Lobstering Around Houston: A Clawsome Guide
Craving Crustaceans in the Bayou City
So, you're in Houston, and you've got a hankering for some lobster. Good choice! Nothing says luxury like a big, juicy crustacean. But where, oh where, can you find this oceanic delicacy in the heart of Texas? Fear not, fellow lobster lover, I've got you covered.
Seafood Markets: Your Shellfish Supply Chain
Let's start with the basics: seafood markets. These are your go-to places for fresh, whole lobsters. Think of them as the lobster equivalent of a farmer's market, but with less mud and more scales.
- Airline Seafood: This place is a Houston institution. They've been slinging seafood since before your grandma was cool. Their lobsters are fresh as can be and their staff can probably teach you how to crack a claw with a chopstick.
- Blue Horizon Wholesale Seafood and Market: If you're looking for a wider variety of seafood, Blue Horizon is your oyster (pun intended). They’ve got lobsters of all sizes, plus other goodies to fill out your seafood feast.
Fancy Restaurants: Lobster with a Side of Ambiance
If you're feeling fancy, there are plenty of restaurants in Houston that will happily serve you lobster. Just be prepared to shell out some serious dough.
- Brenner's on the Bayou: This place is all about the ambiance. You're dining on the water, surrounded by the sounds of nature (and hopefully, not the sounds of your wallet crying). Their lobster is top-notch, but be warned: it might make your wallet feel like a hermit crab.
- Pappas Bros. Steakhouse: Yes, it's a steakhouse, but their lobster is legendary. It's like a steak and seafood love child, and it's worth every penny.
Grocery Stores: Lobster for the Lazy Chef
If you're not feeling up to a culinary adventure, your local grocery store might have lobster tails. They're pre-cooked and easy to prepare, but they won't be as fresh as the whole lobsters you can find at seafood markets.
Tips for Buying Lobster
- Look for live lobsters: If you can, buy a live lobster. It's the freshest you can get.
- Check the weight: A general rule of thumb is about 1.5 pounds per person.
- Ask questions: Don't be afraid to ask the seafood expert about the lobster's origin and freshness.
How to... Lobster 101
- How to cook a lobster: There are many ways to cook a lobster, but steaming or boiling are the most common.
- How to crack a lobster: Use lobster crackers or a nutcracker to crack the shell.
- How to eat lobster meat: The sweet meat is found in the tail, claws, and body.
- How to store leftover lobster: Store cooked lobster in the refrigerator for up to two days.
- How to reheat lobster: Reheat lobster gently to avoid drying it out.
So there you have it, a lobster lover's guide to Houston. Now go forth and conquer the crustacean world!