A Mini Trip: Milwaukee, WI for Lobster Rolls at St. Paul's Fish Company

Hello Nomsters,

Lobster Roll!

Obviously, I've been a bit absent in blogging, but after a somewhat relaxing spring break, I'm back and blogging from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Similar to any major city, as a Chicago native it is a rare occasion that I leave city limits for cuisine unless I'm looking for a specialty or just need a change of scenery. Of course while home I frequented my usual gastronomic delights, such as Penny's Noodle (Thai), The Athenian Room (Greek), Dave's Italian Kitchen (it's in the name), and even had the chance to try Fin (Sushi/Asian) with my friend Natalia. However, since we opted out of travel for spring break this year, my parents and I decided a nice short road trip up to Milwaukee was in order.

For those of you who know Chicago, you also know that most of the area around this major city is either suburbs, ski territory, or the Dells for water parks and small lake houses in the summer. Although Milwaukee is known as a biker's destination and a city of" brews and brats," this Wisconsin city is beginning to become a gem of a destination for city dwellers looking for a break. Now, of course this is a food blog, but just as a quick quip, if you ever decide to visit, be sure to stay at the Iron Horse Hotel! As an old factory that was converted into a classy, rustic hotel, this establishment gives visitors a warm welcome, comfortable and stylish rooms, and service to match. With a basin of granny smith apples in the lobby and complimentary unique cocktails for guests, the nuances of the Iron Horse provide guests with the ultimate relaxing experience. Additionally, past 5pm, the hotel lobby and bar turn into one of the liveliest places to be in Milwaukee, with a full bar, restaurant, and lounge area right on premises! But enough about the accommodations, if you're making a trip to Milwaukee, you must, must, must, have lunch or dinner at a place that offers seafood as good as the east coast and a lobster roll that could challenge those native to Maine!

When first entering St. Paul's Fish Company, it doesn't look like much. Simple checkered table clothes, a large fish counter for take out orders and for purchasing by "the lb," and an oyster bar. But as you sit down and peruse the extensive seafood options, you'll realize that there's probably no other place west of Virginia that will offer a lobster roll or full lobster dinner for $12.95.

Seafood Counter

For our dining experience this weekend, we ordered a basket of fried clams to share, and one Cook's Cocktail oyster and a lobster roll each. The clams came out fresh and crispy! Served with sides of cocktail sauce and remoulade sauce (a French sauce typically found in New Orleans on fried seafood sandwiches [Po'Boys]), these clams were breaded just enough to not overwhelm the succulent quality of the seafood. Our oysters were also quite delicious, and were accompanied by sides of cocktail sauce and horseradish, extremely fresh too. Finally, for the lobster roll. For those of you East Coast readers, I'm sure you're thinking "the only place to get a real lobster roll is Maine" (or McDonalds, depending on who you're asking...). But, I assure you, St. Paul's lobster rolls in on par with anything out east. The bun, which is buttered and lightly grilled, was chalk full of fresh lobster mixed with a light and creamy sauce and pieces of celery. At first bite, this roll will live up to your expectations and more by offering your taste buds a merging of the flavors from both the buttery bun and fluffy texture of the lobster. you just cannot go wrong with a lobster roll, especially when you don't have to drive to the east coast to find a good one.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Oysters_2008_PD_04.JPG

Besides lobster, they offer an array of seafood options, including Po'Boy sandwiches, a full oyster bar, fish'n'chips, and crabcakes, so you really can't go wrong if you enjoy seafood. Along with the reasonably priced lobster entrees, St. Paul's offers daily specials ranging from steamed mussels in white wine to fish tacos. So indulge and enjoy :)

-Your Fellow Foodie