How I Fell in Love With Lobster: A Birthday in Boston
The Birthday That Changed My Taste Forever
In the early days of my career, I was traveling constantly, hopping from city to city to do talk shows. On one of those trips, I found myself in Boston on my birthday—May 19. I was alone, and I decided that instead of feeling lonely, I was going to celebrate in style.
I made myself a promise: find the most expensive restaurant in town, and order the most expensive thing on the menu.
Discovering Anthony’s Pier 4
So as I rode in taxis from one TV show to another, I asked each cab driver, “What’s the best restaurant in Boston?” Time and again, the answer came back: Anthony’s Pier 4.
Taking a Risk on Lobster
That evening, I made my way to Anthony’s and opened the menu. The priciest dish? Lobster. Now, I have to admit—I was hesitant. The only other time I’d tried lobster was a lobster tail at a Marriott restaurant in Washington, D.C., and I hadn’t liked it at all. I thought, “Oh no, what if I order this for my birthday and don’t enjoy it?”
But I told myself to go ahead. It was my birthday, after all. And that decision changed my food life forever.
Love at First Bite
From the first bite, I was hooked. This wasn’t anything like that dry lobster tail in D.C.—this was tender, sweet, buttery Maine lobster, and I absolutely fell in love. From that day on, lobster became one of my very favorite foods.
A Lifelong Love for Lobster
Over the years, I’ve been back to New England many times, and each trip includes lobster rolls, lobster bisque, or really, lobster anything. It has become my comfort food, and I only wish I lived closer so I could enjoy it more often.
Looking Back: More Than Just a Meal
The photo here was taken a little later, when my brother Clyde joined me on a trip to Lake Winnipesaukee in Maine. Thanks to a new friend I had met, Phyllis Marriott of the Marriott Hotels, Clyde and I ended up at Anthony’s together. Of course, I couldn’t resist introducing him to what I considered the best lobster in the world.
It all began with one birthday night in Boston—an ordinary day that turned into an extraordinary discovery.
