WILD ABOUT: Lobster Rolls

What are they?:

Traditionally more of a coastal New England and Canadian Maritime provinces kind of thing than a Jersey Shore sandwich, lobster rolls have been around since the late 1920s, when a seafood purveyor in Milford, Conn., began serving them to the lunch crowd. Variations have been created over the years - mostly involving the addition of mayonnaise and diced celery and served cold. But the classic version is simply lobster meat soaked in melted butter, with a sprinkle of lemon juice, maybe some lettuce, sea salt, and black pepper mixed in, and served on a steamed or toasted hot dog bun slit across the top and smeared with a bit of mayo.

When they got here: By the 1970s, lobster rolls had become popular throughout New England, especially in Maine, where roadside stands like the famous Red's Eats in Wiscasset popularized the sandwich that sits squarely between being a palate-pleasing delicacy and a super-quick, relatively inexpensive nosh. Though restaurants along the Jersey Shore have sometimes offered variations on the theme, Quincy's Lobster Rolls, which opened up shop at on Beach Avenue in Cape May last month, may be the first in the region to have built its menu around them. Quincy's started its Mid-Atlantic lobster roll empire in landlocked Pennsylvania in 2013 with a location in the Swedesford Plaza in Berwyn.

Why we are wild about them: How could they not be tasty? Quincy's classic involves big chunks of tender Maine lobster meat served on a lightly buttered and griddle-toasted split bun. A light bead of mayo goes on the bun and the whole bundle is topped off with a drizzle of lemon butter and some "secret" seasoning, according Jeremy McCann, 36, one of the four principal owners of the business. For those who think lobster rolls should involve less butter and more salad, the Maine Liner is perfectly chilled lobster salad served on the same type roll with a side of pickle and lemon wedge. Other Shore favorites, like fried clam strips, New England clam chowder, lobster bisque, and fries, are also featured on the menu.

Where to get a lobster roll without driving to New England: Quincy's owners came up with the concept of their restaurants because they wanted the simplicity of the dish but weren't up for a road trip whenever they craved one, McCann said. Quincy's in Cape May, is at 709 Beach Ave., 609-600-3571. Quincy's in Berwyn is at 414 W. Swedesford Rd., 484-328-3905. www.quincysoriginal.com.