It's barely spring and I'm already daydreaming about a summer of lobster and fried clam rolls. The past winter, as with most winters, shellfish-eating got pushed aside in favor of soups, casseroles, and hearty meaty braises. But now that it's warmer, this New England-bred gal has been seriously hankering for some fresh seafood.

While in Greenpoint today, I walked right by Lobster Joint, near the top end of Manhattan Ave, and did a double take. I had been planning on going to a cafe and getting something more economical and mundane for lunch, like a sandwich, but the big "open" on the glass door told me I really didn't want just any sandwich. I wanted one filled to the brim with lobster meat. And fortunately, here they also served lobster rolls Connecticut-style, warm with melted butter, instead of just Maine-style with mayo and celery. (My beloved Red Hook Lobster Pound may be the only other spot in NY that makes it both ways.)

The roll was toasty and buttery, yet stayed perfectly intact to the very last bite, a very good sign. And such a nice portion of lobster meat. With some salad and cole slaw on the side and a tall glass of iced tea, I'm already geared up for the warm season ahead.

Lobster Joint
1073 Manhattan Ave. (between Dupont St. & Eagle St.)
Brooklyn, NY (
718) 389-8990
Map