You don't need to drive to the coast to enjoy the best the ocean has to offer. You can buy live lobster right in Orlando and steam it up at home for a sumptuous garden party feast.
Lobster is at once a simple and spectacular feast. With the right tools, a classic lobster steam is remarkably easy to set up and clean up, making it the perfect casual Orlando party. We have all the supplies necessary to please a crowd, from table linens inspired by classic newsprint and summery serving pieces to all the fun accessories like picks, warmers, crackers and bibs. They are all the decoration you need to accompany the vibrant colors, textures and tastes of lobster, steamers and side dishes. Pottery Barn Style Expert Brian Andriola shows you how to put on a lobster steam right in your backyard for a party that will have Orlando talking for summers to come.
With different serving bowls for drawn butter and cracked shells, plus separate serving pieces for side dishes and condiments, this is an event that requires an ample outdoor table where lots of friends can gather — and plenty of plates can be passed. Try to place each guest at a table big enough to hold a little of everything, and still seat everyone comfortably.
A lobster steam is an event that’s made for the outdoors, so, if possible, use a steamer that’s made for cooking outside. It not only keeps the mess out of your kitchen, it adds to the great spectacle of cooking live lobster. We love the Crawfish Steamer made by Louisiana Crawfish Co. — www.lacrawfish.com. If you don’t have access to an outdoor steamer, you can also use a large pot for a stovetop steam and simply bring your steamed lobster outside when it’s ready.
Next to your steamer or stovetop pot, be sure to have the following tools at the ready: potholders, colanders, serving trays and bar towels. A good pair of tongs or or grilling mits allow you to reach right into the pot to pull out each lobster. Large colanders will be of help when you’re ready to plunge steamed lobster into an ice bath. And small colanders or our Ceramic Strainers are perfect for serving.
Keep plenty of Bar Towels on hand because where there’s steam, there’s bound to be water, and you’ll want to keep your prep area clean.
While somewhat silly in appearance, Lobster Bibs are important for keeping guests’ clothing clean — and they add to the fun ritual of participating in an authentic lobster steam. Hand them to guests as they arrive as a fun way to set a casual mood.