If you are thinking of heading to Potts Point or Kings Cross for a feed, now is the best time. It’s refreshing to be able to walk up Waterman’s Lobster Co. without a booking and be offered a seat straight away. Waterman’s is located in a snug alley that has undergone a rejuvenation in recent years. The laneway is filled with a host of eateries, with a real cosmopolitan feel. At Waterman’s Lobster Co. you can go al fresco or snuggle inside and escape the elements. Dress up, or dress down, the choice is yours!
On a lazy Sunday afternoon, while all temptation to sneak in a ‘cheeky’ one is there I am conscious of a long week ahead. So as I scanned the drinks list for a refreshing drink, the description of the ‘mocktail’ menu captured my attention and I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed! My drink of choice (as a newly inducted member of The Society of Sober Sailors) was the Coney Island Mule a refreshing concoction of cucumber, honey, ginger beer and muddled mint. It was a perfectly balanced mix of crispness and freshness, from the cucumber and mint, with the spicy flavours of the ginger beer and sweet honey. It was so delicious, it almost made me not miss that shot of vodka…almost…
Chalking up another notch as an inductee into the Society of Sober Sailors, I decide to also try the House Wattle Seed Cola. Up until 2 1/2 years ago, I was a Coca Cola fiend, but having gone cold turkey on the beverage, I am interested to see how more healthier, less processed, interpretations would stand up. It definitely is a world away from the soft drink I grew up with. I loved the fresh citrus flavours. It’s refreshing, yet not overly sweet. There are spicy notes, yet it’s zesty too. It’s a sophisticated beverage!
I love 1-page food menus! What it says to me is that the cooking team is focussed on its core competencies. There are five sections which include starters, sharing plates, rolls, salads and sides. Uncomplicated, I like it! We choose two shared plates, two of the signature lobster rolls and a fresh prawn po’ boy.
Prior to the main event at Waterman’s, we indulged in a Kingfish Tartare to delight our taste buds. A beautifully presented dish, the morsels of fresh Kingfish were housed in a bed of seaweed, chilli and radish with the citrus tang of lime and the distinct taste of coriander offsetting any heat in this dish. This was the taste of the ocean with every delicious mouthful!
Our second entree to share is the Mussels, Zucchini and Green Chilli Zucchini Flowers. These dainty little flowers pack a hidden punch. Take a bite through light and crispy battered zucchini flower and your taste buds experience rich cheesy flavours and hints of the mussel. Count 1,2 then 3 and boom!…on comes the heat. It’s amazing how the heat is initially masked and then comes on strong. Love little surprises like that in my food.
It really doesn’t get any more “Maine Style” than lobster sourced from Maine, does it? This is what we’ve come to Potts Point for and it really is the ‘Maine’ reason you should come too (sorry – couldn’t resist!). Waterman’s Lobster Co. might have a ton of delectable distractions, but if you leave here without trying the lobster rolls, then you should really re-think your foodie aspirations.
Of the two lobster roll choices, the Maine Style is, arguably, the crowd favourite. From the looks of it, the succulent lobster meat appears to include mostly claw and knuckle sections, which offer up a tender, juicy sweetness that co-mingles with the mayo and celery accents. The pillow soft roll, with a slight sweetness of its own, catches the precious lobster drippings and brings this simple, yet delicious, delicacy together. Consider yourself well warned though, these light and lovely lobster clouds will disappear from your plate in seconds and you’ll be ordering another round while you’re wiping the mayo from your chin. Oh, and you’d better add a side of fries. I’d come to this place just for the fries alone!
If the Maine Style is a crowd favourite, surely the Connecticut Style is the lobster connoisseur’s choice. There’s little to hide with this style. It’s lobster, bun and nothing else. OK, I lie…it’s drenched in butter! The lobster is firm, yet so sweet. The roll is soft and envelops the lobster. I doubt it would take much to scrunch the roll up into a ball, it’s that soft. If there’s a justification to fly in the lobster from the Atlantic, the Connecticut Style is the reason why!
If you like seafood but want to try something other than lobster, Waterman’s has a Fresh Prawn Po’ Boy sandwich on their menu. If, like me, you are wondering ‘what’s a Po’ Boy?’, it is a traditional submarine sandwich from Louisiana, with a meat or seafood filling. The bread is usually a baguette-like New Orleans French bread, known for its crisp crust and fluffy centre.
Unlike most Po’ Boys, Waterman’s Co. version is filled with actual large prawns, not tiny shrimps. In place of the traditional New Orleans French bread, Waterman’s uses a soft-pillowy brioche hot-dog bun. The use of prawns and brioche in the Waterman’s take of a Po’ Boy, elevates it from humble street fare to a restaurant/cafe quality dish.
The best thing to go with the Po’ Boy is a side of Old Bay (shoestring) fries seasoned with Old Bay seasoning. This is traditionally used to season seafood like crab and shrimp. But nowadays, it is not uncommon to find it dusted on popcorn, salads, egg, fried chicken, corn and potatoes. The seasoning gives the fries a spicy, fragrant edge, that keeps you wanting more.
Quite simply, when you think ‘King of Lobster Rolls’ in Sydney and perhaps Australia, then all roads lead to Waterman’s Lobster Co. Potts Point. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.
Essentials
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