It was 5 p.m. on a sunny August afternoon and Rhonda Ramph of Webster had been patiently waiting for her dinner order since 3:30 p.m.
She had happened upon the Cousins Maine Lobster food truck, which was parked behind the Abbott’s Frozen Custard on Empire Boulevard in Webster that day, and made a u-turn to join the line. She had heard raves about the truck, which got its big break on the television show “Shark Tank,” from her aunt. Its main attraction is two kinds of lobster rolls, but it also tucks lobster into a quesadilla, grilled cheese, tacos and more. Its Rochester-based truck hit the road in June; almost two months later, the crowds persist.
Ramph was excited for a taste of the lobster rolls and blueberry soda she had enjoyed on a visit to Maine, and was taking the long wait in stride. “It’s a beautiful day,” she said with a smile.
Near her, Stephanie Lambe of Penfield was confident her wait would be relatively quick. It was her fourth visit to the truck ― “because it’s delicious” ― and she knew the drill. “The lines are always like this,” she said.
How was it?
I, too, ordered from the Cousins Maine Lobster food truck that day; it was my first visit. I logged into the app at 11:35 a.m., five minutes after it went live. The earliest available pickup time was at 1:42 p.m., two hours later. I selected 5 p.m.
I opted for the Connecticut lobster roll; the lobster is tossed with butter and lemon and served warm on a grilled New England roll. The cost is $20.95, and various combos are available.
My name was called at 5:15 and I dug in at home. The buttery toasted roll held a generous amount of good sized chunks of lobster. To my palate, the lobster wasn’t as succulent and sweet as some I’ve had, but was commendable for a lobster roll that cost $21 and came off a food truck serving hordes of people. I’d say the same about the bisque.
And lest you think $21 is expensive for a lobster roll, some other prices around town:
∎ Lila’s, in the Hampton Inn & Suites Rochester Downtown, has a “market price” for its Connecticut-style lobster roll; it was about $35 when I called last week.
∎ The fine dining restaurant Velvet Belly serves a similar style lobster roll for $34, including fries.
∎ Captain Jim’s, the excellent fish market on East Main Street, usually serves its lobster roll cold, but will make a warm one with butter upon request. That’ll run around $27 ― $30 if you want fries.
∎ Founders Cafe in downtown Rochester serves its lobster roll cold on a bed of Romaine, with celery salt and a wedge of lemon, on a toasted, buttered hot dog bun for $18.95.
What to know if you go
If you go, here’s how to make your expedition to Cousins Maine Lobster a relatively quick one:
∎ Download the Cousins Maine Lobster app.
∎ Order your meal right when the truck opens for the day; the app accepts orders only during operating hours. You can choose a pickup time later in the day, if you wish.
∎ When you arrive at the truck to pick up an app order, you do not need to check in at the pickup window, but you’ll need to be within earshot to hear your name called.
∎ Pay attention to deals on the app; I got a free lobster bisque in honor of my birthday.
∎ Cash and major credit cards are accepted.
∎ A 15% gratuity is added automatically unless you change it.
Where to find the Cousins Maine Lobster food truck in the Rochester area
Here are several places you can find the Cousins Maine Lobster truck in the Rochester area in August and September. Check the Facebook events or the Cousins Maine Lobster app to confirm details.
∎ CountryMax, 4875 Lake Road South, Brockport: 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 15.
∎ Finger Lakes Premium Outlets, 655 Route 318, Waterloo: 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 21.
∎ Fairport Brewing Company, 99 S. Main St., Fairport: 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 23.
∎ Frequentem Brewing Company, 254 S. Main St., Canandaigua: Noon to 8 p.m. Aug. 25.
∎ East Ave. Community Market Days, 1050 East Ave., Rochester: 4 to 7 p.m. Aug. 28.
∎ CountryMax, 4160 Veterans Memorial Dr, Batavia: 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 29.
∎ 24th Annual Operation Patriot Ride & Concert, 50 Beach Ave., Rochester: Noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 7.
∎ 20 Deep Winery, 187 Mendon Ionia Road, Mendon: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 8.
∎ The Local On The Lake, 4135 Lake Road, Williamson: Noon to 7 p.m. Sept. 15.
∎ Blue Toad Hard Cider, 900 Jefferson Road Building 9, Henrietta: 4 to 9 p.m. Sept. 20.
∎ CountryMax, 4101 Lakeville Road, Geneseo: 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 25.
Tracy Schuhmacher covers Rochester’s food and drink scene. Notice something open or close in your neighborhood? Send tips to tracys@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Cousins Maine Lobster food truck drawing big crowds in Rochester NY
