“The harder the shell, the sweeter the meat,” says Corporate Executive Chef, Mark Hawley. “June is an ideal time for lobsters because July is molting season,” he explains. June’s hard shell lobsters are packed with firm, dense meat that Hawley’s team promises to accentuate in their Lobster Fest dishes this year.
Chef Hawley notes that the month of June is ideal for Lobster Fest in a variety of ways. “Vacations haven’t started, so the Cape isn’t busy yet. As a result, there’s a surplus of the best lobster market available, allowing us to run this promotion,” he explains.
All of the Worcester Restaurant Group establishments will participate in Lobster Fest during the month of June, embracing the opportunity to celebrate New England’s haute cuisine at affordable prices. Chef Hawley particularly enjoys the challenge of “Italianizing” the lobster for VIA Italian Table’s June menu with dishes like Lobster Arancini and Tuscan Lobster Scampi. Next door at 111 Chop House, guests can order Twin Lobsters or a Steak and Lobster pair. And, it’s no surprise that Worcester’s premier seafood destination, The Sole Proprietor, relishes the theme, celebrating old favorites like the New England Lobster Bake and Lobster Newburg. “Instead of going away, we want people to know that desired fare is right here in Worcester,” Chef Hawley says.
If you’re wondering about Chef Hawley’s go-to lobster dish, he likes to keep things simple. “VIA has a killer lobster roll served on a fresh butter-browned brioche roll from Nashoba Brook Bakery. It’s just so true to lobster. We use very little mayo,” he explains. The dish boasts big chunks of tender, sweet lobster meat along with an earthy side of truffle frites. Hawley feels fortunate to live in New England where a plethora of North Atlantic lobsters are always available. “Colder water delivers the best flavors in seafood,” says the chef.
