Review: Red Hook Lobster Pound (Lobster/Shrimp Rolls)

Food Truck Name: Red Hook Lobster Pound (aka "The Lobster Truck")
twitter name: @lobstertruckDC
website: http://www.redhooklobsterdc.com/

cost: (cash, debit or credit)
menu items:
lobster roll - $15
(mayo-based Maine-style & butter-drizzled Connecticut-style)
lobster roll meal - $18
(includes Cape Cod chips and Maine Root soda)
shrimp roll - $8
shrimp roll meal - $11
whoopie pies - $3.50
Maine Root soda - $2
Homemade lemonade - $2
Cape Cod chips - $2

wait time: depends on the line, but most of the wait is in placing your order and paying (it's a surprisingly speedy few minutes wait to get your food)
[I really like the efficiency of the Lobster Truck with its two window system, one window to order and pay and one window to get your food.  It speeds up the entire process and makes the line (and general area around the truck) more orderly than the usual chaos around other trucks.  Their chip system where you receive a numbered chip that corresponds with your order is brilliant and should be emulated because it reduces the mix-up of orders.]

"lobster roll"

I had previously gotten a lobster roll (and if you would indulge me with my metaphor) that was just like having a high school crush (these days it could easily be middle school or even elementry school, which either dates me as old or quaint).  It essentially is a thrill when you first get it, there's a hint of anticipation, but just like that it's quickly gone, leaving behind only faint memories, though they may be fond.  Don't get me wrong here, the lobster roll is spectacular, and like my past relationships, there were no regrets.  Still, in these times, the lobster roll can feel like a splurge, so I went with the cheaper shrimp roll today.

The shrimp roll (see above picture) is tasty in its own right, but sadly cannot compare to its "bigger brother".  The seasoning can be almost too aggressive since the shrimps used are smaller than the meatier clumps of lobster meat, but those who prefer their seafood not to taste like seafood, will enjoy the flavoring.  The ample amount of shrimp is piled high on the nicely buttered bun, but similar to the problem of the seasoning, the smaller shrimp do not stay on the bun like the lobster.  Those these comparisons may be unfair, they are sadly inevitable when you have tried both.

I also tried their whoopie pie (see below picture), which on their website states "from Maine", but when you buy it on the label it clearly states that the dessert was made in Stone Ridge, Virginia. (whoopsiespies.com, twitter: @whoopsiespies)  I'm torn about reviewing them since they are separate from the lobster truck, but here's my quick two cents.  The cookie was like eating a huge fluffy brownie with light, airy almost delicate cream that practically screams for milk.  I haven't had one from Maine, so I can't compare, but all in all, a pretty good dessert or something to give you an afternoon sugar rush.

"whoopie pie"

Final Verdict: If you are going to visit this model food truck only once, then get the lobster roll.  It's something that everyone should experience (just like "puppy love").  Then you'll have something to share when others talk about the lobster truck.  If you are looking for a more affordable lunch option to get more than once, then get the shrimp roll without trying the lobster roll.  Still, this is like telling someone visiting Paris not to visit the Eiffel Tower.  So, maybe we should all just run with the metaphor and "fall" for the Lobster Truck if just for this one time.