Local Celebrity

The dawn of a darkening October means one thing to Brian Colgate at the Santa Barbara Fish Market - the beginning of Lobster season in California. The California Spiny Lobster, the most sought-after lobster globally (more so than its infamous Maine cousin), is caught from Baja to Point conception - making the south coast the northernmost stretch at which the tasty bug is found.

“We’re in a very unique area to have them,” says Colgate of the world’s favorite lobster. Unlike Maine Lobsters, known for their two large and meaty claws, the local lobsters have smaller forearms, larger tails and a greater amount of edible meat in their legs.

For those of us eager to sample the world-renown crustacean, Colgate offers some expert tips for preparing California Spiny Lobster:

Cooking

“You don’t want to cook the heck out of it,” he advises seriously. “Better rare than overcooked. Cook just under a boil.” Cooking at a full boil renders out fat and the meat will lose its flavor.

Also, while boiling is the more traditional way to cook lobster, you will come out with a better texture with a two part process.