I can think of no better way to celebrate the first day of the season then with a plate of fresh Lobster Newberg! Large chunks of fresh, Nova Scotia Lobster swimming in a creamy white (well, it turns orange or pink from the lobster) sauce and served warm over toast points. Yum!

JUMP TO RECIPE

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Lobster tray on the wharf awaiting loading

Getting Ready

It is always lobster season somewhere in Nova Scotia, year round, but today is the first day in my area on The North Shore.

For a map of the zones and when they are in season (please click here! (Map provided by novascotialobsters.com)

The Anticipation Begins

Last week the wharf began filling up with traps waiting to be loaded on the boats to be placed on Setting / Running Day, which, this year was April 26th.

Lobster Traps — Most of our fishermen / women use the newer vinyl covered metal traps, but a few still prefer the classic wooden style.

Most online maps (like the one linked above show May 1st as the first day for area 26a (the North Shore of Nova Scotia and South Shore of Prince Edward Island) but setting day can change each year depending on the weather, water temperature and amount of ice in the Northumberland Strait.

Since the water is warm enough the 2023 season started early. The early start allows the fishermen / fisherwomen to finish early and avoid going into July when the lobsters begin their reproductive and moulting stages.

Lobster Trap Setting Day

Around 4am the fishermen / fisherwomen begin loading their first load of traps onto their boats and prepare for setting / running day!

Lobter boats on Setting Day in Wallace NS

Lobter boats on Setting Day in Wallace NS (2)

The boats leave the wharf around 6am and head out of the harbour to their setting grounds.

Families and community members wake up early on setting day and line the shores of the harbour, providing moral support and wishing the fishermen/women a successful season.

Lobster Newburg Recipe

How to Make Fresh Nova Scotia Lobster Newburg!

Recipe by Susan SpicerCourse: LUNCH, DINNERDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Large chunks of fresh, Nova Scotia Lobster swimming in a creamy white (well, it turns orange or pink from the lobster) sauce and served warm over toast points.

Ingredients

65 ml (1/4 cup) Butter
30 ml (2 Tbsp) Flour
500 g (2 cups) Fresh (or frozen) Nova Scotia Lobster Meat – cut into bite sized chunks
Dash of Salt
Dash of Paprika
65 ml (1/4 cup) Dry Cooking Sherry, White Wine or Water
2 Egg Yolks, slightly beaten
375 ml (1 1/2 cups) Heavy Cream

Directions

In a heavy pot (or double boiler) Melt butter
Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute
Add lobster meat, salt, paprika and liquid (sherry, wine or water – depending on your preference)
Bring to a boil and simmer over low – med heat
In a small bowl, Whisk together egg yolks and cream
Gradually add to the lobster mixture
Cook over low to med heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened
Serve over toast points

Salad Recipes

Looking for some salads to complement your dinner? Check out our recent salad recipe posts:

How to Make Classic Potato Salad
This potato salad recipe can be dressed up or down, depending what you have on hand. It is great for a Sunday picnic or a fancy lobster dinner!
How to Make Down East Lobster Salad
Made with lobster meat, cabbage, noodles and an oil and vinegar dressing it is a wonderful crispy, tart addition to any summer meal.

Nova Scotia Lobster Trail

Would you like to try some other NS lobster dishes and possibly win some prizes along the way? Why not sample some lobster: rolls, poutine, fondue or tacos on the Nova Scotia Lobster Trail – click the link for details.

There are two Nova Scotia Lobster Trail stops along the North Shore:

The Nook & Cranny in Tatamagouche and

Gabrieau’s Bistro in Antigonish

Picture Gallery

Setting day is always beautiful to see. The boats sailing out of the harbour into the sunrise, watching them until they are mere specks on the horizon. Of course, the thought of a feed of fresh lobster in the next few days makes it all that much more exciting!