FIREWORKS AND LOBSTER

Happy 4th of July everyone!!

I can’t think of a better way to celebrate my favorite summer holiday than with sunshine and lobster. Lucky for me, I got both!

I spotted this recipe by Vinny Dotolo & Jon Shook, which is on the menu at their new seafood-oriented restaurant Son of a Gun. (Check out Maya’s awesome post here to read more about Son of a Gun). It seemed like the perfect 4th of July sandwich; lobster, potato chips, and a brioche bun? yes, yes, and yes!

Deluxe Lobster and Potato Chip Rolls
by Vinny Dotolo & Jon Shook 

1 cup mayonnaise
1 celery rib, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, finely grated
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons Tabasco
2 tablespoons snipped chives, plus more for garnish
Kosher salt
Three 1 1/4-pound live lobsters or 1 1/4 pounds cooked lobster meat
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 brioche hot dog buns
One 4-ounce bag potato chips

In a bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, celery, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire, Tabasco and the 2 tablespoons of chives; season with salt. Refrigerate until chilled.

Bring a very large pot of water to a boil and fill a large bowl with ice water. Add the lobsters to the boiling water, head first. Cover and cook until they’re bright red, about 8 minutes. Transfer the lobsters to the ice water to stop the cooking. Drain the lobsters.

Twist off the lobster claws, knuckles and tails. Crack the claws and knuckles and remove the meat. Using kitchen scissors, cut along the underside of the tail shells and remove the meat. Discard the dark intestinal vein running lengthwise down each tail. Chop the lobster meat into 1/2-inch pieces and fold them into the dressing. Refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.

Meanwhile, melt the butter on a large griddle or in a large skillet. Add the closed buns and toast the outsides over high heat, turning frequently, until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Transfer the buns to a platter, split the tops and fill with the lobster salad. Tuck the potato chips into the rolls, garnish with chives and serve.

R