Move over Maine lobster: Florida lobster is back — and dishes at Palm Beach restaurants are or will soon be reflecting that.
That’s because the recreational and commercial harvesting season in Florida began in late July and early August for the Sunshine State’s clawless spiny lobster.
The season continues through March.
Florida lobster tail with lobster stock-infused sauce and spaghetti at Acqua Cafe in Palm Beach.
Most restaurants on the island still feature cold-water Maine lobster most of the year — which includes both claws and tail — but Florida lobster has loyal fans.
A new dish at Acqua Café, 2875 S. Ocean Blvd., is gaining fans: spaghetti with Florida lobster-tail chunks and a rich lobster stock-infused sauce. Acqua is owned by the same family that owns Renato’s, Pizza al Fresco and Al Fresco restaurants.
Chef Pierangelo Badioli spends hours making a lobster stock to prepare his Florida lobster dish.
Acqua Café’s executive chef is Pierangelo Badioli, a native of Bologna, Italy. When asked about Florida lobster, he said, “I love it. Acqua Café is so near the beach so if I can feature something from Florida’s waters, I want to do that.”
Badioli’s Florida lobster with spaghetti is a periodic special now priced at $45. To make it, he first spends hours making a lobster stock with lobster shells, aromatics and more.
When a guest orders the dish, it comes together with fresh spaghetti, Florida lobster chunks, fresh tomato, lobster stock, garlic, parsley, white wine and other ingredients. “So far, everyone has loved it,” Badioli said. “It’s a beautiful thing.”
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Acqua Café in Palm Beach now offers spaghetti with Florida lobster tail
Dining and Cooking