PORTLAND, Maine: China is showing no signs of slowing its demand for American lobster this year despite disruption to the supply chain and international trade caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Chinese demand for the crustaceans grew dramatically during the 2010s in part because of the expansion of the country’s middle class. The lobsters are especially sought after in winter because they are a popular delicacy on Chinese New Year, which is Feb. 1 this year.
American exporters sent more than 13.2 million pounds (6 million kilograms) of lobster to China during the first 11 months of 2021. That was about 6 percent more than the same time period the previous year.
The pandemic has made the already difficult task of sending live seafood across the globe more challenging, but Maine lobster exporters are gearing up for a decent Chinese New Year, said Bill Bruns. The operations manager at The Lobster Co. in Arundel said shipments are complicated by the fact the company can’t send lobsters to Beijing because of COVID-19 restrictions — but they are able to send to other airports, such as Shenzhen.
“Chinese New Year is always a crapshoot the last couple years,” Bruns said. “But I’m prepared for it. I have the staff. Because otherwise it’s going to be a long spring.”
China buys lobsters from the US — where the industry is based mostly in Maine — and Canada, where the industry is situated in the Atlantic provinces. Exports from Canada were up even more than the US the first 11 months of 2021 compared to 2020, said John Sackton, an industry analyst and founder of SeafoodNews.com.
Signs point to a strong season for the industry, Sackton said. Consumption of seafood could also get a boost from the Beijing Winter Olympics, which are set to start a few days after Chinese New Year, he said.
“I’ve seen nothing that consumption of lobsters at Chinese New Year this year won’t exceed last year’s,” Sackton said.
The US lobster industry weathered similar challenges during the first year of the pandemic in 2020 and ultimately had a strong export season. The value of exports was down from the record year of 2018, but still well over $100 million.
High prices for lobsters have played a role in the value of this year’s exports. The price of a live 1.25-pound hard shell lobster was $11.25 per pound in New England this month, according to business publishing company Urner Barry. That was more than a third higher than January 2021.
To send lobsters to China, American and Canadian fishermen have to trap them in the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Bad weather has made that difficult for Maine fishermen this year, but harvesters are still having a decent winter on the water, said Kristan Porter, president of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association.
“When guys get out there, they are doing OK,” Porter said. “It takes someone hardier than me to fish the wintertime.”
Pandemic hasn’t slowed China’s love for US lobster
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Pandemic hasn’t slowed China’s love for US lobster
- American exporters sent more than 13.2 million pounds (6 million kilograms) of lobster to China during the first 11 months of 2021
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Enabah’ restaurant
There is a certain art to mastering hospitality and creating memories, which requires attention to detail and providing your guests with the perfect array of food to swoon over.
Enabah restaurant in Riyadh specializes in appetizer boxes of authentic Mediterranean food, making it an ideal choice for any type of gathering.
The boxes are offered in small, medium and large options with a variety of starters including grape leaves, stuffed cabbage, onions and kibbeh.
There are also classic and spicy grape leaves, the perfect savory dish. Often, grape leaves are a little too sour or acidic, prone to causing discomfort, but Enabah has perfected the balance of salty and tangy.
A particular attraction on the menu is cheddar jalapeno kibbeh and meat kibbeh, the national dish of Syria and Lebanon. Kibbeh is usually prepared as a combination of bulgur cracked wheat, onions, and minced meat which could be beef, goat, lamb or camel.
At Enabah they have their own twist with a vegetarian option. This is a cheddar jalapeno, which is crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.
Their stuffed cabbage is a mixture of beef, rice and spices — a perfect lighter option for those who do not prefer fried foods.
To get more bang for your buck, bigger boxes are recommended, as the smaller ones perhaps have too little food. For SR165 ($43), you can get the Large Mixed Box, with the option of four to eight appetizers.
You can cleanse your palette with one of Enabah’s fresh juices and creamy smoothies. The menu has lemon mint, pomegranate and orange juices, cocktail smoothies, and Awar Qalb, a mix of milk, strawberry, banana and mango.
Enabah is available to order through delivery applications including The Chefz and HungerStation.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Home Bakery’ in Riyadh
- For a sweeter breakfast, the restaurant offers a variety of French toasts, but you can’t go wrong with the creme brulee French toast
Located on Anas bin Malik road in the north of Riyadh, Home Bakery is one of the city’s most beloved breakfast spots with a constant crowd bustling through the bakery.
What started as a popular home-style bakery in the UAE has expanded to Saudi Arabia with 10 cafes open in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and most recently Riyadh.
Home Bakery offers an array of freshly baked goods, including breads, cookies, croissants, and cakes, and is also renowned for its breakfast selections.
We’ve visited this cafe multiple times and sampled various menu items. From desserts like the zaffron or pistachio cake to savory dishes such as eggs Benedict and avocado toast — we highly recommend trying it all.
For a sweeter breakfast, the restaurant offers a variety of French toasts, but you can’t go wrong with the creme brulee French toast. It might sound overly sweet, but it was well-balanced.
For drinks, we tried the Earl Grey tea, green tea, and a few of their coffee options, such as the cappuccino and latte. The coffee was quite standard, and other places in Riyadh offer stronger and more refined blends. We wouldn’t recommend the matcha, which came in a plastic cup that didn’t reflect the cafe’s aesthetic and tasted overwhelmingly of milk.
The tea service was exceptional. Instead of merely serving a mug of hot water and a tea bag like other restaurants, staff presented us with tea in a glass kettle, warmed over a candle, along with a tray of sweeteners. They also provided a tea timer, explaining that the steeping process takes five minutes for proper brewing.
Regarding the experience, the bakery is very elegant and offers a quiet atmosphere — perfect for work meetings, intimate family breakfasts, or simply enjoying a book over a cup of coffee.
In the winter, the restaurant expands to offer outdoor seating with a variety of sofas and chairs.
In Riyadh, one of the most common concerns is parking space, but the plaza offers free parking, underground parking, and valet service.
In terms of pricing, most items are standard; however, some customers might hesitate to pay SR30 ($8) for a single croissant or SR95 for a slice of tiramisu.
Aside from a few items, most prices are reasonable, ranging from SR10 for a cookie to SR78 for granola pancakes.
Festive season’s guide to dining in Saudi Arabia
- Roasts, sweets and music on the menu for brunch, lunch and dinner in Riyadh, Jeddah and AlUla
DUBAI: Celebrate with friends and family this festive season as hotels and bakeries in Saudi Arabia host special dining events and offerings on Christmas Day.
Riyadh’s Fairmont Ramla has four packages for its festive dinner, including the “Just the Roast” offering, which features a roast turkey with traditional stuffing for SR899 ($239).
Other turkey offerings with sides include the silver package with pomegranate or orange glaze for SR1,299; the gold package with the same glaze for SR1,499; and the diamond package for SR1,599.
Fairmont Hotel Riyadh has a festive brunch from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 365 Restaurant, offering a buffet complemented by live entertainment for SR320. The hotel is also offering a “Turkey to Go” takeaway package that serves six to eight for SR1,200 until Dec. 31.
Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh’s Obaya Lounge is offering a festive set menu on Christmas Day from 12 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. for SR380 per person.
Also, the hotel’s Cafe Boulud by Chef Daniel Boulud has a festive menu combining traditional French ingredients with a modern twist from 12:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Dec. 25 for SR600 per person.
Also in Riyadh, the Mandarin Oriental Al-Faisaliah is offering a festive lunch at La Brasserie from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 25 for SR245 per person.
Over in AlUla and Sass — the desert outpost of the fine-dining celebrity hotspot from Monaco — launched a new menu on Dec. 24. Diners can also enjoy a festive-themed saxophone performance on Dec. 25 and 26.
To end things on a sweet note, Rosewood Jeddah’s Soleil Cafe is offering festive treats for the season, including assorted cookies, German stollen, a traditional yule log and a Raffaello ball.
Where We Are Going Today: OH Japanese Pancake
- The pancakes are cooked right before your eyes, adding a sense of excitement and anticipation to the dining experience
OH offers a unique twist on traditional Japanese pancakes by incorporating macarons into their dishes, making it a standout spot for dessert lovers.
Located in the bustling Hittin district of Riyadh, this cake shop specializes in Japanese mini pancakes, which are both delicious and visually appealing.
At OH, you can indulge in two delightful flavors: matcha and chocolate. Each mini pancake is priced at SR18 ($4.80), which feels a bit steep for the size, but the quality justifies the expense.
The pancakes are soft yet have a satisfying crunch, creating a delightful texture that is hard to resist.
A highlight of the experience is the specialty matcha macaron, which is filled with a crispy chocolate filling that resembles a sponge cake.
While the flavors are enjoyable, the limited menu may leave some diners wanting more variety. During my visit, I found the service to be quick and friendly, enhancing the overall experience.
The preparation process is an intriguing spectacle. Watching the staff skillfully place the pancake batter into a wooden mold, stuff it with a macaron, and then add another pancake layer is a treat in itself.
The pancakes are cooked right before your eyes, adding a sense of excitement and anticipation to the dining experience.
Despite the shop occasionally being crowded, the staff remains attentive and welcoming. However, I do wonder how often I would return if the menu remains unchanged. While the food is good, a broader selection could elevate the experience.
OH is a charming destination for those looking to try something different. The combination of crunchy and soft textures, along with the unique concept, makes it worth a visit.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Attache’ in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter
- A must-try for the main course is the Japanese A5 wagyu sirloin, cooked to perfection with your choice of sauce. It pairs well with their signature hand-cut fries or mashed potato
If you are looking for a spot that blends culinary excellence with live music and an exceptional atmosphere, then look no further than Attache.
Situated in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, the music venue and restaurant is a venture by MDLBeast, the music company, which turned an old equestrian club into a modern fine-dining experience.
The menu at Attache is diverse, featuring a fusion of Mediterranean, European, and Middle Eastern influences. This global approach to cuisine allows diners to explore a variety of flavors, from fresh seafood and grilled meats to inventive vegetarian dishes.
For starters, there is the Thai king prawn gyoza, pan fried with a coriander sauce, and the Swiss comte souffle. This is twice-baked with a comte cheese sauce topped with chives, which gives you satisfying flavors that are not too overwhelming.
For lighter options, opt for the Greek tuna ceviche with a soy marinade, served right at your table, or the English goat cheese salad, with refreshing apple crisp, pecans and rocket leaves, in a date-molasses vinaigrette.
A must-try for the main course is the Japanese A5 wagyu sirloin, cooked to perfection with your choice of sauce. It pairs well with their signature hand-cut fries or mashed potato.
For more complex flavors, the Moroccan lamb tagine is cooked with a Ras El-Hanout spice blend alongside smoked almonds, prunes, pomegranate, and orange-infused couscous.
Whether you are a vegetarian or not, the porcini and portobello mushroom pithivier is an excellent dish featuring a crispy puff pastry stuffed with porcini and spinach, served with a cream sauce.
For a perfect pairing of cocktails, we recommend the multinational, which harmoniously blends non-alcoholic tanqueray, pomegranate and passionfruit with the tartness of Japanese lime.
Also try the Attache royal for a sweet refreshing bubbly drink crafted with homemade non-alcoholic yuzu liqueur that has elderflower notes.
With the festive winter season, you will probably want to enjoy the weather with outdoor seating under the stars.
End the night with a sweet treat, whether it is the signature Saudi coffee tiramisu or a lighter Egyptian mango pavlova, while listening to trendy new mixes directly from their DJ.
