Sawyer's

BroadHopper · 07-22-2013, 09:03 AM

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!

Bigstan · 07-22-2013, 09:50 AM

Quote:

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 · 07-22-2013, 10:58 AM

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 · 07-22-2013, 11:04 AM

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 · 07-22-2013, 11:13 AM

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 · 07-22-2013, 12:33 PM

lately fiddleheads has been 4.99 a pound

ghfromaltonbay · 07-22-2013, 12:39 PM

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 · 07-22-2013, 12:56 PM

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 · 07-22-2013, 12:56 PM

Interesting reading.

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

Heaven · 07-22-2013, 04:44 PM

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 · 07-22-2013, 05:08 PM

Quote:

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 · 07-23-2013, 01:45 PM

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 · 07-23-2013, 08:31 PM

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

Shreddy · 07-24-2013, 08:25 AM

Quote:

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 · 07-24-2013, 10:03 AM

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 · 07-26-2013, 01:26 PM

Quote:

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 · 07-26-2013, 06:54 PM

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.

SAMIAM · 07-27-2013, 09:38 AM

Quote:

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 · 07-27-2013, 05:33 PM

Quote:

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 · 07-27-2013, 05:45 PM

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.)

07-22-2013, 09:03 AM	#1
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,589 Thanks: 3,230 Thanked 1,107 Times in 797 Posts	Sawyer's 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! __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

07-22-2013, 11:13 AM	#5
jetskier Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North Reading, MA and South Down Shores Posts: 851 Thanks: 57 Thanked 183 Times in 114 Posts	Agreed 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

07-22-2013, 12:33 PM	#6
riverat Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Alton, NH Posts: 722 Thanks: 337 Thanked 280 Times in 123 Posts	lately fiddleheads has been 4.99 a pound __________________ Waking up in the morning is the greatest, everything after that is a bonus

07-22-2013, 12:39 PM	#7
ghfromaltonbay Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Clifton, NJ, Alton Bay Posts: 829 Thanks: 255 Thanked 225 Times in 131 Posts	$5.99 in NJ 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!

07-22-2013, 12:56 PM	#8
Just Sold Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Suncook, NH, but at The Lake at Heart Posts: 2,615 Thanks: 1,083 Thanked 434 Times in 210 Posts	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. __________________ Just Sold At the lake the stress of daily life just melts away. Pro Re Nata

07-22-2013, 10:58 AM	#3
RailroadJoe Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 620 Thanks: 259 Thanked 158 Times in 100 Posts	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.

07-22-2013, 11:04 AM	#4
codeman671 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 3,509 Thanks: 221 Thanked 818 Times in 491 Posts	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.

07-22-2013, 04:44 PM	#10
Heaven Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 523 Thanks: 128 Thanked 95 Times in 67 Posts	So the question is, how do we know where to buy boat lobsters instead of pounded lobsters? I'd go out of my way....

The Following User Says Thank You to Happy Gourmand For This Useful Post:
trfour (07-22-2013)

07-23-2013, 01:45 PM	#12
Dave M Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 395 Thanks: 4 Thanked 26 Times in 24 Posts	Jo Joe's Lobster Roll 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

07-23-2013, 08:31 PM	#13
RANGER CANOE CO Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Squam Posts: 52 Thanks: 25 Thanked 15 Times in 12 Posts	Hi, where's Jo Joe's ? Thanks..... __________________ rangercanoe.com On Squam lake

The Following User Says Thank You to Shreddy For This Useful Post:
RANGER CANOE CO (07-30-2013)

07-24-2013, 10:03 AM	#15
magicrobotmonkey Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 160 Thanks: 42 Thanked 44 Times in 31 Posts	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!

07-26-2013, 06:54 PM	#17
ChocolateGypsy Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: on the road again...! Posts: 74 Thanks: 32 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	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. __________________ ************************* Just droppin' in for a bite. Last edited by ChocolateGypsy; 07-26-2013 at 06:59 PM. Reason: add comment

The Following User Says Thank You to SAMIAM For This Useful Post:
Pontoon Goon (07-27-2013)

07-27-2013, 05:45 PM	#20
ChocolateGypsy Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: on the road again...! Posts: 74 Thanks: 32 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	Off topic -- looking for lobster salad dressing recipe 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.) __________________ ************************* Just droppin' in for a bite.