RALEIGH, N.C. —
Cousin's Maine Lobster food truck visited WRAL last Friday. The lines began forming almost the instant we found out they were coming. This truck has been hot since even before it officially launched in the Triangle.
Many of you might remember the company appeared on the reality show "Shark Tank" seeking an investor. The founders of Cousins Maine Lobster got a great partner in Barbara Corcoran.
Since then, the company has expanded with franchises across the country.
The Raleigh franchise, owned by Deb and Greg Keller, launched in April. Since hitting the streets, it has been really tough for me to try this truck out. It is always packed during food truck rodeos and other events.
So, on Friday I got in line early and ordered three of the menu's staples so I can help you figure out what to get when you finally got to the front of the line:
Connecticut Lobster Roll ($14) - This is one of two rolls to choose from on the menu. The Main Lobster Roll (also $14) has a little bit of mayo and is served chilled. The Connecticut Roll is served warm and topped with butter and lemon. It might not look like a lot, but there is a lot of lobster in there. It is very good and filling. Verdict: I definitely recommend it, but it isn't really big enough to share. So save up your money and buy the roll. You won't be disappointed.
Lobster Tots ($13) - The truck does offer regular tots for $4, but when the option for Lobster Tots is available - you have to take it! These crispy tots are served with warmed chunks of Maine lobster, cilantro lime sauce and pico de gallo. The lime sauce and the pico (which also come on the shrimp and lobster tacos they serve) really go nicely with the lobster. Verdict: It is a nice size for sharing. If you want to go with the full lobster experience and are on a budget, I recommend skipping these and getting a roll instead. You get much more lobster, but your buck.
Maine Lobster Ice Cream ($5) - Another "When in Rome" decision. Where else am I going to get lobster ice cream? Hopefully no where. While the vanilla cream was really good, I just couldn't get past the chunks of lobster that kept popping up. I'd be enjoying the ice cream and then...oh no... that fishy flavor would just pop up. I don't think lobster and ice cream were meant to be together. Verdict: Pass on this and get the Whoopie Pie Ice Cream for $4.
The truck also offers lobster quesadilla, shrimp tacos, lobster bisque and New England Clam Chowder. Gluten free option are also available.
