Let’s All Admit Right Now That Lobster Is Overrated
I'm probably going to catch a lot of heat for saying this, especially in Maine...but it's my opinion, and I know I'm not alone - LOBSTER IS RIDICULOUSLY OVERRATED.
There. I said it. The food that so many people in Maine are constantly raving about, and tourists from all over the country just have to have when they come here...I happen to think is garbage. I once heard them described as the "cockroaches of the sea," and I couldn't agree more.
There's no denying that the lobster industry is big business for Maine. According to a recent report from The Columbian, the value of last year's lobster catch in Maine was almost $500 million. It keeps many local business around here afloat, and means lots of jobs for Mainers. Don't get me wrong...I appreciate and respect all of that. I just wonder - WHY?
According to Wikipedia, lobster didn't really take off as a popular food until the mid 19th century. Before that, it was considered a poverty food; for members of the lower class of society, servants, inmates, and even pets. But by the mid 20th century, people's opinion of it drastically changed.
Today, the price of lobster is out of control. Right now, the market price is $10.99 for a one pound lobster. How much of that is actually edible, anyway? By the time you go through all of the work of taking it apart, which to me seems to be as challenging as performing brain surgery...there doesn't seem to be much left you can actually eat.
That's just my opinion, of course. I'm sure there are others who agree with me, but there don't seem to be many. So if you love lobster, YOU do YOU. The fact that I'll be having a steak instead means that there's more for you!