Lyman's, Celebrating Summer with Good Eats

Let’s face it, the tantalizing taste of fresh, sweet, savory lobster means summer in New England. Pair that with a sensational backdrop of rolling hills, family laughter, a beautiful sunset and you have the 3rd Annual Clambake at Lyman’s Orchards in Middlefield on Saturday, Aug. 13.

It was a fabulous night to enjoy good food, good friends and a good time. The crimson red lobster shells cracked gently beneath the sharp edged blade of stainless steel knifes as Lyman’s staff happily handed out pre-split lobster delicacies, transporting visitors into seafood heaven. The cooked to absolute perfection pound and a quarter and pound and a half Maine lobsters were accompanied by Rhode Island Clams and Prince Edward Island Mussels. Diners also chose from red potatoes, fresh yellow corn, creamy clam chowder, crisp salad and tasty coleslaw. Land lubbers enjoyed hamburgers, cheeseburgers and hotdogs. And for dessert; to die for strawberry rhubarb squares.

“This was a great time tonight,” said Andrea Piche of Rocky Hill who brought her friend Lisa Schoenwolff of Manchester to enjoy the traditional New England seafood bounty. “Everything was cooked just right and tasted great.”

Laughter abounded amongst th many picnic tables on the lawn of the 1,100 acre orchard. The DJ mixed popular tunes as visitors, most of whom were proudly adorned in their plastic lobster bibs, dug into their seafood feasts fit for royalty.

“We are big lobster fans,” said April and Chris Tiddei of Naugatuck. “This clambake is a perfect way to get together with family, have a great dinner outside and just enjoy ourselves.”

April added, “Everything was absolutely wonderful even the coleslaw, and I am a very picky coleslaw eater.”

All together 214 reservations were taken for the evening’s event and the weather was perfect, just like it has been for the past two years said George Jones, the food service manager for Lyman’s corporate events.

“All the feedback we heard all night has been very positive,” explained Jones. “I would encourage everyone to come to this event, every year. It has to be tried. It’s great and it won’t disappoint.”

Marc and Joyce Tiddei of Bethany agreed, “The lobster was great, it was cooked just right,” said Marc.

“I will definitely tell others not to miss it,” said Joyce. “The price is great, you get a lot of food and it was a perfect atmosphere.”

The Tiddei’s caught wind of the event on a recent visit to Lyman’s to pick fresh peaches.

“We will definitely be back next year to enjoy all this again,” added Joyce, “… and we will be sure to bring more friends and family with us.”

Lyman’s Peach Festival is the next event that will be held at the orchard on August 20th. For more information, go to www.lymanorchards.com.