Maine lobster

Strange but true, the American lobster was once considered a lowly food fit for slaves, but in the 20th century this sea dweller emerged as a leading US delicacy — served simply, steamed or boiled in salt water, with drawn butter on the side. But when a speciality dish becomes synonymous with a place, then it becomes worth a special trip. For lobster, head to Maine, where the cold Atlantic waters off the New England coast are one of the most prolific lobster fisheries in the world. Lobster restaurants are legion here. Once you arrive, there is some work to do as Maine lobster has a hard shell that must be broken and cracked to free the tastiest morsels. Yet, digging into such a meal, with boiled corn on the side, unleashes in lobster fans a primitive joy. One popular shack is the Five Islands Lobster Co (www.fiveislandslobster.com) on the island of Georgetown, where you eat on an outdoor pier. It’s so picturesque Five Islands even starred in a car commercial.