Lobster Shacks: A Road-Trip Guide to New England’s Best Lobster Joints

Urban, who’s held various jobs in publishing for more than 30 years, specializes in all things travel related, from outdoor recreation to food. Urban explains in his new book (after Clam Shacks: The Ultimate Guide and Trip Planner to New England’s Most Fantastic Seafood Eateries), “[F]ew things characterize New England and its cuisine better than a fresh lobster.... And the best place to enjoy such seaside feasts is at a dine-in-the-rough lobster shack.” Urban, who lives in Old Saybrook, Conn., breaks down this informative guide by area and includes the best places to eat lobster in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Cape Cod, and various regions of Maine. Thoroughly researched, easy to navigate, and well organized, it takes the guesswork out of finding the perfect place to eat the coveted crustacean. Also included are histories of the restaurants and biographies of the colorful owners. Urban makes suggestions on what dishes to try at different locations and includes recipes for some distinctive dishes such as “Anthony’s Portuguese Fish Chowder” from Anthony’s Seafood in Middletown, R.I.; “Bayley’s Lobster Newburg” from Bayley’s Lobster Pound in Scarborough, Maine; and “Townsend’s Lobster Bisque” from Townsend Lobster and Seafood in Provincetown, Mass. (Aug.)