Million-Dollar Mac ‘n’ Cheese
OK, not quite. But this is as far from a box of Kraft as it gets.
We’re talking mac ‘n’ cheese with lobster. Lots of lobster.
And it’s $59.
OK, did you pick yourself off the floor yet? Did you close your jaw back up? Pop your eyes back into their sockets?
This is the famous Port Clyde Lobster Mac & Cheese from the Hancock Gourmet Lobster Co. that’s already been touted in the pages of the New York Times; and O, the Oprah Magazine.
The company was founded in 2000 in Maine by Cal Hancock, whose grandmother founded a lobster restaurant in 1946 in Ogunquit, Maine, which still remains in the Hancock family. The company now offers a wide variety of gourmet lobster and seafood products.
I was fortunate enough to receive samples recently of the Lobster Mac & Cheese, an extremely decadent rendition of the classic comfort dish.
To say that it’s rich is like saying Lady Gaga is an eensy bit flashy. But then again, there is not only cheddar mixed into the shell pasta, but mascarpone. Plus, the topping of panko bread crumbs gets a good dose of herb butter, lemon zest and Parmesan.
One serving has 650 calories. Hey, it could be worse.
It comes in two sizes: A 2.5-pound casserole ($59) or a package of two (9-ounce each) containers ($33.95).
They are shipped frozen. Defrost them in the refrigerator the night before, then heat in the oven at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes for the individual servings or 35-40 minutes for the large size. Although the lobster mac comes in its own oven-safe container, I opted to transfer mine to a slightly larger casserole dish just so there was ample room for heat to circulate and create even more crispy bits (my fave part).
What impressed me right off was that every forkful had lobster in it. This isn’t one of those chintzy lobster dishes where you eat it and think, “Uh, what’s supposed to be in here again?” Oh no, with this, you are reminded with every luscious bite of this quite wonderful and deeply satisfying dish.
Yes, it’s definitely rich in the stomach and in the pocketbook.
I don’t know if I’d spring for $59 mac ‘n’ cheese for myself on a regular basis, but it would make a divine gift sure to dazzle the taste buds of any lucky recipient.
You can try it for yourself at 10 percent off by using the promo code, “FoodGal4,” that’s good through June 29.
Another Pricey But Excellent Treat: Ad Hoc Cake Mix
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Tuesday, 15. June 2010 5:29
Wow, that sounds spectacular. I’d love to try this (though I don’t know about the price tag). I think your right though, it would make a really cool hostess gift … so if anyone wants to buy me one, feel free
Tuesday, 15. June 2010 5:39
It looks incredibly good!
Cheers,
Rosa
Tuesday, 15. June 2010 7:57
Heavenly Housewife: I like the way you think!!
Tuesday, 15. June 2010 7:57
That looks incredibly good. It seems weird to say the price tag doesn’t seem that bad, but after spending $12 on a puny lobster tail last night from the grocery store I can fully understand it.
Tuesday, 15. June 2010 8:44
Sounds delicious! Something to keep in mind for a “special occasion” when I don’t feel like cooking…
Tuesday, 15. June 2010 9:01
This sounds really, really good. I don’t know about the price though..
Tuesday, 15. June 2010 9:24
Looks heavenly Carolyn! Thanks for sharing
Tuesday, 15. June 2010 9:38
I’m surprised it’s not over 1,000 calories per serving. I should try buying some lobster and making it myself.
Tuesday, 15. June 2010 11:56
Whoa. I wish someone would send ME a sample of that! Looks delicious. I wouldn’t spent $59 on it though.
Tuesday, 15. June 2010 12:08
So much deliciousness in one dish. This would make a fantastic gift, and boy would I love to receive it!
Tuesday, 15. June 2010 13:07
I’ve heard about this Lobster Mac and Cheese and it’s definitely expensive but if you really think about it, buying good lobster meat, then cooking it with good cheese, it’s not that much cheaper.
Tuesday, 15. June 2010 14:21
This sounds heavenly! I’m a little bit bummed that I don’t eat lobster.
Tuesday, 15. June 2010 14:26
wait. why is it so expensive? is there a fine sherry in there or something? i mean i know lobster is expensive but wow. living on cape cod i get kind of tired of lobster, i know you hate me for that. but then again, i can’t have wahoo fish taco in cali, so we’re even.
Tuesday, 15. June 2010 16:13
If you want delicious, sometimes you just gotta/wanna splurge; at least we get our money’s worth Such a heavenly match, lobster and mac-n-cheese! But until I score some good lobster, butternut squash and mac-n-cheese will have to do…
Tuesday, 15. June 2010 18:27
Sprinkle some gold dust on it to match the hefty price tag. Well, I was dreaming. Did the cheese ever overpower the lobster? Cheese on lobster is great but too much cheese…???
Tuesday, 15. June 2010 19:18
So kind, Carolyn… 10% off?! That brings the total to a grand $53.10 (but there’s probably tax and shipping!). It does sound heavenly, but I almost choked when I read that it was frozen. Total absurdity. I’m glad you liked it!
Tuesday, 15. June 2010 20:28
Happy National Lobster Day!! very timely post for today!!
Tuesday, 15. June 2010 20:39
TigerFish: Well, you don’t taste all the subtle qualities of the lobster. But the creamy, cheesy sauce definitely compliments the tender, sweet lobster flesh.
AFoodObsession: Who knew it was National Lobster Day! LOL I wish I could say I planned it that way, but it must have just been good karma.
Tuesday, 15. June 2010 23:46
Carolyn, is it wrong that while i was reading your intro all I kept doing was nodding in excitment? Mac and Cheese? Lobster? $59? I’d SO be there!
Wednesday, 16. June 2010 4:02
I think the cheese/fish corollary gets a pass here. We all know Lobster and butter go extremely well together, so I’m thinking a milder, high butterfat cheese would be very complementary.
But to freeze this whole concoction and reheat it means your getting “leftovers” quality from what probably was a great entree.
Last point- I think after paying $59, not including tax, shipping, handling (and your generous 10% discount)…it all comes in a takeout plastic casserole dish? I would think you could throw in a nice ceramic one as a keepsake, maybe printed on the sides with, “Can you believe I paid $59 for frozen lobster mac?”
Wednesday, 16. June 2010 7:45
Nigel: I like the way YOU think, too!!
I think they should throw in a T-shirt printed with the same slogan you suggested. That way, we could all walk around boasting of our exploits like some foodie cult.
Wednesday, 16. June 2010 7:50
I have to admit that the lobster mac and cheese sounds delicious, though I’d rather have the lobster plain with my mom’s home-made macaroni and cheese on the side. And I get all the crunchy parts!
Wednesday, 16. June 2010 8:44
Yowsa! What an incredible sounding meal, I’m not sure I’d be able to stand after this meal, but something tells me that I would not care. I love the sound of lobster. Just curious about the price. I know that lobster prices have plunged recently and wonder if that price reflects that.
Wednesday, 16. June 2010 8:45
This mac & cheese sounds amazing!
Wednesday, 16. June 2010 11:07
The $59 price tag doesn’t sound quite so bad now that I know every bite has some lobster in it. Definitely a splurge but might be nice for a special occasion!
Wednesday, 16. June 2010 12:02
Wow, I would looooove to try that!
Wednesday, 16. June 2010 13:09
Seriously? Lobster Mac and Cheese? Oh honey, where did you put that bonus check?…..
Wednesday, 16. June 2010 15:31
i won’t lie–i can find satisfaction in the blue box AND i still have $58 or so to use for something else.
Wednesday, 16. June 2010 19:35
My oh my! Pairing humble old mac and cheese with a fancy ingredient like lobster is simply a sensational idea. It looks like there’s a good amount of lobster in there too.
Thursday, 17. June 2010 14:20
dang foodgal, that discount makes makes it hard for me to pass this up… sounds delicous!