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The Great Lobster Roll from West to East Coast

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This week's humid weather & gray skies got me hungry for some old-fashioned, east coast Lobster Rolls.

As a kid, I'd visit my mom's side of the family in Rhode Island every 'summa' and enjoy the fruits of the sea, from Fried Clams to Quahogs, and of course chunky buttery 'Lobstah' on a Toasted Split Roll.

Thankfully, over the past couple years, restaurants and food trucks all over the west coast have been paying tribute to this treasured seafood trove.

Here's a list of where to indulge in the great Lobster Roll, no matter which coast you reside in.

The Grubdown:

Cousins Maine Lobster Truck LA/OC

- bountiful in size, overflowing with Lobster, cool 'n creamy Chilled Maine Lobster Roll with Mayo on a New England Style Split Toasted Bun $12.75

Lobsta Truck LA/OC

- buttery, tender, sweet 'n succulent, I wish it was bigger Lobsta Roll with Lettuce & Butter instead of Mayo on Split Top Toasted Roll $11

Connie And Ted's West Hollywood, CA

- finally a REAL Rhode Island SPLIT toasted bun Lobster Roll with a ridiculous bounty of Buttery Lobster Chunks that were so tender, they fell apart in my mouth $20

Bluewater Grill Newport Beach, CA

- unfortunately tough, could use a little more seasoning, but super bountiful chunks with a nicely toasted bun Maine Lobster Roll with Fries $16.95

House of Big Fish & Ice Cold Beer Laguna Beach, CA

- perfect pillowy bun, a little too much dressing East Coast Style Lobster Rolls on Brioche with Shrimp & Celery (2 for $14)

Mansion Clam House Westport, Connecticut

- the plumpest, butteriest, juiciest, sweetest, tenderest Lobster you ever ate, tempts you to ditch the roll 'cuz it's so good on its own, but who could miss that rustic crusty goodness from my roots, Sauteed Lobster Roll in Butter & White Wine on a Portuguese Roll $22

Flo's Clamshack Middletown, Rhode Island

- fresh 'n crunchy "Lobsta" Roll $14.95

The Grill of 41 Degrees North Hotel Newport, Rhode Island

simple Lobster Sliders on Silver Dollar Brioche Buns $19

Brant Pointe Grill of White Elephant Hotel Nantucket, Massachusetts

- mega outta control, super chunky 'n plump, sweet 'n tender Lobster with Rocket & Preserved Lemon Chervil Mayo on a hardy, crusty Roll ($18)

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This bite's for you mom!

The Best Lobster Roll at Mansion Clam House, Connecticut

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On a segue from NYC to The Hamptons during my family summa' trip last month, we stopped over in quaint Westport, Connecticut, just for lunch at the acclaimed Mansion Clam House.

Known for its hand-picked Seafood and award-winning Chowder (they took 1st place at the 2010 & 2011 Chowda Fest), we couldn't wait to dive right in – especially since it'd been two long years since our last New England Seafood fest, eating The Ocean State.

The Grubdown:

- the plumpest, butteriest, juiciest, sweetest, tenderest Lobster you ever ate, tempts you to ditch the roll 'cuz it's so good on its own, but who could miss that rustic crusty goodness from my roots, Sauteed Lobster Roll in Butter & White Wine on a Portuguese Roll $22

- if you're a sucker for clams like me, these sweet 'n tender babies with juice that pops in your mouth won't disappoint, Fried Whole Belly Clams served with French Fries or Onion Rings & Cole Slaw $18

- great clam savory flavor, but way too thick, almost pastey, New England Clam Chowder Bowl $7

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Even though their chowda' won awards, The Lobster Roll and Fried Clams really stole the show. Don't get me wrong, I like a thick 'n creamy chowder, but this one was just too lumpy. On a high note, I've never seen a restaurant serve 3 different chowders – Manhattan (red), Rhode Island (clear broth), and New England (cream). Perhaps that was a factor at the 'fest.

As for the Lobster Roll, it was pure and simple in just a Butter & Wine Sauce. However, because it lacked that creamy white sauce which typically binds meat to the bun, I was tempted to grab my fork and pick the Lobster out, had it not been for the sweet, flakey Portuguese Roll.

Mansion's Fried Clams have got me on a mission! I wish I could find Whole Belly's as good as these on the West Coast.

Finally, I'd describe the decor as American Fish Tackle Pride, complete with Jaws looming above the Lobster tank, and a fake fisherman on the roof out back.

The service couldn't have been more fast 'n friendly too.

P.S. Go during the summa' (when it's not raining so your hair won't frizz) to take in views of the lush tree-lined river.

541 Riverside Avenue, Westport, CT 06880. 203-557-4811.