The town of Kennebunk is located on the Southwest coast of Maine, about 90 miles north of Boston, Massachusetts and 25 miles south of Portland, Maine. It was originally an agricultural and shipbuilding settlement, but it evolved into a tourist attraction. It is also the home of numerous seafood establishments, some of which have waterfront locations.
The Clam Shack has served fried clams and other take-out seafood in the Kennebunkport area since the 1970s. It really is a walk-up shack with a national reputation. Its lobster rolls were featured on The Food Network show "Will Work for Food" in 2008 and the Travel Channel's "Food Wars" in 2010. Lobster rolls are chunks of lobster meat from the knuckles and claws on a split-top roll with mayonnaise and seasoning. The Clam Shack sells "The Maine Lobster Roll Kit," which features 1 lb. of fresh lobster meat, 3 oz. of Clam Shack mayonnaise, six traditional Maine rolls and a recipe card. The shack also sells live Maine lobsters. As of 2011 the rolls cost $17.
Alisson's Restaurant was the opponent for The Clam Shack on "Food Wars." Its lobster roll is on a hot dog bun with chopped lettuce and mayo. For the record, the food critics split on which one was best, but the host chose The Clam Shack. Alisson's serves lunch and dinner seven days a week year round, with features team trivia nights on Tuesdays and live music on Wednesdays. Lunchtime seafood dishes include New England clam chowder, Maine lobster bisque, steamed Maine lobster and steamed clams. Dinner seafood options include "A Fish Called Wanda" (broiled or fried haddock fillet), fried clams and spicy Buffalo Maine shrimp. Private dining options and gift cards are also available. As of 2011, dinner prices ranged from $13.95 to $21.95.
The Arundel Wharf Restaurant sits on a historic landmark site where ships were once repaired and fitted for voyages around the world. Lunch options include overstuffed Maine lobster roll, New England clam chowder, shrimp cocktail, lobster club sandwiches and Maine lobster stew. The dinner menu includes boiled or baked stuffed lobster and nightly lobster pasta special. It also features homemade desserts and a limited children's menu. Dinner menu prices are $15.25 and up.
