Date: June 29, 2010

On July 4th, we think of the flag, family, fireworks and … Maine lobster. Yes, the classic summertime feast and national treasure will be The Fish Market's featured menu specialty this Independence Day.

The species, Homarus americanus, or what we know as Maine lobster, is native to North America and is fished from the cold shallow waters off the northern Atlantic coast, and is flown live each day to the west coast. Unlike the crustaceans known as spiny or rock lobsters, Maine lobsters possess the two large pincer and crusher claws which, of course, contain the tasty claw meat in addition to the sweet, firm tail meat. Generations of lobstermen have earned their living off the Maine coast, and the fishery is regarded as one of the best managed in the world in a way to ensure livelihoods and resources for generations to come. Traditional, albeit inefficient, harvest methods that are regulated by the State of Maine prove out their sustainability efforts, to cite two: Tail Notching, where females with visible eggs are notched and released, thus identifying her as a good breeder and protecting her from future harvest; and Trap Method, whereby all traps include escape vents for small lobsters as well as biodegradable escape hatches to free lobsters in lost traps.

The Fish Market will offer steamed whole 1.25 lb. Maine lobster, with potatoes and corn on the cob, from Thursday, July 1st through Sunday, July 4th, at a special price of $23.95, while supplies last. Please call the restaurant to ask about reservations.