Lobster has a reputation with a lot of people for being something you eat only on special occasions. “It’s just a delicacy!” they cry. “You can’t have lobster every day!” Well, we’re here to prove them wrong. Okay, so maybe that’s a dramatic rendition of the preconceptions of lobster, but we’re going to put it to rest anyways. And it won’t be a difficult task, because the chefs of St. Augustine are continually finding new ways to get lobster on our plates. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up eight ways – from the casual to the gourmet, from sushi to tacos – that you can get your fill of lobster in St. Augustine.
FILETTO MAGNIFICO
Collage Restaurant
Okay, so we’re going to start with the uber gourmet, despite the speech we just made. We’re starting with the Filetto Magnifico because the chefs over at Collage used a lobster tail as a garnish, and we think that’s pretty out of this world. Filet mignon, a Foie Gras pâté, sauteed mushrooms, a Cabernet demi-glace, and that lobster tail garnish – what more could you ask for?
www.collagestaug.com
LOBSTER RAVIOLI
Chianti Room
A classic way to prepare lobster, this lobster ravioli is to die for. In this dish, you get six raviolis that have been stuffed with chunks of lobster (none of that “lobster mixture” that you might expect). The pasta is then served with a roasted red pepper sauce for a little kick and that traditional Italian goodness.
www.pizzalleyschiantiroom.com
MAINE LOBSTER ROLL
Prohibition Kitchen
Formerly known as the “Maine-iac” (which we thought was hilarious), this lobster roll will transport you to far away New England – without having to leave our tropical paradise. The fresh Maine lobster is mixed with a bit of mayonnaise and celery for a little crunch, then garnished with chervil and served on a toasted white roll.
www.pkstaug.com
ROCKIN’ LOBSTER ROLL
Salt Life Food Shack
If you’re a fan of sushi, but looking for something a little not-so-typical, lobster might be the way to go. And the best way to enjoy lobster sushi is to get Salt Life’s Rockin’ Lobster Roll. It starts with a lobster salad with cream cheese, spinach, and carrots in a soy paper wrap. It’s then topped with sliced mango, jalapeños, wasabi fish eggs, and Sriracha.
www.saltlifefoodshack.com
TAGLIATELLE ARAGOSTA
Terra & Acqua
Though you may be hesitant to try to pronounce it out loud, don’t let that anxiety stop you from experiencing the aquatic decadence that is the Tagliatelle Aragosta. The handmade pasta is topped with fresh tomatoes and a thick red sauce, then topped with a nautical assortment of shrimp, scallops, and calamari and finished with a 6 oz. lobster tail.
www.terraacquarestaurant.com
SEAFOOD SALAD
The Reef
If you’re not feeling the heaviness of pasta or steak, you might want to opt for something lighter (but with just as much lobster) – The Reef’s Seafood Salad. The dish starts with a fresh bib lettuce bowl and is then topped with shaved apple and cucumber for tartness. Finally, it gets a healthy portion of lobster, shrimp, and lump crab and a drizzle of their signature Yum Yum dressing.
www.thereefstaugustine.com
LOBSTER MAC ‘N’ CHEESE
Sunset Grille
Get ready for a whole lot of cheese – triple cheese, to be exact. This stunningly cheesy Lobster Mac ‘n’ Cheese starts with cold water lobster and Sunset Grille’s housemade triple cheese sauce. It’s then tossed with some penne and sprinkled with breadcrumbs. So perfectly hearty that it’ll never be enough.
www.sunsetgrillea1a.com
LOBSTER & SHRIMP TACOS
A1A Aleworks
We’re always a fan of fusion food. Even if “fusion” just means putting something delicious on a tortilla. These Lobster & Shrimp tacos are served on crisp blue corn tortillas, wrapped in soft flour tortillas and topped with pepper jack cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo, and a tangy citrus sauce (and of course, filled with lots of shrimp and lobster).
www.a1aaleworks.com
Featured image by Brian Miller. Sunset Grille image via Facebook.
