Shaw's Fish and Lobster Wharf - They're Back!!!

UD and I vacationed on the Rocky Coast for about 25 year before we retired here.  We stayed in BBH each time, but always traveled around, exploring the area.  UD likes to drive somewhere we don't know, and sort of get lost.  One year we were here in late Fall, and we ventured out on a raw, unpleasant sort of day.  The perfect day to get lost.  Lo and behold, we came upon Shaw's Fish and Lobster Wharf in New Harbor, ME.  When we examined the menu, we both stopped short at the lobster chowder.  We thought it would be a wonderful way to warm up.  We expected a nice chowder, but what we got was heaven in a bowl.  The lobster was abundant, and the flavor could not be beat.  After that, we visited Shaw's every year and always looked forward to it.  Each time we got a bowl of lobster chowder, and sometimes added something fried and wonderful.  That is until about 2 years ago.  Now remember, this post is about the fact that they are back and going strong.  So don't worry.  The story has a happy ending.  So, we headed back, and were so very disappointed.  First, there were flies everywhere.  It was not a pleasant thing at all.  We ordered the lobster chowder, and it was bland and very lacking in lobster.  We thought, well, it must just be an off day.  We ordered some fried clams, and they were all clumped together and just not good at all.  We called it a day, and decided to return later in the summer.  Unfortunately we had another bad experience.  And again the next year.  We returned twice, only to be disappointed each time.  We were so disappointed.  It was such a nice trip there, through Darmariscotta and other quaint little towns.  And we always passed the most old fashioned and refreshing looking swimming hole in Bristol.  However, here is where I am happy to say, they are back and going strong!!!  We visited shortly after Memorial Day, and decided against ordering the lobster chowder.  Just in case.  I got the haddock with fries and a salad, and UD had the scallops with fries and coleslaw.  Both were terrific.  We were so relieved and happy.  Two days ago we went again, with the intention of getting the lobster chowder as the ultimate deciding factor.

Here is our return visit.

We walked in, and went up the stairs to the deck and the  picturesque views of New Harbor.  A very lovely grandmother was having a lot of fun with her grandsons.  They were laughing and having a wonderful time.  Everyone was.

We looked over the side of the deck and saw the men who probably supplied the lobster for the chowder we were about to order.  They were working very hard indeed.

This is where you order, and let me tell you, the menu is very extensive.  You can be bad and have fried everything, but they also offer broiled, baked and blackened options.

Here is UD with the menu.  Not so large you can't make up your mind, but large enough that everyone will find something they like.  Isn't UD the best model ever? 

And then came the chowder.  Nuff said?

Add the crackers and dig in!

We just got a cup of chowder each, so it seemed absolutely ridiculous not to get a little something more.  :)  So we decided to share a small onion ring and fried clams.  I think this picture says it all.  They were light and crispy, and no clumping whatsoever.

Thank you Shaw's Fish and Lobster Wharf.  We are so glad you are back, and we will be too.

Remember the swimming hole I mentioned?  We stopped on the way home.  These people were having a blast.  The young boy skimming the water here was having so much fun, and showing off for my camera a little too.  He was terrific.

He made a big splash with us!

A bientot!  See you soon.