National Lobster Newburg Day

National Lobster Newburg Day, observed annually on March 25, celebrates Lobster Newburg, a rich seafood dish of lobster in a sauce commonly made with butter, cream, egg yolks, sherry or cognac, and cayenne pepper. It is often served over toast points, rice, noodles, or puff pastry. The Nibble’s history of the dish notes that the sauce can also be paired with other shellfish.

The dish is closely associated with Delmonico’s Restaurant in New York City and a story involving sea captain Ben Wenberg. According to the commonly repeated account, Wenberg demonstrated a lobster preparation there in 1876; after refinements by chef Charles Ranhofer, it appeared on the menu as “Lobster à la Wenberg.” Following a disagreement, the dish was removed and later returned under the name Lobster Newburg. However, another account notes that culinary historians have questioned this legend, suggesting the dish may have developed from French-inspired cream sauces already popular in the 1870s. The origins of the holiday itself remain unknown.

How to Observe National Lobster Newburg Day

Celebrate by enjoying Lobster Newburg at home or ordering it from a restaurant that serves it. Prepare the lobster in its creamy sauce and serve it over toast points or puff pastry, then learn more about Delmonico’s and the dish’s debated history. You can also explore other Newburg-style preparations using shellfish such as crab, shrimp, or scallops.

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