Blount Clam Shack on the Waterfront

Without a doubt, this is the toughest review to write. Even though it was my first trip to the Blount Clam Shack, I've been a long time uber-fan of the Blount Market just up the street. That store serves up killer clam cakes, astounding chowder (especially the Red) and a lobster roll which is easily among the best in New England.

It was lobster roll at the Clam Shack which put me in this uncomfortable position. I shy away from criticizing really good companies for the occasional hiccup. But there has been an alarming trend in lobster rolls in RI - with quality and use of fresh lobster being on the slide. I'd say it extends to the Cape as well - except that getting great rolls there has always been like hitting the lottery anyway. To that end, this review is more of a red flag rather than a critique.

It should also be noted that Blount Clam Shack did NOT serve me a bad lobster roll. They gave me an OK one. That was shocking. Until this past Sunday it had never occurred to me an average lobster salad sandwich could possibly come from there. It's akin to Williams-Sonoma selling Walmart brand kitchen gadgets.

Two of the preparations were off: The roll was a touch stale and barley griddled. Some butter & flat-top time would have vastly helped what was inside. The meat was hardly dressed (as opposed to "lightly dressed).

And just a little more dill mayo would have helped the 3rd issue: what the may was intended to coat (and I know I'll get push back here): lobster which had a couple of the hallmarks of having been frozen: relative loss of flavor and "dry" texture which nevertheless releases extra water when bitten.

Is frozen lobster all that bad? Apart from the characteristics above, not really. Properly thawed it's often hard to tell the difference (especially when adequately mixed with mayo ;)). I do feel it is an issue when a seafood joint lists lobster rolls as being "Market Price". Because frozen or vacuum packed shellfish isn't tied to the current market like the fresh product. Selling it as such doesn't jibe well with friendly, fun atmosphere of Blount - whether the Market, the Clam Shack or the Food Trucks.

Now for the Clam Cakes: Dynamite as usual. These dangerous fritters are so monumentally correct I'm always in danger of bingeing them into a carb & clam coma. That why I only get a side of two per visit and run the hell away.

Most visitors would probably never notice what I've said about the roll. That's because even a mediocre Blount roll is still better than anything you'll find on Cape Cod...