It’s been less than a year since the inaugural West Coast Lobster Rumble and my how things have changed! This time, I had my fancy camera, so the pictures will be a bit better, even with the “eh” lighting. Ready for the tour?
First of all, it was so much more popular that the parking lots were full and it took about 45 minutes to enter the event itself. Definitely a minus, but it’s L.A, so we’re used to hunting for parking. Also, the ticket itself jumped up in price, so minus 2.
It was held in the same space, but the layout was more “squished” and that led to lots of smushed lines. And I hate to mention that the lines were pretty endless, even for desserts. My event partner and I had to split up just to be able to try all of them. Otherwise, we would have needed another 2 hours to stand in lines together!
The good news is that not only were there amazing lobster rolls from local favorites, but there were contenders from other places like Austin, Vegas, Portland, and Chicago. Also, they kept the delicious dessert places, but more on that later!
Now, to the food!
I really like that they had some fresh veggies and salads for the sides. After all of the buttered bread and rich lobster, it was definitely a good choice.
Now, for all of the lobster rolls!
One of the only places that decided to up the spice factor. Nice!
One of the prettiest ones, in my opinion. Also, they’re located so close to me!
This one was more of a lobster salad than lobster pieces, but that made it easy to eat!
This one was great, and I loved the pickles on the side!
They ran out, so I guess I’ll have to try them another time. 🙁
The Maine Event
I had to try the spicy one, but it was completely doable. It was unique that they served it atop a split top roll. Yum!
Wow, this Chicago restaurant really delivered!
My favorite from last year, this time they made them bite size! Perfect for the end of my night when I was starting to get overwhelmed!
Another local favorite on an amazing brioche!
The lobster roll from The Lobster was absolutely stuffed! Yum!
Totally unique idea with the lobster bisque topping, and it was great!
Last year’s winner understandably had a huge line, and the simple preparation showed off their famous fresh lobster.
This was my personal favorite of the night, so I voted for them. 🙂
Top load brioche bun toasted with lobster butter. Maine lobster mixed ww/ chive and Gochujang aioli. Garnished with bonito flake.
And then it was time to vote! I love the display they had this year instead of the boxes they had on each table last year.
While we waited for the votes to be tallied up, we hit the desserts!
The strawberry was surprisingly my favorite because it was so different! All great though. 🙂
Here’s a closer look! The only reason I got a taste of each one was because we decided to stand in the desserts line first. Otherwise, I found out that there were lots of people who didn’t get a taste. Lucky me!
I made the mistake of not grabbing a couple of desserts earlier in the night because I only had the chance to try out the brookie and the ube purplie. Too bad because those two were amazing, and I loved their desserts last time!
By the end of the night, we were stuffed and were happy to find out the winner of the rumble… Cousin’s Maine Lobster! That’s two in a row, so we’ll see if they can make it a three-peat next time. 🙂
Lobster Rumble 2014
Cooper Design Space
860 S. Los Angeles Street, 90014
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