Congratulations to Ian Reid, The Lobster Trap Employee of the Month for March, 2015! An Asheville native, Ian is also an artist and describes his style as, “surreal pop art”. When we asked Ian what he liked about his job, his response was, “The best part about my job is the management and staff. I always enjoy coming to work because of the people I work with.”
Asheville, NC (March 3, 2015) – It was the summer of 2004, and Amy Beard had an idea. How about a restaurant in Asheville dedicated to serving fresh lobsters harvested by a high school pal and lobsterman? That’s how the concept for The Lobster Trap began, on the deck of The Lucky Catch on a breezy summer day in Portland, Maine.
It seemed simple enough at the time. Captain Tom pulled lobsters from his traps and put them on a plane bound for Asheville, NC. The restaurant opened its doors on Patton Avenue in March, 2005. People came, and came, and came. Ten years later, they still line up for the doors to open at The Lobster Trap.
A decade later, some things are the same. Captain Tom is still harvesting lobsters, and diners still devour them with delight. Chef Mike McCarty still works tirelessly to find just the right purveyors for the seafood The Lobster Trap serves, and Kim Murray runs the show with a smile on her face and boundless energy that she absorbs from her two young sons.
There are changes, too. Last year, the restaurant’s interior got a new look. This year, The Lobster Trap finalized its partnership with the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch Program as part of Kim, Amy and Mike’s ongoing commitment to bringing fresh, sustainable seafood to the Appalachian Mountains.
“People in Asheville care about what they eat, and we care about what is put on the plate,” said Kim Murray. “The relationship with the Seafood Watch Program expands our ability to do that in important ways.”
The Celebration
“We wouldn’t be where we are today without the support of our loyal customers,” Kim added. “So we hope they will join us Wednesday, March 11th through Saturday, March 15, as we celebrate.” Customers will receive a free glass of champagne. Chef Mike McCarty has created a special “Anniversary Platter” with The Lobster Trap’s signature shellfish (1 lobster, clams, shrimp & oysters) for only $46.
Over at Oyster House Brewing Company, owner Billy Klingel has created a special, limited edition Lobster Trap 10 Year Anniversary ale called the Bar Harbor Blue-Eyed Blonde. “It’s a yummy blueberry blonde ale that really compliments our menu,” Kim said. “Billy has taken his talent and passion from his garage to the bar at The Lobster Trap to his very own Oyster House Brew Pub in West Asheville.”
In honor of Billy and his talent for making outstanding beer, The Lobster Trap will have an Oyster House tap takeover on Sunday, March 15, with all Oyster House pints being offered for only $3.
What better way to celebrate a decade of fresh, flavorful seafood than with more of it, and great beer to match.
Summary of Events:
Wednesday, March 11-Saturday, March 14
Release of Oyster House Bar Harbor Blue-Eyed Blonde Ale
Free glass of champagne for The Lobster Trap’s customers
Special menu item: Anniversary Platter for only $46
Sunday, March 15
All Oyster House pints for $3
