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If you've ever been to Pearl Oyster Bar, you might recognize Ed McFarland, who was the sous-chef there for six years. Ed has now struck out on his own with Ed's Lobster Bar, a spot for "New York seafood cuisine inspired by New England's long tradition."
We stopped in on opening night for a peek and found a crisp bright interior dominated by a long, white marble bar, with appropriate sea-themed artwork adorning the walls. The menu offers an assortment of raw bar and cooked options, but Ed doesn't stray far from the familiar. His hearty lobster roll is virtually identical to the one served at Pearl, with perhaps a touch more mayo, but it's now paired with thick fries rather than shoestrings and Ed's house-brined pickles, which add a spicy, tangy punch. We were a bit disappointed with our fried Ipswich clams, which were a tad sandy, but we'll be back to try some of the other offerings, especially those that reach beyond Ed's former repertoire, like the lobster pot pie, the house-smoked trout with roasted beets, and the potato galette with lobster, which sounds like a meal in itself despite being listed on the menu as a side.
Ed's Lobster Bar is currently open for dinner from Tuesday through Sunday, and for lunch on weekends. Weekday lunch is in the works. Starters range from $6-11, entrees from $16-20, and sides hover around $5. View the full dinner menu here.
Ed's Lobster Bar
222 Lafayette Street
212-343-3236
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Gothamist usually knows all when it comes to food in NY and I know you love Pearl Oyster Bar as much as we do. So you've probably just forgotten that Pearl's has served lobster pot pie, potato galettes and smoked fish salads on and off through the years. I know. I've been a regular, regular since they opened in 1997.
Ed is not serving anything that he didn't learn at Pearl. I went there the other night to wish him well but I couldn't. From its grey wainscoting to the style of its wine list to every single item on the menu (except the calamari), it is a clone of Pearl's. I mean a total rip off just like the Fish Camps; although also like Mary's, not nearly as good.
It's so funny to read food writer's comparisons between the food at Pearl's to that of the Fish Camps, and now Ed's. It tips their hand that they really don't know anything about the NYC food scene since the owners of both places just stole an entire menu from their former boss!
Which lobster roll is better? The joke's on them! They're all Rebecca's!