Summer lovin’ on the East Coast is not love if it doesn’t involve a lobster roll or two. Call it a regional bias or a way of life—it just is. But Luke’s Lobster is looking to heat things up for lobster roll lusters by offering up some hot, juicy tail to keep company with on those sweltering seaside days.
New this season, and most likely the only one of its kind, is Luke’s Tail Cart where visitors to New York City’s Battery Park can indulge on open-flame grilled lobster tails. Usually connected at the hip with a pricey filet, a lobster tail fashioned on a skewer makes for an interesting sight, even in New York.
“Think of it as sustainable but fun amusement fare,” says Ali Kokot, marketing strategist for Luke’s Lobster. Traceable and sustainable seafood is indeed a hallmark of the company. All of its seafood can be traced to its harbor of origin and all of its food pairings, from Maine-style sides to desserts, are crafted with sustainable ingredients.
Also: Soho’s Hotel Hugo Calls with a Quiet, Classy New York Travel Option
In keeping with its commitment to sustainability, creating Luke’s Tail Cart was a bit of a no-brainer as tails are not used in the eatery’s lobster rolls. Instead, the knuckles and claws—considered the sweetest and softest of the meat—from about five lobsters are used to make each delectable roll.
With 19 brick-and-mortar locations, Luke’s Lobster has already processed and used 5 million pounds of lobster just this year alone. That translates to approximately 4 million individual lobsters. That’s a lot of leftover tail that needs to make its way onto a plate. Or, in this case, a skewer.
Currently complementing its maritime-themed neighbor, the SeaGlass Carousel, Luke’s Tail Cart is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Lobster tails are grilled to order and available in regular ($6) and large ($10) portions. A seasonal item, do show these lobster tails some foodie love before the long days of summer disappear. And don’t forget to butter that booty.
Editor’s note: Beginning July 26, the Luke’s Tail Cart will spend the rest of its summer days in Brooklyn, moving to the new Whole Foods Market in Williamsburg. Check its dedicated page for updated hours of operation.
