March 11, 2008

Commercial Spiny lobster season opens the first Wednesday in October and extends to the first Wednesday after the 15th of March.   The most plentiful catch occurs in the first 45 days of the season so prices are low and quality is at its peak.  So come in today!  Southern California lobstermen set traps marked by a colored bouy to mark the owner of the traps. The following day the traps are pulled and checked for lobster, re-baited and then re-set.

The California's commercial lobster industry has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years. Total commercial landings last season were 951,518 pounds, The seasonal lobster harvest has not reached the 900,000 pounds level since the record harvests of the early 1950s.

They may grow to twenty pounds, but most commonly are between one and five pounds. Spiny Lobster is the general name given to about four dozen species of clawless lobster. The California Spiny Lobster lacks the large claws of the Maine lobster. It more than makes up for that shortcoming by having a shell covered with sharp spines, large formidable looking antennae, and a powerful tail which can be used in defense or for rapid retreat.

Compared to the Maine lobster the spiny lobster is  coarser in texture, but the flavor is exceptionally sweet and delicious.

Spiny Lobsters are great because

1.) We buy them from local fisherman
2.) They are fresh, live local lobsters
3.) Our preparation method is tasty and delicious-split on the grill, with garlic and butter.
4.) Our guests lie in wait for the opening of the season!