other waits in line. Here in New England, our summers are so short and this spot in Kennebunkport is so beautiful, that it is a pleasure to take in the view and the weather.

Just enough mayo to keep the toasted bun from being dry.