If there’s one thing that Long Island does right, it’s seafood. Growing up on the salty south shore, I’ve been spoiled with delicacies from the sea. Before trekking back to my cold upstate New York university for the winter, I had the opportunity to indulge in the renowned Long Island Maritime Museum’s (LIMM) annual Seafood Festival held on Suffolk County Park grounds in West Sayville.
Held in August each summer, the festival has grown immensely since its small beginnings. There are so many vendors there to explore, each with their own unique flair. Whether you’re a seafood connoisseur or just sampling, there’s something for everyone.
I decided to stick to my familiar favorite and purchased a lobster roll from Claws, located on Main Street in Sayville, and is in my opinion, home to one of the best lobster rolls on the island. Originally $25, the booth had a special price for the festival, a more manageable $19. It was prepared with delicious lobster salad sitting atop a bed of lettuce, all on a buttery and crispy roll. Each bite provides a perfect ratio of lobster to bun, and I can’t go a summer without enjoying at least one of these beauties.
Already stuffed from the massive lobster roll, I still managed to find room for some fresh oysters, Blue Island Oyster Company, which did not disappoint. Plenty of different sauces were available to accompany, from tartar to cocktail, also offered for a discounted price at the festival.
Nothing can beat a giant pretzel, and the ones here was absolutely massive. The nice woman at the Knot Pretzel booth ensured mine was extra salty, which was definitely a good idea. There weren’t too many different sauces for this bready treat, but they did have a fine mustard that paired quite well.
It was a hot day for this outdoor event, but thankfully there were many beverage vendors as well. For those who are of age to consume alcohol, a variety of different Long Island breweries were in attendance, such as, BluePoint Brewery, as well as some more popular branded drinks available for sale. For those under 21, an old-fashioned soda was on hand too, available for purchase in a commemorative mug that was refillable all day for a flat cost. I’ve never seen a soda bus before, but it was definitely something I’d like to see again.
Gypsy, a Fleetwood Mac cover band, was on stage filling the festival with sweet sounds. Some patrons brought their own lawn chairs to sit back and enjoy the music.
Many gift items were also available for purchase. From jewelry to sunglasses to silly toys, they had it all!
The LIMM Seafood Festival quickly went from something I went to check out, to being something I want to do again next year. It was a wonderful way to spend my last day of summer on Long Island before returning back to college.
