Lobster eating. Everyone has a favorite spot to buy a lobster, knows a special place to eat it and a specific way to go about the task.

Instructions and trivia abound. Eat the green tomalley or scrape it off. Use a bib or no bib. Fancy seafood fork or not. How about a rolling pin to squeeze the meat from the legs? From place mats to wall signs, you’ll see many descriptions and pictorial displays to help you take apart your lobster. Every list to dismantle that I’ve seen always has you start at the claws; I expect someone out there must start with the tail! There is a lot of twisting and pulling. We all agreed it is a messy job, but someone has to do it. However you go about the job, eat lobster. Life is too short not to take part in the fun.

Interestingly, while working on this story, all the Mainers I talked to apologetically said that it’s been a while since they had one, most likely the last time they hosted an out-of-stater. Most visitors make a point of enjoying at least one during their stay. And seem to believe lobster is a summer staple for the folks of Maine.

One of my girls and I invited Aunt Martha along and headed to the Lobster Shack at Two Lights on Cape Elizabeth. Martha is a born and raised Mainer; therefore, she can open a lobster blindfolded. Well, not exactly, but I did need a refresher as some time had gone by since I had enjoyed a lobster in the shell, not in a roll. Digging in was definitely fun with good company and a gorgeous location.

My family has been to Two Lights frequently, but had never ventured through to the Lobster Shack; the roadside view of the parking area and the restaurant don’t give you a hint of the wonders on the other side. Walk through the parking area and up the steps. The building gives way to a spectacular open horizon of ocean. Cherry red picnic tables are set right along the water. The tables add to the ambiance, particularly as the weather can be unpredictable and fog may move in. A few highly coveted picnic tables have umbrellas.

Landscaping with flowers blooming in every hue abounds. The lilies are spectacular, deep red to bright yellow. One of the Lighthouses on Parade fiberglass art displays, “Coming Home: Bound for Port,” sits just waiting for you to take your pictures nearby.

The line is long, but moves along nicely. No one seems to mind. The chatter revolves around what to order, as the choices are many and all sound tasty. Check the board for your palate’s delight of choice: the boiled lobster dinner, your favorite boat or basket, or? Have someone in your party give you their order so they can watch for a seat to open. And leave room for dessert; offerings on our recent visit included apple cream turnovers, strawberry rhubarb pie and blueberry tarts, among many others.

Eating by lantern light

The clouds moved in quickly so, when our turn to order came, we opted to eat indoors. Sure enough, the rain poured down very soon thereafter. The inside is rustic with a nautical flavor. There are windows on three sides with the ocean spread before you. Wooden plank tables and floor. The ceiling décor ranges from Oakhurst glass milk bottles to tools, license plates, a wooden sled, washboard and lanterns. Many of the lanterns latter were lighted for added warm lighting.

I ordered the lobster dinner and had a wonderful time getting messy! My daughter had a chance to try her first lobster and loved the pieces dripping with butter. The coleslaw was perfect, not too sweet. The dinner is served with a real biscuit. I love strawberry rhubarb pie and this did not disappoint, although we ordered dessert with the meal and the whipped cream on the pie had melted by the time we were ready. We really should have gone back for the dessert. You can learn from us!

Eating lobster is still a treat for me; I remember the events that happened when we indulged in lobster and most especially the company I enjoyed at the time. A shared pleasure. Find someone to help you make a memory!

Getting there: The Lobster Shack is located at 225 Two Lights Road, on Cape Elizabeth, off Route 77. Follow signs to the Two Lights State Park, then bear left following Two Lights Road. For more information, call (207) 767-3755 or go to www.lobstershack-twolights.com/

Edith Churchill is a freelance writer living in Auburn who frequently takes day trips with her family.