Burnt Cove Boil
A full-on Maine lobster feast amidst the setting sun of Stonington’s working waterfront.
Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end of Summer, and commencement of Autumn. There is a common mis-assumption that the state of Maine “shuts down” after Labor Day. While it is true that a number of restaurants and businesses do take a seasonal hiatus, I like to think of Labor Day as ushering in a “different” Maine, where warm days filled with schooner cruises lobster bakes on the beach are replaced with apple orchard adventures, harvest festivals, and, of course, peak oyster season.
I also tell folks looking to visit Maine that they should begin planning their next summer’s reservations now to avoid any disappointment, as rentals, AirBNB’s, and coveted restaurants fill up faster than expected with Maine’s exponentially growing popularity.
When I make the calendar switch from August to September, I typically spend some time fondly reminiscing over some of my summer memories—the majority of which, of course, involve food. This summer, I had the opportunity to retreat several times to Deer Isle, a gorgeous Maine island encompassing the towns of Deer Isle and Stonington. I had so many wonderful aquaculture and food experiences on Deer Isle this year, and I am excited to share some of my memories here.
One of the summer highlights that absolutely astounded me was a full-on Maine seafood feast at Burnt Cove Boil, an oceanfront dining experience on the grounds of Fifield Lobster Company, a family-owned lobstering business dating back to the 1940s. Admittedly, I stumbled across Burnt Cove Boil accidentally—I was looking to purchase oysters from Long Cove Sea Farm, and saw that they were being featured on the menu at Burnt Cove Boil. Long overdue for a lobster dinner, I figured I would at least investigate. Maine lobster “experiences” typically fall into two categories . . . overpriced and underwhelming tourist traps, or unassuming but utterly breathtaking dinner adventures. Burnt Cove Boil falls into the latter category, and may, in fact, set a whole new standard.
Jake McCarty, the mastermind behind Burnt Cove Boil, is an absolute gem of a host. As a service industry professional, I feel like it is necessary to recognize and celebrate industry colleagues who do an exceptional job in their pursuits, and Jake deserves heaps of accolades.
Jake sources all of his seafood offerings straight from the working fishermen in the area. Diners are seated at unassuming picnic tables on the beach next to Jake’s home, where they are treated to a front row view of the working waterfront and stunning sunsets. Throughout the evening, Jake serves up delicious saltwater-steamed Lobster and Jonah Crabs accompanied by good old-fashioned rocks for cracking their shells (/getting out some pent-up work-week aggression). Probably my favorite part: Jake has partnered with oyster maven Abigail Burrows of Long Cove Sea Farm, who appears nightly to shuck her own oysters for guests. Abigail’s beautifully briny oysters are the perfect prelude to the crustacean feast.
Guests are encouraged to eat leisurely, sip on their BYOB beverages, and watch the sun dip into the calm waters of Burnt Cove, a picturesque haven of East Penobscot Bay, while the rays paint the sky brilliant shades of pink and orange. Admittedly, as the sun began to set, and Jake weaved his way amongst his diners handing out dessert, I thought “oh this is going to get pricey.” However, when I received our tab for two diners, I was absolutely stunned, as the lobster boil of a lifetime for two people was nearly the equivalent of a solo lobster dinner in Portland (without the intimate environment and without the exceptional service).
So as the sights and smells of Summer retreats into the crisp Autumn nights and winds of Winter, and you begin planning next Summer’s adventures, add Burnt Cove Boil to your list and be prepared to be dazzled.
