This Seafood Delivery Service’s Lobster Rolls are *So Much* Better Than Flowers for Valentine’s Day (and You Get Free Shipping!)

Being raised on the West Coast, lobster rolls were always these mythical treats that friends and family would wax poetic about, but I didn’t actually understand why they were so special until I moved here almost eight years ago. Everything about these storied sandwiches is a delight, from the sweet, tender lobster to the butter that coats the bread and gives your hands and face a deliciously slippery sheen.

I am lucky to live mere hours from the cold waters of Maine, but if you don’t have access like I do (or even if you do and you can’t make your way to your favorite seafood shack), allow me to introduce you to Lobster Anywhere. The wholesaler ships fresh New England lobsters, scallops, and shrimp across the US — think live lobsters, surf and turf dinner kits, frozen seafood, lobster rolls kits, and so much more. That means that even if you live in California, you can enjoy authentic New England lobster rolls. And Lobster Anywhere is actually cheaper than buying in person; there’s no middle man and no mark-up.

Bonus: As part of a special Valentine’s Day promotion, Lobster Anywhere is offering free shipping on their Lobster Tails Special right now through Feb. 14.

As you might have already guessed, Maine-caught lobsters are a particular specialty. They’re hand selected to ensure the highest quality, and you can choose between live or frozen lobsters and select small tails to large. Orders can be delivered within 24 hours to make certain the freshest lobster makes it to your door.

I ordered the Maine Fresh Catch Dinner for Two, which includes two lobster tails, scallops, large shrimp, and whoopie pies (yes, whoopie pies!). It was a lot of seafood for my family to eat at once, so I broke the ingredients into separate meals. I used the frozen scallops to make scallop fried rice, and it was the clear favorite dish of the evening. I turned the lobster and shrimp into a decadent pasta dish for my mother — another winner.

Next, I moved on to the Lobster Roll Kit, which comes with a generous two pounds of cooked lobster meat, along with rolls, delicious sea-salted butter, and a big package of saltwater taffy. My little family of three got to eat lobster rolls for dinner two days in a row, and just like at the Wellfleet dock, my hands and face smelled of butter in the best way. Lobster rolls are generally priced anywhere from $25 to $35 each, so at $188.95 for the pack, it’s actually less expensive per roll, and you get dessert!

I also tried clam chowder and lobster bisque — my job is tough sometimes — which arrived in double-wrapped frozen packs. I simply dropped the packages into boiling water and had restaurant-quality soup in minutes. The chowder was rich and creamy, the bisque was sweet with lobster meat and essences of sherry, and they even came with oyster crackers. They’re available in gallon sizes, too, which would be perfect for a large gathering.

Lobster Anywhere’s site is super informative and service oriented for even the most novice cooks. It includes detailed handling and care instructions, as well as a glossary of terms used in the seafood industry and an FAQ page with tips (and cute illustrations) on how to store, how to break down or butcher, and best practices when handling lobster. Delectable seafood and a culinary crash course? That’s a value you don’t get at even the most renowned restaurants. Even in Maine.

Shop Lobster Anywhere’s full menu here.