The Big E — where a New England staple combines with a starchy breakfast side dish and creates a mix of sweet and salty in one bite.
That was my first thought upon trying International Lobster House’s lobster tots. Surely, a combo like this only exists at places like the West Springfield fair and food trucks.
If you want to try it yourself, head to International Lobster House on West Road. You’ll see a big yellow sign hanging above a counter that reads “loaded tater tots.”
However, if lobster doesn’t suit your tastebuds, you can get a paper food tray of tots topped with pulled pork, bacon and cheese — or even something called “Jackalope Sausage.”
But this article is reviewing the tots topped with buttery lobster. So here were my takeaways when trying it.
Trying the lobster tots:
The food establishment doesn’t open until 11 a.m. If you’re a hungry fairgoer who arrives early, you’ll have to wait a bit before being able to hop in line.
And if you do, your wallet will take the biggest hit as it costs $25.
I am fully aware that lobster tends to run on the expensive side, but this pricing was egregious.
Comparatively, Cousins Maine Lobster, a food truck often in Springfield, sells lobster rolls for $24 and lobster tots for $20. And the tots come with far more toppings.
I would have been more understanding had the food at the International Lobster House come with more than 10 measly pieces of lobster.
That being said, the food itself wasn’t bad. I don’t know if I would call it excellent, but I kept eating it after my first initial bite.
Would I get it again? Probably not.
You get a bed of lukewarm, salty tater tots with sweet, briny lobster chunks. Could the lobster have been steaming hot and drenched in more butter to up their score? Sure. But this is The Big E, and you probably shouldn’t expect a gourmet meal.
Overall, the lobster was fine. Plus, the combination of potato and lobster was not that different than the taste of a lobster roll.
But personally, I think I would have liked this more had I gotten it topped with pulled pork or cheese.
The lobster tots earn a 7 out of 10 for taste. As for price and quantity of food, I’d give it a 3.5 out of 10.
If you have the money to spend, give it a try. If you want lobster, I would suggest trying a lobster roll instead.
For all food options on fairgrounds and where to find it, click here.
