I was walking around the city one day and came across this restaurant called Smoked and Cracked. It didn’t look fancy at all, almost like a take out joint with a few tables to eat in. What caught my attention were the lobster traps in the window and the chalkboard menu stationed outside on the street with “lobster” written all over it. They seemed to specialize in all things lobster. The menu had lobster mac and cheese, steamed or boiled lobster, lobster chowder and lobster rolls. It was just after noon when I passed by so I was thinking lunch. Not being a fan of any condiments, I was disappointed to hear that the COLD lobster roll had mayonnaise. However, the server did point out that unlike other COLD lobster rolls where you have to look really hard to find the lobster within the mayonnaise, with this COLD roll, you had to look hard to find the mayonnaise within the lobster. He then said that their HOT lobster roll was nothing but lobster, butter and tarragon (no mayo). Being a fan of lobster, I went for the splurge and ordered the hot lobster roll. It was expensive at just over $20 and it is a real extravagance for a lunchtime sandwich, but it was damn good!!! For that price you could probably make a few yourself at home but if you’re lazy to steam and crack and do all the work and you love lobster, this one is great. I’m not sure what publication was involved, but supposedly “Smoked and Cracked” won the 2014 City of Toronto “Best Lobster Roll” award as well.


