"Locally owned and nationally known, Cousins Maine Lobster brings authentic Maine lobster to neighborhoods across the U.S. by way of our food trucks, food halls & brick & mortar restaurants. As seen on Shark Tank, We bring our customers the most authentic Maine seafood experience by staying close to the source, proudly serving premium, wild-caught, sustainably harvested lobster from Maine, accompanied by our signature Downeast Maine hospitality.Started in 2012 by real-life Cousins and Mainers, Jim Tselikis and Sabin Lomac, Cousins Maine Lobster began with two things: A Food Truck, and a shared vision to extend the highest-quality Maine lobster to the lobster-starved masses. Growing up in Maine, lobster was tradition, and always a reason to gather family, friends and loved ones to share a special meal. After appearing on Shark Tank a few months later, Jim & Sabin partnered with Barbara Corcoran and began franchising, partnering with local owners and entrepreneurs to bring Maine lobster to over 30 cities across the country.
Since 2012, Cousins Maine Lobster has been continually featured on the most influential entrepreneurial and culinary programming, including Shark Tank, The Food Network, Good Morning America, The Today Show, CNBC, The Chew, the Cooking Network, and more. Voted best Lobster Roll on the West Coast by Tasting Table three times, Cousins Maine Lobster regularly appears in leading publications Inc., Entrepreneur, Saveur, Food & Wine, Zagat, Eater and many more."
One of these famous food trucks made a stop in Charleston outside of Fife Street Brewing. I had heard about this business, and I was excited to see it come to my own backyard. Me, along with half the City of Charleston. I joined an already lengthy line at around 11:50 a.m. They opened at noon. At about 1:30 p.m., I received my food.
A quick note on this: I am a huge supporter of local businesses. In fact, one of the reasons I even have this blog is to showcase those hidden gems across Appalachia. But, I am also a supporter of letting people enjoy what they enjoy. Something new, out of the ordinary, limited, etc. is going to be exciting to people and that's OK. I want to try the same food that Barbara Corcoran tried that made her invest in this company. It is an experience, and you can spend the other 365 days of this leap year supporting our local restaurants in town. You can support both.
Starting with the menu, it has lobster rolls, soups, tots, quesadilla, tacos and grilled cheese. While waiting, I initially started with just an item or two in my head, but as time went on, my order grew to double the size to make the wait worth it.
Here is what I went for: Maine Roll: Our Maine roll features Maine lobster, served chilled with mayo, on a New England roll, with a lemon wedge. One of our two classic roll styles, the Maine Roll is a favorite of Mainers and purists alike.
Connecticut Roll: Our Connecticut Roll features Maine lobster, served warmed with butter and lemon, on a New England Roll. The second of our two classic styles, our Connecticut Roll is our most popular roll and often referred to as heaven on a bun.
New England Clam Chowder
Lobster Bisque
The lobster rolls themselves are fairly small – maybe the size of a regular hotdog – so two was the perfect size. Both were topped with big hunks of fresh lobster, though I truthfully did not notice much of a difference in the two rolls, because the the butter or mayo were very minimal. Lobster meat is a touch sweet, which was delicious with the buttered bun. I didn't even mind the bite of shell I got.
The clam chowder was hot, which was the main thing that attracted me to it in 30° weather. But, it was flavorful, and one of the better versions I have had. Creamy, flavorful and perfectly salty.
The lobster bisque was thick and sweet and paired great with the oyster crackers I sprinkled on top to add a touch of salt.
Plus, easily the best Whoopie pie I've ever had. I didn't even really think I liked them until this one. Overall, something a little different, and interesting to try.
