Last Bite: Lobster Doughnut at Fin
The creative mind of Executive Chef/Owner Mike Scarduzio of Fin in Dennis has done it again. Running into him a year ago last winter, he gave us a head’s up that he was working on crafting an “over-the-top doughnut”. Launched last year, the Lobster Doughnut has become so popular as a starter on Fin’s menu that he’s begun selling them at pop-up locations and at the restaurant, boxed and ready to go, on weekend mornings while he and his team prep for that night’s dinner service. One bite, and you’ll know why. These surprisingly light little orbs of decadence simply must be savored.
“It’s like lobster rolls on the Cape,” Mike explains. “We’re trying to incorporate them in a new fun way and catch people’s attention.” You’ll sit up and take notice as you sink your teeth into that first bite. Fresh Nantucket Sound lobster meat is mixed with a house-made mayonnaise and the zest of both lemons and limes. The combination is then piped into a traditional yeasted doughnut. “We proof them while we’re prepping for the day. Then, we fry them up and they’re good to go.” The bright flavors of citrus are featured once again with the Meyer lemon and brown butter glaze drizzled across the top of the doughnut. A sprinkling of finely chopped chives, and one final light dusting of Togarashi complete the dish. “The Togarashi adds a bit of a kick,” Mike points out. They’re listed as a starter, and the Lobster Doughnuts are properly sized not to quell your appetite but merely rouse the taste buds for more of Mike’s inspired creations.
On a recent visit to Fin, guests at the bar and a nearby table inquired about the Lobster Doughnut, clearly a bit hesitant to try the unusual pairing of lobster and doughnut. A few reassuring words from one (me) who has gone where many, many have gone (and enjoyed) before, and soon they were ordering and devouring Lobster Doughnuts for themselves.
But why the need to create an “over-the-top doughnut” in the first place? Mike’s Sous Chef Dave Neri was all too happy to explain, “Mike has an affinity for doughnuts. He was just wondering, ‘How do I get more doughnuts into my life?’” Mike laughs along, “Yeah, I wanted to get a doughnut on the menu, so I’d have them around me all day.” The Lobster Doughnuts are available outside of dinner service starting at 10:30am on Saturdays and Sundays. “We go until they run out,” Mike points out. Scarduzio may have these succulent delicacies around him all day, but get there early. They may not last long enough for the rest of us.
Fin
800 Main Street, Dennis
