Shucks Maine Lobster

I think they said it best:

2011-09-20T03:21:32Z

We were lucky enough to spend some quality time with the writer and the photographer from The Boston Globe here at the plant in Richmond, Maine a couple of weeks ago. We've been anxiously awaiting to read what they compiled when it came to press.

Read the article (below) to discover the story of how Shucks Maine Lobster came to be, how we make Maine's laziest lobster, and how one of our favorite Maine chefs feels about cooking with our Shucks Raw Lobster Meat. (And also, their take on our own CEO, John Hathaway).

The Boston Globe did us well, and even included a photograph of John himself, where he usually is, manning the helm of the Big Mother Shucker.

As they say, we make the laziest of lobsters, read more to discover what happens behind the scene!

Click this link to read for yourself:
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2011/09/17/the-laziest-lobster/oQvtirg8SvtYNlaUi66AiJ/story.xml

Watch Chef Patrick Prepare his Winning Dish!

2011-09-08T06:19:16Z

It's Official!

Our very first YouTube video has been uploaded onto our Shucks YouTube page. Watch as Chef Patrick of Chez Patrick prepares his winning dish. Here, he is tenderizing the Shucks Lobster Tail before he fills it with blanched spinach rolled with hazelnut spread grapefruit peel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p67MoEfJ5zk

Five Chefs Compete- One Winner Announced

2011-09-08T04:14:23Z

After two days of watching over the shoulders of incredible chefs from around the city of Hong Kong prepare creative and mouth watering dishes using Shucks' Whole Shucked Lobster, a winner was chosen! As our Maine judge, Stephanie Nadeau from The Lobster Company, said, she wishes that all the chefs could be chosen as winners, they were all that good! And this is coming from a woman who deals with lobster on a daily basis!

We started off Day One with two chefs, Chef Andrew Lee from the Novotel Hong Kong Century Hotel was the official starting chef of the Four Rounds of Chef of the Year championship. Following Chef Andrew, young Chef Daniel Tam, Executive Sous Chef at Aqua Restaurant Group, stepped up to the stage. Chef Daniel was excited he said, he has only been cooking for eight years and this was his first professional chef competition.

Our three judges were all still excited to be eating lobster for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Joining us were Adele Wong, the Lifestyle & Dining Editor from Hong Kong Magazine; Tracy Griffith, Corporate Executive Chef at New Gem Foods; and Stephanie Nadeau, President of The Lobster Company (from our own hometown of Kennebunkport, Maine!).

Day Two started on time and Chef Patrick Goubier took the stage. A well known French chef who has spent the past couple of decades living and cooking here in Hong Kong, he owns and is Executive Chef at the renowned Chez Patrick. (Check out our interview with Chef Patrick as he talks about how he enjoys living in Hong Kong - and working with Shucks' Whole Shucked Lobsters).

Up next was Chef Kelvin Pun, Executive Sous Chef at Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers. A skilled and dedicated chef, he moved swiftly across the stage as he whipped up his own pumpkin gnocchi to accompany his Whole Shucked Lobster dish.

The final chef to take the stage was Chef Mak Kam Kui, as Executive Chef of Western Cuisine at the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, he said that sometimes he dresses up in costume as Chef Mickey, or Chef Goofy, but today, he insisted that we just stick with the casual Chef Mak. His dish looked to be dancing off the plate - and after sneaking a bite on the side, I could understand how the judges were having such a difficult time choosing just one winner!

After the cooking ended and the judges submitted their final score card, the totals were added, and I held the secret of the winner. Chef Andrew was so excited to discover who was the Shucks Maine Lobster World Series - Asia, winner and who would be traveling "across the ocean", as he put it, to be joining the winners from the upcoming rounds in Portland for the World Series winner - he came back again the second day for the announcement of the winner.

The scores were close for all the chefs. So close, in fact, there was a tie for Third Place! Both Chef Mak and Chef Kelvin Pun tied; just ahead of them, Chef Andrew Lee came in Second Place. The winner of the Shucks Maine Lobster World Series - Asia... was Chef Patrick Goubier!

All the chefs were excited by the news, as they received their Shucks Maine Lobster hats and honorary Shucks Lobster Buoy (they couldn't quite believe that we had traveled all the way from Maine to deliver an authentic buoy... but neither had customs).

Check back soon as we continue to upload videos of the chefs preparing their amazing dishes and the announcement of the winners, here in Hong Kong!

Headed for Hong Kong!

2011-08-18T17:20:08Z

Shucks Maine Lobster World Series!

Round One of the upcoming four World Series competitions is official. We are headed for Hong Kong!

It's always been at the table of discussions of things we'd love to do, ideas that excite us, and somehow keep floating around us here in Maine... To have a competition, world wide, of amazing chefs - working to create the absolute, most perfect Shucks Maine Lobster dish.

Next month, Round One will happen at the Asian Seafood Exposition in Hong Kong. Six chefs from Asia will compete to win the First Round -- the winner of this round will come to Portland, Maine next August to compete against the winners from Europe, USA, and our Maine Chef host.

Next month in Hong Kong, Chefs will be competing against each other using one of Shucks' favorite products: our Whole Shucked Maine Lobster. Each chef will prepare for four judges a dish of their choice. The judges will decide which dish is best based on certain criteria and the winner will be awarded the Golden Buoy!

Learn more about our participating chefs at http://www.asianseafoodexpo.com/11/public/enter.aspx

Thanks for all the help from Diversified Communications!

Rainy Day recipes

2011-06-14T15:02:59Z

I'm not sure what the weather is like where you're reading this, but here in Maine we are making record breaking days of grey and gloomy, a chance of rain - the sun is no where to be seen. Our summer's here are never long to begin with, it's one of our favorite jokes: summer is about as long as the 4th of July weekend. So when the weather gets like this, we're almost ready for the snow to fly.

The biggest bummer about the weather is that the lobstermen can't get out of the harbor to haul traps - and those of us waiting on the dock for our fresh dinner are out of luck.

There are a couple good things about these grey, rainy days and they only get better with a stocked supply of Shucks Maine Lobster in the freezer. There is nothing better than comfort food in the middle of summer, especially when you make it that much more special by adding Maine Lobster to it!

Here is one of my favorite summer recipes, I hope you enjoy!
And, as always, if you want to share any of your favorite ways to enjoy Shucks Maine Lobster, feel free to email me and I'll be happy to share, credit to you, of course.

caitlin@shucksmaine.com

How To Thaw Your Maine Lobster Meat

2011-06-01T17:26:33Z

Before you prepare your Maine Lobster treat using Shucks Maine Lobster Meat, be sure that you properly thaw your meat.

One option is to place your unopened package in the refrigerator overnight.

If you do not have time to do this, you can remove your package of lobster meat from the box and place
the unopened plastic package of meat into a bowl of cold water. Be sure to submerge the package entirely - and if you want to speed up the process, change the water frequently. This method will have your lobster meat thawed in less than one hour.

Bacon Wrapped Lobster Tail

2011-03-21T17:18:38Z

Bacon makes everything better, so they say -- so try this: Bacon Wrapped Lobster Tails!

Delicious bite sized chunks of raw, Maine Lobster Tails - wrapped tightly in a layer of All Natural Bacon.
Easily baked to perfection. Not only that, but check out our original Turkey Bacon Wrapped Lobster Tail!

All Natural Turkey bacon wrapped around bite sized Lobster Tail!

Split Maine Lobster

2011-03-21T17:13:11Z

Shucks' new favorite way to enjoy lobster. Best right off the grill, or try it stuffed with our secret recipe stuffing!

Our Favorite Ways to Eat Maine Lobster

2011-01-11T17:29:33Z

There is no better way to enjoy your Shucks Maine Lobster meat that in a traditional Maine Lobster Roll!
Not only is it delicious, it's easy to make!

You will need:

Shucks 100% Maine Lobster Meat
2 Hot Dog Buns
2 Tablespoons Mayonnaise (Our favorite is Hellmann's mayonnaise)
Tab of Butter (for grilling your Hot Dog Buns)

Optional:
Lettuce
Lemon
Pepper
Celery (chopped finely)
Green Onion (chopped finely)

Step 1: Remove thawed Maine Lobster meat from package.
Step 2: Chop meat into small, bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: In medium-sized mixing bowl, combine Maine Lobster meat and mayonnaise.
If desired, now add pepper, celery and/or green onion.

Step 4: Put your Maine Lobster salad to the side.

Step 5: Heat a large frying pan over low heat.
Step 6: Gently butter each side of your hot dog buns and put into frying pan.
Step 7: Heat for 1 minute on each side, or until lightly golden.

Step 8: If desired, place lettuce in the bottom of your hot dog bun.
Step 9: Spoon your Maine Lobster salad equally into your toasted buns.

Step 10: Enjoy!

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Other ways to enjoy your Maine Lobster Meat

The great things about Maine Lobster, is that you can put it in just about anything - and it is always delicious AND healthy.

Spice up your salad with Shucks Maine Lobster Meat to create:

- Maine Lobster Spinach Salad
- Maine Lobster Caesar Salad

Try heating your Shucks Maine Lobster meat and add it to these dishes to create your own:

- Maine Lobster Mac'n'Cheese
- Maine Lobster Stir Fry
- Maine Lobster & Cheddar Cheese Omelet

Come back soon for more Maine Lobster recipes that we'll be cooking to get us through this snowy, Maine winter!

IBSS New Product Competition FINALIST 2010

2010-03-04T21:03:52Z

Shucks Maine Lobster is proud to present one of the tastiest ways to eat Maine Lobster yet! Our Maine Lobster Tempura was just selected as one of four finalists at the International Boston Seafood Show in the New Product Competition "Foodservice" category. Come visit us at Booth #1515 to check out our Maine Lobster Tempura!

]]> These "Certified Maine Lobster" Claws come fully battered and IQF for the ultimate convenience in the food service sector. The Claws are raw, NOT cooked. The batter is deliciously light. Surprise your customers with a fun and simple way to eat Maine Lobster without the fuss and mess! Shucks Maine Lobster "Tempura" is definitely Lobster that is "too sexy for it's shell".

Benefits of Certified Maine Lobster

2010-03-03T23:13:24Z

A Sustainable Fishery
Maine is the world leader in sustainable lobster fishing practices. As a result the lobster population is strong and the catch remains steady year to year. The World Wildlife Fund is currently supporting the Maine Lobster fishery in its application for Marine Stewardship Council certification, due to conservation practices such as:
• Size limits—Maine lobstermen use a gauge to measure the body of the lobster, throwing back lobsters under 3-1/4 inches (so they can grow to maturity and breed) and over 5 inches (considered to be good breeding stock).
• Female V notching— A female with visible eggs on her tail can't be kept. Before tossing her back, the harvester notches her tail to identify her as a good breeder. Lobsters with notched tails must be returned to the water even if they're not showing eggs.
• Trap limits—there are statewide as well as local limits to the number of traps, preventing overfishing.
• Trap design—traps are designed with escape hatches for small lobsters and biodegradable escape hatches so that lost traps aren't a hazard.
• Apprenticing—new lobstermen are required to apprentice with veterans to learn these regulations as well as the ethos of Maine Lobster fishing.

]]> Taste
Maine's lobsters are broadly recognized as being the most delicious lobster in the world:
• Sweeter taste—Maine's lobster, especially the new shell variety, is sweeter than other lobster.
• Texture—Maine lobster has a more tender texture than other lobster, with a distinct snap to the meat, while other lobster, especially warm water varieties can be tough or chewy.
• Size—most Maine lobster tends to come in the 1 to 1.5 lb variety, primarily due to the sustainability practices discussed above. This size lobster is far more sweet and tender than larger lobsters caught in places that are not as concerned with sustainable fishing.
Brand
Research shows that Maine Lobster is the strongest food brand in the world. Consumers know Maine Lobster stands for:
• Quality—the best tasting lobster in the world.
• Sustainability—the Maine Lobstermen have worked together with the state to create exemplary sustainable fishing practices.
• Heritage—Hardworking Maine lobstermen who take pride in their work and care for their catch
• Natural beauty—Maine is recognized as home to pristine, cold waters, and natural, healthy food.
Maine Lobster is a product of the USA
Maine lobster is a great industry that can't be outsourced overseas.

Eat Well AND Do Good!

2010-03-03T23:01:53Z

This October, Shucks Maine Lobster is introducing PINK Maine Lobster.

October is "Breast Cancer Awareness” month. Shucks Maine Lobster is proud to donate 10% of our profits from the sale of this product to the Maine Cancer Foundation "Cure Breast Cancer for Me." program. Please join us in helping cure this disease.

Our wild caught Shucks Maine Lobster is one of the most healthy all-natural foods found anywhere in the world. We add no preservatives or additives…its just 100% Certified Maine Lobster.

Additionally, our wild caught Shucks Maine Lobsters have more valuable mineral salts and more iodine content than any other food regardless of source. Iodine, together with selenium and omega 3, has been proven to be one of the most effective minerals in the fight against breast disease and diabetes. Thank you for helping us support this important local Maine cause.

Individually packaged, raw, frozen, whole Maine Lobsters come in a convenient 3 pack.
Choose from Whole Frozen Split Lobster, Whole Frozen Cooked Maine Lobster, Whole Frozen Raw Maine Lobster.

Selling Maine Lobster to Support Maine People.

So Many Possibilities with Maine Lobster Meat

2010-03-03T21:48:44Z

- 100% Certified Maine Lobster meat
- "Recipe Ready" for any occasion
- Perfect for Maine Lobster spreads, lobster rolls, or lobster cakes
- Delicious and easy Chef recipes included in each package
- Simple open, prepare, and serve in five minutes
- Clean and Convenient - no messy live lobster!

Each box contains three separate packages of wild caught Maine Lobster meat.
Use one pack now and save the others for your next special occasion.

The most affordable way to serve your friends and family Certified Maine Lobster.

]]> We have been talking about it (and eating it) for years -- and now, it's finally available!
100% Certified Maine Lobster meat: cooked, frozen and "Recipe Ready"!
Finely chopped Maine Lobster meat packaged and ready for you to prepare endless, and affordable, ways to eat Maine Lobster today!

Included in the retail package are delicious and creative recipes to serve Maine Lobster.

Try our Maine Remoulade Sauce with your Lobster Cakes!

2010-03-03T21:39:44Z

Your Maine Lobster Cakes made simple using our 100% Certified Maine Lobster Meat aren't complete until you have a tasty Remoulade Sauce.
Try our simple and delicious recipe:

2/3 cup mayonnaise
2 scallions, chopped
2 tablespoons dill, minced
A dash of fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons drained white horseradish
4 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon paprika

Mix ingredients together, add salt, pepper and Tabasco sauce to taste. Enjoy!

If you have a special sauce you enjoy your Lobster Cakes with - feel free to share with us!

We're Revolutionizing the Way the World Eats Maine Lobster

2010-01-05T14:58:22Z

Shucks Maine Lobster is bringing a little old-fashioned Yankee ingenuity to the Maine Lobster industry. We can guarantee Maine Lobster lovers around the world that every bite of our fresh, raw, hand-shucked Shucks Maine Lobster is the highest-quality, safest, best-tasting, most convenient Maine Lobster in the world.

]]> Our Maine Lobster is wild-caught off the coast in the cold, pristine Atlantic Ocean. Small fishing communities can be found all along the rocky Maine coast, and these villages have depended on the sea for their livelihood for generations. Even on harsh winter days, dozens of lobstermen wake up, row out to their own lobster boats moored snugly in the harbor, and head out to the open Atlantic with nothing but a sternman, a few traps, and a bucket of bait to make their living. At Shucks Maine Lobster, we honor our lobstermen for keeping the tradition of our Maine heritage alive, and we celebrate this romantic and intriguing beginning to the Maine Lobster experience.

The hard work continues in our production facility, or the kitchen, as we call it, where we process the lobster using our "Big Mother Shucker." This machine uses high water pressure to loosen the meat from the shell. This process is analogous to putting a grape inside a plastic water bottle, filling it with water, and squeezing the outside of the bottle — the pressure on the grape is equal from all sides, so it doesn't deform or squish.

Then, we carefully and thoroughly shuck the lobsters by hand, package the meat, and vacuum-seal in its great taste and freshness. The meat is put through another round of water pressure treatment, effectively cold pasturizing for extended refrigerated shelf life — and then shipped around the country.

We strive to ensure that this Maine legacy of hard work and independence is infused into every bite of our fresh Maine Lobster. We offer our certified Maine Lobster the way it should be offered: fresh and raw (never cooked), and all-natural, without additives or preservatives and without adding the heat pasteurization that changes the true taste and texture of Maine Lobster. At Shucks Maine Lobster, we are committed to keeping the reputation of Maine Lobster as the most premium and best-loved celebration food in the world.

Why you’ll love Shucks’ fresh, raw, hand-shucked Maine Lobster:

Creativity: Chefs and home-chefs alike can prepare their fresh, raw Shucks Maine Lobster in many new, creative ways since it isn’t already cooked.

Source: Shucks Maine Lobster is guaranteed certified wild-caught Maine Lobster — the most famous lobster in the world. You’ll always know where your lobster is coming from.

Quality: Shucks Maine Lobster is guaranteed fresh, shipped from the wharf, and shucked and packaged the same day to lock in the natural flavor and texture.

Convenience: Shucks Maine Lobster is more convenient because we do the shucking for you. There is no longer all of the mess and fuss for you, your sous-chef, or your customer. And there's none of the waste, shrinkage, and mortality loss that come with using live lobsters.

Safety: Our high pressure process kills bacteria, viruses and pathogens, so you’ll know your Maine Lobster is safe to eat and has an extended refrigerated shelf life.