By Maddy Vitale
Could it be Clawson Wentz? What about Clawdia the lobster? Maybe Rosie O’Lobster?
These were just a few of the names folks came up with in Mike’s Seafood Dock and Restaurant’s “Name the Lobster” contest on Facebook.
The iconic Sea Isle City restaurant may not have a real lobster mascot, but there’s good reason why the crustacean clip art is such a hit in cyberspace.
Take Easter for example, the lobster is dressed in its Sunday best, although its bright red shell clashes a bit, with the pink and white bunny ears atop its hard head. With a wave it tells its fans to hop to it. “Mike’s Seafood is Open.”
You can’t forget the St. Patrick’s Day lobster. It dons an emerald green top hat, while wishing everyone a “Happy St. Patrick’s Day From the Crew at Mike’s!”
And this time of year, the beach lobster is a fan favorite. The mascot is wearing thick, black, shades, and holding a surfboard in its claw.
“Our lobster needs a name,” said Mike Monichetti, owner of Mike’s Seafood. “We want to hear your funniest and most unique lobster names.”
To win, participants must “like” Mike’s Seafood Facebook page, “share” the post, and type your most creative name.
But what do you win for being clever?
You get a lot of great food. What is the main entrée? Lobster of course – and lots of them.
The first place winner receives 20 steamed, 1 ¼ pound lobsters, split, cracked and cleaned, and served with lemons and drawn butter. Nothing could top that, but fresh, corn on the cob, baby red potatoes, homemade coleslaw and rolls, complete the delicious dinners.
The lucky person who comes in second, won’t go hungry either. He or she and their family and friends, will receive 10 lobsters with all the sides. The person who comes in third place will still eat a meal fit for a king, complete with five lobsters and all the sides.
The contest runs through July 15, when the big announcement is made. Winners have through September to pick up their monumental meals.
With just three weeks left to go, there are already 500 names submitted.
“Nothing says summer better than Mike’s lobsters,” Monichetti said.
Monichetti said he and his family love doing seafood giveaways.
“We’re very appreciate of our thousands and thousands of loyal customers,” he said.
Last month, Mike’s Seafood held a crab ball contest. The first place winner received 100 of Mike’s famous crab balls. The second place winner took home 50 crab balls and the third place finisher filled up on 20 crab balls.
“Mike’s is a 107-year family tradition at the Jersey Shore. But Mike’s wouldn’t be Mike’s without its legion of faithful customers, as well as the greatest workers on the planet,” Monichetti noted. “We have a saving here: ‘Mike’s helping visitors to Sea Isle City create memories that last a lifetime.’ That is our number one goal since 1911.”
Mike’s Seafood is in the heart of Fish Alley at 4222 Park Road in Sea Isle. For more information visit www.mikesseafood.com, call 609-263-3458 and visit Mike’s Facebook page.
