It’s been fun spending more time in the Twin Cities during my extended visit home. Usually, when Brad and I return to the U.S. during the summer months, we have so little time to do anything outside of seeing as many friends and family members as possible. This can be an especially busy time because we travel between Minnesota and Colorado. Days and weeks fly quickly by and in what seems like an instant we are back on a plane to Tokyo. You may wonder why I feel the need to explore the place where I grew up. Let’s just say that now that I am an adult (gulp) my interests have changed and grown.
Last week, I was able to experience a piece of Minneapolis that I had only heard about through the grapevine. Apparently Minneapolis has gotten caught up in the food truck trend. I have to say that I was surprised when I received this news simply because the weather here makes for a seemingly short season. But as I found out last Thursday, the rumors are true. And it’s a sweet sweet thing for Twin City dwellers.
One food truck in particular, Smack Shack, has been given high praise for their lobster rolls. According to Bon Appétit, their lobster rolls are among the best in the country. Surprising, to say the least, coming from a land-locked state in the center of the U.S. This was something I just had to try for myself before I could believe this lofty claim.
As we reached the city block where the truck could be found on that particular day, the long line made it clear that I was not the only one who had heard about this place. The line moved relatively quickly, which was a relief. Their system worked well: one employee took orders outside the truck while the guys inside worked on putting everything together.
My mom and I both ordered the lobster roll, and my sister ordered the lobster salad with arugula (which was basically the lobster roll minus the bread served on greens). While I waited for my food, I snapped a few photos. A gentleman came up to me and seemed very concerned with whether I had eaten here before or if I was just taking photos. I assured him that I had ordered my food and was very excited to try it for the first time. While showing me what still remained of his lunch, he simply said, “It’s so delicious.” A good sign.
When they called our names, we picked up black cardboard boxes that were heavy with the rolls, kettle chips and a pickle. Yum.
The first bite I took was delicious. The bread was soft on the inside and perfectly buttery and toasted on the outside. The huge pieces of lobster were moist and plentiful. As I ate, I watched each person wait anxiously for their lunch. When their names were called, almost every individual seemed to have the same spirit found in children on Christmas morning. They clearly could not wait to have their first (or second, or third) bite of the famous lobster roll from the Smack Shack in Minneapolis, MN.
It’s a fun place to stop if you’re in the city, so please check them out if you get the chance!
