Forty restaurants in 60 days seems like a daunting task, but Moncton foodie Jason Gallant took on the challenge this summer.
“That’s a lot,” he said as he finished a lobster roll at La Vue du Cap Canteen in Richibucto Village.
The chef, business owner, social media star and promoter of all things local went on a quest to find the best lobster rolls and fried conchs in southern New Brunswick. From Shediac to St. Martins and up to Rogersville, he dined out to sample the traditional seafood delicacies served up by local entrepreneurs.
“I really wanted to honor some of these local businesses here and show people these amazing hidden gems like we have today,” Jason said. “This is incredible and I want people to visit these places.”
The idea for the “Lobster Claw Crawl” was entirely his own, self-funded event.
“I like fresh lobster, I like lobster claws if you can get them. I like a little bit of mayo. I’m not a fan of celery and I know people probably like celery, but that’s just not for me,” Jason said. “And the other part that’s most important to me is the bun. You have to have a really good lobster roll.”
The result of the epic search was a top 10 list for both lobster rolls and fried clams.
A closeup of a hand holding a lobster roll in a hot dog bun wrapped in red and white checkered paper.
Located right on the water, La Vue du Cap Canteen has made the list of the best lobster rolls. Fourth place is a big deal for owner Luc Martin.
“We didn’t know him before he came here. We served him like a normal customer,” said Luc. “We are glad he came here.”
According to Luc, the secret of a good lobster roll lies in affection.
“To make a good lobster roll, you need tradition and love,” said Luc. “Anyone can make a lobster roll, but if you don’t put love into it, it won’t taste as good.”
Jason’s wife Jessica was there from the first bite, but said he was often away. She said the couple often talked about how much good food there was in the province and how to showcase it on a bigger stage.
“One day he was joking and said, ‘You know what would be really funny? If I went anywhere in New Brunswick and had a lobster roll or fried clams,’ because to us that lobster is synonymous with NB,” Jessica said.
Although it was hard to miss Jason’s absence, it helped that he usually brought home some leftovers.
Jason said the summer treats he tried almost daily were delicious but a little filling.
“I could eat lobster rolls until I pass out. The lobster rolls are no problem,” Jason said. “It’s the fried clams. After a while, it got a little too much. I think my doctor called.”
“He had to play golf to work off all the lobster rolls and fried clams,” Jessica said.
Spinney’s Seafood Market in St. Martins was Jason’s first choice for lobster rolls and Chez Leo Fried Clams in Shediac Bridge was his first choice for fried clams.
He said it was difficult to choose a favorite.
“I could have put 20 of them in the top 10. That’s really difficult,” said Jason.
Despite the difficult decisions, Jason said he will definitely do something similar next summer.
“Oh, absolutely. I think it was a great experience. I think it reached 1.3 million people on social media in total and that’s incredible to me,” Jason said.
Visit Hub City Foodies on Facebook, Instagram or Tik Tok to learn more about Jason Gallant’s epic summer adventure.
Gallant’s top ten lobster rolls in southern New Brunswick:
- Spinneys Fish Market
- Lenny’s Takeaway
- Skipper Jack’s Maritime Restaurant
- The View of Cap Canteen
- Tony’s Bistro & Patisserie
- Pastures by the sea
- Grannan’s Seafood & Grill
- Pirate De La Mer
- The sandbank
- Social in Euston Park
Gallant’s top ten fried clams in southern New Brunswick:
- Fried mussels at Chez Leo
- Golden Roast
- Ponzi’s Restaurant
- Pirate De La Mer
- Spinneys Fish Market
- Ossie’s Lunch
- Billy’s Seafood Company
- Bob’s Restaurant
- Skipper Jack’s Maritime Restaurant
- Restaurant du Village de Saint-Antoine.
Click here to view a photo gallery of pictures from the Lobster Claw Crawl.
