Sawyer's

[Meredith Resident]

We went to Sawyers last week for some lobster rolls. It was $17.99 for each lobster roll, and we later found out it didn't include fries. We went back to the counter and told the girls that we ordered the lobster roll, and they forgot to give us fries. To our surprise they indicated that their lobster rolls do NOT include fries any more, but we can buy them if we want. We declined, and make a comment that for $17.99 we should probably have fries included. Needless to say we won't be back. The new owner has shown his true colors.

[BroadHopper]

Back when the original owner, Jack ran the drive in, the place was to die for. Unfortunately the boys took over and they never thought of keeping up the quality. The new owners think they can survive on just the name.

There are other places that are far better for you to go. Have fun!

[benzguy]

Have only been a few times since the new owners took over. Everything seemed to be fine to us. I hope the quality stays the same and this treasured landmark stays for many years to come. There is always people in line.

[Bigstan]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

Back when the original owner, Jack ran the drive in, the place was to die for. Unfortunately the boys took over and they never thought of keeping up the quality. The new owners think they can survive on just the name.

There are other places that are far better for you to go. Have fun!

What year did the ownership change? I recall lobster rolls being $13 a year or two ago (also without fries). You are right that prices seem pretty steep now, the have become ice-cream only from here on in - it's no big deal to take the time to go to Pops or Johnsons instead.

[RailroadJoe]

Has anyone looked at the market price of clams and scallops lately? They exceed lobster by a big margin. I always go to Sawyers for my scallops and I bypass Pops on the way.

[codeman671]

Lobster rolls in general are a ripoff. All margin for the restaurants that serve them. $17.99 for a lobster roll? Why? We live in New England, where there are no lack of them.

The price of lobsters off the boat in general this year is quite low. There is no need to charge that much, other than to rob tourists that want the traditional New England meal. Last year a lot of the boats weren't even going out as the price was so low, but the restaurants didn't adjust accordingly in order to help out the industry. Had they not been so greedy they could have lowered pricing a bit, probably enticed a lot of customers to buy as many wont pay the high prices, and helped out the commercial industry. Make it up in volume.

We had a lobster feast over the 4th week for a bunch of people. Shaws wanted $10 per lb! We ended up paying in the $5's elsewhere.

[jetskier]

We went to the Weathervane on Saturday and paid $12.99 for a lobster with 2 sides. There was clearly more than a lobster roll worth of lobster meat per lobster and we got 2 sides at 72% of the price of a lobster roll at Sawyers. We were pleased.

I keep getting told how expensive lobster meat is on this forum. Yet the price of lobsters is quite low. So, I am not generally ordering dishes with "lobster meat" and am opting for an actual lobster. It seems inane to pay mostly for the lobster meat to be removed from the shell as opposed to the lobster.

We are having some friends come up from Florida in August and the plan is to buy lobsters from Market Basket. They always have great prices and they will cook them for you.

Jetskier

[riverat]

lately fiddleheads has been 4.99 a pound

[ghfromaltonbay]

At our Shop-Rite here in NJ lobsters have been $5.99/lb. for the past few weeks. I have them steam mine and head straight home for dinner!

[Just Sold]

Hannafords in Gilford was $5.99/lb for the 1.25 pounders and $7.99 for selects (1.5 pounds and up) yesterday. These were soft shell lobsters. I did spring for 2 1.75 pounders and they steamed them for us. We had a great dinner back at camp. Worth the $ as far as I was concerned given the convenience.

[codeman671]

Interesting reading.

http://www.workingwaterfront.com/art...hurting/13214/

[Heaven]

So the question is, how do we know where to buy boat lobsters instead of pounded lobsters? I'd go out of my way....

[Happy Gourmand]

Originally Posted by Heaven

So the question is, how do we know where to buy boat lobsters instead of pounded lobsters? I'd go out of my way....

We get ours at the Lobster Connection in Belmont at Mosquito bridge. Always excellent and tasty. I don't know if they come from the "pounds" or not, but i've been there when he was getting a delivery. I opt for hard shell whenever they are available...claws and knuckles all packed tight with meat, I think it's worth the difference.
I've also found him to be competitive with whichever chain store is running a special. And the place is always busy, I think that can be a good sign.

[Dave M]

Wife had Lobster Roll from Jo Joe's. It was packed with chunks of Lobster.
She said it was great. Cost was $12.99.


Dave M

[RANGER CANOE CO]

Hi, where's Jo Joe's ?
Thanks.....

[Shreddy]

Originally Posted by RANGER CANOE CO

Hi, where's Jo Joe's ?
Thanks.....

Moultonboro Neck Road. On the way to Trexler's Marina it's on the right a few miles down.

[magicrobotmonkey]

The saturday morning farmers market in downtown laconia has a stall with a family that owns a boat out of portsmouth selling lobsters right off of it. They are cheap, but you have to get there early because they sell out quick!

[Heaven]

Originally Posted by magicrobotmonkey

The saturday morning farmers market in downtown laconia has a stall with a family that owns a boat out of portsmouth selling lobsters right off of it. They are cheap, but you have to get there early because they sell out quick!

Seems like everyone is selling lobsters for 3.99 tomorrow morning, I just don't want to be buying lobsters that have been sitting around in a pound tank for a month. . . . where do I get off the boat lobsters?

[ChocolateGypsy]

Bought six, live, softshell lobsters for about $40, cooked them, immediately plunged them into ice water, cleaned & picked the meat... made 5 hot dog bun-size lobster rolls... Approximate cost of each FRESH lobster roll = less than $9.

Then I made lobster stew with the remaining bits and pieces.

fwiw, I believe the 3.99 ones are going to be softshells -- they don't last too long in those tanks because they are too delicate.

[Red apple]

Had another great meal at Sawyers tonight!

[SAMIAM]

Originally Posted by ChocolateGypsy

Bought six, live, softshell lobsters for about $40, cooked them, immediately plunged them into ice water, cleaned & picked the meat... made 5 hot dog bun-size lobster rolls... Approximate cost of each FRESH lobster roll = less than $9.

Then I made lobster stew with the remaining bits and pieces.

fwiw, I believe the 3.99 ones are going to be softshells -- they don't last too long in those tanks because they are too delicate.

CG,Done the same thing myself......enjoyable, fun and tastes better when you make them yourself.Just want point out that a restaurant serving that same lobster roll,in addition to the cost of the product,would have to pay someone $12-$16 per hour to do what you did in your home.Add insurance,morgages,utilities,other overhead and taxes and you can understand why most restaurants charge from $13-$20.
Not criticizing at all,Chocolate Gypsy.......like your post...especially the part about the lobster stew.Just wanted to point out how much more it costs in a restaurant.

[ChocolateGypsy]

Originally Posted by SAMIAM

Not criticizing at all,Chocolate Gypsy.......like your post...especially the part about the lobster stew.Just wanted to point out how much more it costs in a restaurant.

I agree... I just can't find the "thank" button on my screen for some reason.
For what it's worth, I've seen "fresh picked" lobster rolls sold at fine dining restaurants for over $21.

[ChocolateGypsy]

I don't mean to hijack the thread, but since we're on the topic of lobster, maybe someone could help me find (or figure out) a recipe for lime dressing...

Many years ago I had a lobster salad SALAD (i.e. in a bowl w/ lots of lettuce! ) in a restaurant in NYC. It was the chef's creation -- he used fresh lobster meat but it was the creamy lime dressing that made it perfect. I've been trying to reproduce it for years, but haven't been able to figure it out. It tasted very simple and it perfectly complemented the lobster flavor without overwhelming it but enhanced the salad as well. I think I'm missing something in the overall recipe (secret ingredient?)
Anyone have any ideas?

I don't remember the name of the restaurant, but it was in SoHo... if anyone might know it, by chance... been there? Ordered the salad? (yeah, i know, not much help there.)

[chachee52]

Back on the subject, I actually agree with the original posting. I have grown up going to Sawyers. Literally since I was about 6 months old I've been going, I am now 36.
Since the new owners I have noticed changes. I used to always get the ice cream soda.(at least since I can remember, don't think that I got them when I was 6 months) Best around, they always had the right mix of sauce, ice cream and soda. After the new owners took over I tried multiple times to order one and was told, "I'm not quite sure how to make one" or was given just tonic water and a very small scoop of ice cream.

I can't say much on the food. I've been a couple times and it was ok. Nothing to right home about, but then again, I never really ate there a lot before either, so i will stay out of the food debate.

[Bear Island South]

We bought 10 lobsters from Heaths yesterday at 5.99/lb soft shells 1 1/4 pounders, excellent!
We missed the truck, they were going for 3.49/lb

[SAMIAM]

Originally Posted by ChocolateGypsy

I don't mean to hijack the thread, but since we're on the topic of lobster, maybe someone could help me find (or figure out) a recipe for lime dressing...

Many years ago I had a lobster salad SALAD (i.e. in a bowl w/ lots of lettuce! ) in a restaurant in NYC. It was the chef's creation -- he used fresh lobster meat but it was the creamy lime dressing that made it perfect. I've been trying to reproduce it for years, but haven't been able to figure it out. It tasted very simple and it perfectly complemented the lobster flavor without overwhelming it but enhanced the salad as well. I think I'm missing something in the overall recipe (secret ingredient?)
Anyone have any ideas?

I don't remember the name of the restaurant, but it was in SoHo... if anyone might know it, by chance... been there? Ordered the salad? (yeah, i know, not much help there.)

Post it when you find out,CG......sounds yummy

[NoBozo]

Years ago I had dinner at the Gibson Inn in Apalachicola, FL. I had their "Grecian Shrimp" in casserole. It was excellent. When I got home to RI, I tried two or three times to duplicate it. Not even close.

So my wife say's..Why don't you call Florida and talk to the Chef. Maybe he will tell you how it's made..? Yeh right.

SO: I called Florida and and told them where I was from...and the story. The Chef got on the phone and sure enough..he told me how it was done, and a week later I did it. Bingo. NB

[RailroadJoe]

And all of tese remarks have to do with Sawyers?

[Jeanzb1]

We, too, are disappointed in Sawyer's this year. Have gone there for 35+ years, but the increase in price this season is simply a rip-off. Two SMALL dishes of ice cream (no cones and no jimmies) cost $8.20. Give me a break. That's ridiculous.
As for the lobster rolls, they are higher-priced than anywhere else around here. Again, ridiculous when the cost of lobster is so low in all the grocery stores. The Wise Owl in West Alton has an excellent lobster roll for $11.99.
Bye bye Sawyer's. You're your own worst enemy by raising the prices out of sight.

[Happy Gourmand]

Had a great lunch at Sawyer's a couple weeks ago. Everything was cooked perfectly. We didn't find the prices out of line with other places around the lake.
A very nice touch was the young folks they have roaming the dining room, offering to pick up your order and clean the table off when you're done. They didn't "hang" around fishing for a tip either.
We've never had a bad meal there, and, as usual, the place was packed. Even so, service was quick and efficient.

[trfour]

Originally Posted by The Phantom Gourmand

Had a great lunch at Sawyer's a couple weeks ago. Everything was cooked perfectly. We didn't find the prices out of line with other places around the lake.
A very nice touch was the young folks they have roaming the dining room, offering to pick up your order and clean the table off when you're done. They didn't "hang" around fishing for a tip either.
We've never had a bad meal there, and, as usual, the place was packed. Even so, service was quick and efficient.

I would just like to add that during my 14 years living here I never had anything but good things to say about Sawyer's. They always served excellent fresh foods and ice cream, I was never afraid to recommend them to Family and Friends and none of them ever had any disappointment as well. Some still talk to me by phone and rave about Sawyer's.
Terry

[Litch]

We at Sawyer’s thank you for your comments. We do value all comments both negative and positive! The negative helps us to improve and the positive always gives us a boost in an otherwise very demanding business.
We wish you had notified us of your displeasure as I am sure we would have remedied your problem on the spot. Again, thank you!

[upthesaukee]

Litch, thanks for responding and welcome to the forum.

Nice response.

[Meredith Resident]

Originally Posted by Litch

We at Sawyer’s thank you for your comments. We do value all comments both negative and positive! The negative helps us to improve and the positive always gives us a boost in an otherwise very demanding business.
We wish you had notified us of your displeasure as I am sure we would have remedied your problem on the spot. Again, thank you!

Dear Litch:

Thanks for responding. I did actually notify the girl that I was unhappy that no fries were included in our lobster roll, and she said I can buy them if I would like. I made a comment along the lines of, "for $17.99 I would think it would be included," but she didn't offer anything more at that point, so I declined and walked away. In fact I haven't been back since then. Can I ask why fries are not included with Lobster rolls anymore? Thanks.

[Just Sold]

We were at Sawyer's today and we found the food great. I had the mushroom swiss burger and Mrs. Just Sold had the grilled chicken with bacon, cheese with honey mustard with a side of cole slaw. I had the onion rings which were the best I have had in a long time. The restaurant was clean and the service was excellent.
So to the new owner and their staff welcome and keep up the good job.

[Billy Bob]

Originally Posted by Just Sold

We were at Sawyer's today and we found the food great. I had the mushroom swiss burger and Mrs. Just Sold had the grilled chicken with bacon, cheese with honey mustard with a side of cole slaw. I had the onion rings which were the best I have had in a long time. The restaurant was clean and the service was excellent.
So to the new owner and their staff welcome and keep up the good job.

Sounds great . How much longer do you expect to be with us eating that stuff ?

[RailroadJoe]

Billy Bob Is that post really necessary?

[SIKSUKR]

The food police has arrived.

[chipj29]

Originally Posted by Billy Bob

Sounds great . How much longer do you expect to be with us eating that stuff ?

How much longer do you expect to be with us posting this stuff?

[Shreddy]

I can certainly see how Billy Bob's comment can be taken in bad taste, but I think he meant it sarcastically. I thought it was funny and I don't think he was directing negativity at Just Sold but rather joking about the nutritional value of the meals chosen. Everyone's entitled to chose what they eat...but again, I think it was simply a sarcastic joke rather than a serious comment...maybe I'm wrong.

[ChocolateGypsy]

At the risk of sounding like I'm scolding...

Try to remember when criticizing prices at restaurants that a lot more goes into a restaurant meal than just the cost of ingredients. And those things keep increasing along with regulations.

What's really important is the customer's perception of quality and value.

I admit that Meredith Resident's lobster roll sounds a bit expensive not to come with fries when compared to what's generally considered the norm around here. But if the lobster had been taken from the tank, cooked, prepared and served on a small French baguette, on a paper lace-covered plate... while the customer was provided full service while seated on a shaded patio, on the waterfront... then I can see how $17.99 would not include fries. (I wouldn't be happy about it, but I've seen it.)

For what it's worth, the only people really cashing-in on the lobster glut are the commercial processing houses who are the primary customers of the industry. (It's that $24.00 can of frozen lobster meat at the grocery store that should be ridiculed and condemned.)

Furthermore, please take into consideration that the price of a live lobster is relative to its likelihood of dying in the tank. (Besides the factors of time, initial condition, and injury there's... well, they don't feed those things unless you count cannibalism as "feeding.")

[BroadHopper]

That is the basic philosophy of retailing. All consumers have they own conception of quality and how much they are willing to pay for it.

I like my lobster hard shelled chix size. I do like my meat soft yet slightly firm. Most people will consider it undercooked but that is how us true Englanders like it. I would pay top dollar to a restaurant who will serve it this way.

But most restaurants over cook the lobster to the point that the meat has a 'rubber' consistency, and they want top dollar for it. To me it is a bad value, and to most, 'to die for'.

To me there isn't really a good seafood restaurant in the area. If I want a good seafood meal, I will head North of Kennebunk for a good meal. It is worth the trip. Lobster rolls in the Lakes Region are not worth the money I want to spend. If I want a good lobster roll, I will make it myself, as you can see some of us do make our own. If I do want lobster roll at a restaurant I would go to McDonald's, they make a reasonable lobster roll at a decent price.

Oh, by the way, the last time I had decent fried clams in NH was at the Red Blazer in Concord. A very light batter, fast fried in fresh oil. The clams were like a watery consistency yet cooked. You can't taste the oil and the batter was very light. The tarter sauce was homemade and slight tangy.

To each his or her own.................

[ApS]

Originally Posted by The Phantom Gourmand

Had a great lunch at Sawyer's a couple weeks ago. Everything was cooked perfectly. We didn't find the prices out of line with other places around the lake.
A very nice touch was the young folks they have roaming the dining room, offering to pick up your order and clean the table off when you're done. They didn't "hang" around fishing for a tip either.
We've never had a bad meal there, and, as usual, the place was packed. Even so, service was quick and efficient.

Family members are friends of Sawyers' owners, and mentioned this thread to them. The owners said, "We hear of this from time to time".

Yesterday my family reported back, that Sawyers had an employee directing traffic!

[Smokienorm]

The new owner of Sawyers did extensive cleaning and remodeling, and updated the restaurant throughout. They have added digital menu boards and now take credit cards, which the prior owners did not. We have found the food to be better than ever, and they have had to expand the front of the place to be able to produce more ice cream to meet demand. Yes, some items are a little pricey, but we have always enjoyed ourselves there. For a while this past summer they were running a special fried oysters plate with fries and slaw for a ridiculously low price. We are only sorry that they did not stay open longer this past season.

[Bostonian]

Originally Posted by Smokienorm

The new owner of Sawyers did extensive cleaning and remodeling, and updated the restaurant throughout. They have added digital menu boards and now take credit cards, which the prior owners did not. We have found the food to be better than ever, and they have had to expand the front of the place to be able to produce more ice cream to meet demand. Yes, some items are a little pricey, but we have always enjoyed ourselves there. For a while this past summer they were running a special fried oysters plate with fries and slaw for a ridiculously low price. We are only sorry that they did not stay open longer this past season.

Each summer I make it a point to go there, and this summer, the ice cream was just plain rancid tasting. I haven't tried any of their food items, but my wife and I were just shocked at how terrible it was. Hopefully it was a bad batch or something, but I am willing to give it another shot next season.