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Mabel's Lobster Claw

124 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport, ME - (207) 967-2562
Posted By Michael Stern on 8/17/2007 10:03:00 AM
I think of shore dinner as a festive meal descended from Algonquin clambakes in which clams and corn were layered in seaweed over hot stones; the modern version is built around lobster and clams. Mabel's is a good place to enjoy it. Start by spooning into creamy chowder crowded with pieces of clam and potato, then tackle a good-size lobster perched atop a pile of steamers and accompanied by broth and butter. Corn, potatoes, and beets are available on the side. If fudge cake is available, it must not be ignored; but the essential dessert is peanut butter ice cream pie.

Mabel's lobster roll is top-of-the-line, served with fries and slaw on an actual, non-disposable plate. The meat in the roll, glazed with a thin film of mayo, is juicy, fresh, and copious, some chunks so large that you feel a little embarrassed picking it up and eating it out of hand; a knife and fork seem more suited to the task. And the lobster stew, generously apportioned with double-bite size pieces of claw and knuckle meat, is legendary.

The ambience at Mabel's is old-fashioned, summer-resort serene. Wood-paneled walls are decorated with autographed pictures of the many celebrities who have visited here, including local householders George and Barbara Bush (he likes baked stuffed lobster; she goes for eggplant parmesan). But you don't have to be a big name to feel right at home in this comfy shoreline dining room where paper placemats explain how to eat a lobster and the staff of swift waitresses just naturally suggest that any piece of pie you order ought to be had à la mode.

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4 - Overall: One of the Best - Worth a Trip
Overall: One of the Best - Worth a Trip
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Coastal New England's signature summer dish: a shore dinner. Pictured here are the lobster and a heap of steamer clams with a bowl of broth for dunking. Of course, you'll also want chowder, potatoes, corn, and a slice of Mabel's peanut butter ice cream pie.
"Coastal New England's signature summer dish: a shore dinner. Pictured here are the lobster and a heap of steamer clams with a bowl of broth for dunking. Of course, you'll also want chowder, potatoes, corn, and a slice of Mabel's peanut butter ice cream pie."
Michael Stern





One of lobster's most deluxe presentations is Newberg, in which the chunks of meat are cosseted in a buttery sherry cream sauce. It's an old-fashioned dish, fairly rare on modern menus. Mabel's version is excellent.
"One of lobster's most deluxe presentations is Newberg, in which the chunks of meat are cosseted in a buttery sherry cream sauce. It's an old-fashioned dish, fairly rare on modern menus. Mabel's version is excellent."
Michael Stern


In this part of Maine, no self-respecting eatery would dare serve a lobster roll that isn't overflowing with large chunks of claw, knuckle, and tail meat. The lettuce just below is a good barrier to prevent the bun from sogging out.
"In this part of Maine, no self-respecting eatery would dare serve a lobster roll that isn't overflowing with large chunks of claw, knuckle, and tail meat. The lettuce just below is a good barrier to prevent the bun from sogging out."
Michael Stern


Clam chowder, Yankee style, is thick and creamy.
"Clam chowder, Yankee style, is thick and creamy."
Michael Stern


Mabel's has been a favorite among citizens and summer visitors for a half century.
"Mabel's has been a favorite among citizens and summer visitors for a half century."
Michael Stern



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