Seeking an atypical lobster experience on National Lobster Day, we found ourselves enshelled within Red Hook Lobster Pound’s summer pop-up at the Park Terrace Hotel’s Terrazzo deck. It was a splendid choice.
Perched in Midtown with breathtaking views of Bryant Park, The Chrysler Building and the iconic Empire State Building, Terrazzo always sets the stage for a relaxed, refined affair. It was the perfect backdrop to celebrate a rollick of juicy color, textures and subtle, sublime seafood flavors.
We couldn’t choose the superior between “The Classic Roll,” a taste of proper Maine-style lobster salad and the “The Connecticut Roll,” a warm, buttery delight of lobster poached in lemon. Naturally, lobster also provided the “L” in the spicy “BLT Roll” along with chipotle mayo and applewood smoked bacon.
After the pop-up I was hooked, and visited their Urbanspace Vanderbilt location which, at Happy Hour, finds internationally accented business folk gathered convivially around tables. Emissaries from the groups drifted back and forth refreshing pitchers of sangria and rounds of lobster-buttered popcorn. The just-off-work crowd spiked sharply at six at which point the the run on oysters and clams had reached its limit. Luckily, I got the last buttery bursts of Little Neck Clams generously surrounded by crispy toasts swimming in a golden garlic sauce. Mac & cheese, all three varieties, were also lost to late comers.
Now I understand, as a WAWW reader, you’re naturally inclined to jettison the crowds altogether and cruise into RHLP’s flagship location in the best way possible… by boat!
Start with their appetizers; the Maine Lobster Tail, served chilled with tarragon aioli, is a refreshing opener. For those looking to sample a bit of everything, The Minnow or The Downeaster, loaded with oysters, clams, shrimp, and lobster, are exquisite options.
For the intrepid, the Fried Lobster Roll with caramel sauce and kewpie mayo is an intriguing twist on the aforementioned eastern seaboard classics.
For a grand group, their seafood boils are a must. ‘The Poundster’ combines Dungeness crab, lobster, clams, mussels, shrimp, and sausage in garlic-seasoned butter. And don’t miss the chance to add your choice of additional seafood to any boil.
No matter the crustacean location, Red Hook Lobster Pound’s commitment to quality shines through, making this particular pop-up a delectable experience against the stunning backdrop of Terrazo.
