Lobsta Bakes of Maine began 25 years in the past with a love story when a Maine lobster fisherman met and married a vacationer from Cincinnati.
That lobster fisherman, Kevin Smith, stayed in Cincinnati to start out Lobsta Bakes.
“Now we have been bringing in reside lobster from Maine and steaming them in your doorstep ever for the reason that wedding ceremony,” mentioned Jim Radcliffe, catering gross sales supervisor for Lobsta Bakes.
Lobsta Bakes will assist convey an genuine New England lobster fest to Indianapolis Opera’s twelfth annual fundraiser, Lobster Palooza. The occasion will return from 5 to 9 p.m. July 17 to Daniel’s Household Winery and Vineyard in McCordsville.
“We convey all of it and use our custom-built steam cookers on-site to arrange the freshest lobster, delivered to us the day after catch, and served up with corn, potatoes, coleslaw, mussels, breads and drawn butter,” Radcliffe mentioned. “Now we have seafood appetizers that go properly with the Lobsta Bakes that embrace crab truffles, shrimp cocktail, clam chowder, and oysters on the half shell.”
Radcliffe mentioned employees will keep on-site this 12 months and serve. Up to now, a caterer dealt with the serving.
“We’ll give lobster-picking demonstrations and go tableside to help anybody which will need extra assist,” he mentioned.
Nevertheless, Radcliffe mentioned the Lobster Palooza crowd sometimes doesn’t want a lot instruction.
“We do about 50 to 70 Lobsta Bakes in a standard summer time and sometimes journey inside a 150-mile radius from the store,” Radcliffe mentioned.
Smith bought the corporate to Phil and Emma Jones earlier this 12 months.
“Kevin is up in Maine along with his spouse Ann ensuring we at all times have lobsters,” Radcliffe mentioned. “He’s again up working lobster boats. He’ll be making visitor appearances (for Lobsta Bakes).”
Stephen Reynolds and Becca Ford on the 2021 Lobster Palooza at Daniel’s Winery. (Picture courtesy of Indianapolis Opera)
Ellinger Riggs Insurance coverage, based mostly in Noblesville, is in its fourth 12 months as a sponsor of the occasion. Rob Ellinger, a Fishers resident, is the president of the company.
“We predict supporting the humanities is vital,” Ellinger mentioned. “We predict it’s nice for us to be concerned in. This exhibits a unique aspect of opera. Lots of people consider opera as a black-tie (occasion). This can be a extra informal occasion, and the way typically can we get recent lobster in Indiana, proper? It’s a enjoyable occasion and an excellent environment.”
Different occasion sponsors embrace Daniel’s Winery, Present Publishing, Nationwide Financial institution of Indianapolis and Merrill: J.Okay. Blackburn & Associates/Searles Akers Wealth Administration Group.
That is the second 12 months the occasion shall be held at Daniel’s Winery. It was beforehand held exterior of the Basile Opera Middle in Indianapolis.
“We love connecting with the attractive location of Daniel’s and the Geist (Reservoir) space,” mentioned Indy Opera Normal Director David Starkey, who lives in McCordsville. “This uniqueness of getting a lobster bake shouldn’t be your typical factor you might have in Indiana. It’s prime shelf all the way in which. It’s a celebration. It’s bringing new and distinctive issues collectively. The opera is all about bringing new and various things collectively.”
A cocktail hour is about for five to six p.m., adopted by the lobster dinner from 6 to 7 p.m. Moreover Daniel’s wines, Taxman Brewery, Tito’s Vodka and Nonetheless Moon specialty drinks additionally shall be out there. From 7 to 9 p.m., the Drew Martini band will carry out music for dancing.
Tickets are $200. The deadline for ticket orders is July 8. For extra, go to indyopera.org.