Lobster, lobster and more lobster top the menu of a new, locally owned Durbin Park restaurant featuring the tasty North Atlantic crustacean and other fresh seafood.
The Boston Seafood Company, focusing on classic New England comfort food, recently opened at 120 Durbin Pavilion Drive, Suite D-101, in The Pavilion at Durbin Park retail center in Saint Johns.
“Our catch phrase is ‘From the sea to the table,'” restaurant owner M. Michael Taradash, president of Jacksonville-based Tara Foods of Florida LLC, told the Times-Union. “We’re bringing a piece of New England straight to Saint Johns. … We’re not just serving food, we’re sharing a tradition.”
The Boston Seafood Company takes over the space previously used by Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls in the retail center in northwest St. Johns County.
Taradash had been the franchise operator of Mason’s at the Durbin retail center, but the Boston Seafood Company is his original concept, he said. He emphasized that neither he nor the restaurant is affiliated with Annapolis, Maryland-based Mason’s.
“This is my creation, and we will be expanding the menu. My wife and I currently own 100% of the company,” said Taradash, a former New Englander who is a 25-year restaurant industry veteran.
Social media confusion cleared up
On Sept. 8, Mason’s announced on social media that it was closing the Durbin restaurant at the end of September — shutting its doors after only 10 months.
Mason’s other area locations at 4668 Town Crossing Drive, Unit 105, in St. Johns Town Center, and 708 Centre St. in Fernandina Beach, remain open.
Taradash said The Boston Seafood Company opened Sept. 24 with its own menu and recipes inspired by popular New England fare.
The ‘spirit of New England’ in a lobster roll
Lobster reigns supreme on the menu, highlighting The Boston Seafood Company’s promise: “We bring the spirit of New England seafood to Saint Johns.”
Also pledging to be the “go-to spot for fresh New England seafood classics,” the restaurant offers other fare as well. In addition, said Taradash, noting they’re planning to expand the menu.
“We have an opportunity to add bagels in the very near future, which will enhance this location and lead to other food offerings,” said Taradash, a Connecticut native who’s from a family of restaurateurs.
But lobster is the restaurant’s centerpiece.
The Boston Seafood Company features at least four varieties of New England lobster rolls plus a wrap, all made fresh daily.
Taradash said the lobster rolls are filled with 5.5 ounces of fresh lobster meat — either warmed in butter or as a mayonnaise-based salad — then served in a toasted split-top bun. The wrap is gluten-free whole wheat, according to the menu.
“This is 100 percent North Atlantic lobsters,” he said.
All Boston Seafood Company lobster rolls and the wrap are served with fries, coleslaw and a fountain drink, Taradash said.
Signature lobster rolls and wrap:
“Ultimate” versions of the New England Lobster Salad, Versailles and CT rolls have an additional 2 ounces of lobster meat and are available for an upcharge, he said.
Although there are no supply chain disruptions, the market price for lobsters fluctuates because of the “dock prices” of getting it in Maine, he said.
Right now, the dock prices — the price fishermen receive — for Maine lobsters are believed to be among the highest levels in five years, Taradash noted.
More lobster and seafood options, plus chicken, too
Entrees include Lobster Mac and Cheese as well as Lobster and Grits. Lobster Bisque and New England Clam Chowder lead off the soups offered.
The sliders selection features a choice of lobster, crab or shrimp. Garden salads are available with a choice of lobster, shrimp, or chicken. In addition, chicken sandwiches are offered, the menu shows.
“We also have a diver scallop roll. And a Cajun shrimp burger is coming,” he said.
The Boston Seafood Company joins established restaurants, including newly opened Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, Dirty Dough, Kinya Ramen, Mellow Mushroom, Keke’s Breakfast Cafe, Chicken Salad Chick, Salsas Cocina Mexicana, Jana Steakhouse and Firehouse Subs in the Durbin retail center.
The Boston Seafood Company, which has 33 seats, is open from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, according to its website.
Teresa Stepzinski is the dining reporter for the Times-Union. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @TeresaStepz or reach her via email at tstepzinski@jacksonville.com.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Lobster stars in rolls, bisque, grits, sliders, and more at new Durbin Park restaurant
Reporting by Teresa Stepzinski, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
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