Holiday party season is quickly approaching and we all grow tired of eating the same old dips, crudite platters, cheese and cracker trays and finger sandwiches. Enter Quincy’s Original Lobster Rolls.
If you want to impress your guests, whether it be family and friends or business colleagues during a luncheon, Quincy’s will take your event from basic to instant classic with their impressive menu of New England-style soups, lobster rolls, sides and desserts.
The restaurant has been serving up a taste of Maine on the Main Line since early 2014. If you haven’t been yet, you are missing something pretty special. The star of the menu is the Classic Lobster Roll, which is piled high with tender lobster meat flown in from Maine, topped with a lemon-butter drizzle, a dash of seasoning and served on a lightly buttered and griddle-toasted split-top bun.
I tasted my way through the menu (big shout-out to the lobster bisque and the no-carb lobster boat!) and sat down with one of Quincy’s owners, Jeremy McCann, to get the inside scoop on how you can transform yourself from a party zero to a party hero with an event catered by Quincy’s.
PA Eats: Quincy’s Original Lobster Rolls offers a taste of New England to diners right here in Pennsylvania. What’s the secret to your authentic lobster rolls?
Jeremy McCann: Maine, Maine, Maine and KIS (Keep It Simple)! By this I mean that we always have, and always will, get our lobster directly from Maine. Our lobster provider buys live lobsters fresh off the day boats of Maine fishermen. Not from offshore trawlers, but from the small day boats whose 1- or 2-man crews work hard to support their families by sending their fresh catch to market as quickly as possible for the sweetest taste and fresh texture. Secondly, we “Keep It Simple!” With the recent popularity of lobster rolls, we hear about a new fancy lobster roll from a 5-Star chef on what seems like a daily basis. This isn’t fine French food we are preparing! We use the freshest ingredients, garnish simply, and make the rolls to order. If you stick to that, you will get a great tasting roll.
You offer a distinctive twist on the traditional roll with your Main Liner. What makes this particular roll reflective of the area?
People love lobster salad, in fact, that is the only kind of lobster roll some people know, so we wanted to make sure we had that as an option. We sell many more Classic rolls than Main Liners, but it is a nice option when you feel like mixing it up.
The weather has started to cool down, so let’s talk soup. What kinds of soups are on the menu and what gives them that special fresh from Maine taste?
I love our rolls, but, in all honesty, our soup is what I think really sets us apart. They are so fresh and delicious, people think we make them right in the store. We actually get them shipped overnight from Maine (just like most things in the store). Each small batch is hand-made in central Maine and is never frozen. The same family-owned and operated Maine business makes all of our natural, premium soups, bisques and chowders. We recently added chili, which is great for these Fall days.
Quincy’s offers off-premises catering. As the holiday season quickly approaches, what do you recommend for a party spread that will impress guests?
We have been getting some really great feedback from people recently who added Quincy’s lobster rolls to their dinner menu. Generally, it goes over very well for potlucks or cocktail parties. It really makes an impression with your guests and is quite different than the normal fare. We are just starting to get into corporate catering, but we think Quincy’s is a great option for a special office lunch or a way to impress your clients. The other thing that has been successful is the Wednesday family meal deal. You can get four lobster rolls, four beverages and a combination of four chips and coleslaw for only $50.
After indulging in lobster rolls and soup, what sweet treats do you suggest to complete the perfect New England-style party meal?
I am very happy you asked that. We recently partnered with a local bakery, Cakes and Candies by Maryellen, to offer an improved assortment of desserts. Previously, we had everything shipped in from Maine, but logistically it is tough for desserts to travel and stay as fresh as we would like. So, the local bakery provides us with the absolutely freshest most delicious Whoopie Pies (in classic and pumpkin flavors), as well as chocolate chip and shortbread lobster-shaped cookies. For those with a real sweet tooth, we offer the Cookie Sandwich; it is two cookies sandwiched between sinfully delicious butter cream.
Besides holiday parties, what other types of events can Quincy’s cater?
We are just starting to get into corporate catering and we think Quincy’s is a great option for a special office lunch or a way to impress your clients.
Ready to order for your next event? Contact the restaurant at (484) 328-3905 or visit www.quincysoriginal.com. Find Quincy’s Original Lobster Rolls at 414 W. Swedesford Road in Berwyn.
- Photo Credits: Nina Lea Photography
