It started off innocently enough. It was nearing dinner time as we were leaving Newport and wanted some sandwiches for the ride home. Our original plan was to stop off at a local deli, but the deli was closed and we needed a back-up plan. My youngest begged for McDonald's. While we are not McDonald's regulars, my youngest does love a good Happy Meal and so once or twice a year, when we are on the road, this iconic fast food company bearing the logo of the yellow golden arches becomes a part of our food landscape.

For my children, much as it was for me as a child, McDonald's is considered a special treat. And when it's summertime and while on vacation it's fun to indulge. So off to we went. I had no intention of getting anything for myself. But then I saw a poster for the Lobster Roll. In these parts, it's seen a good deal of publicity, and even some controversy over social media. What non New Englanders don't know is that the lobster roll is not new to this establishment as it's been on New England menus for many summers, though I'd never had one nor had I ever thought to. Until now. I was curious. And so, along with our Happy Meal order, I placed mine for a Lobster Roll. (I must say, I am so glad that they didn't call it a McLobster or something of that nature. I'm not sure I would have ordered it. )

This is how my Lobster Roll arrived, in a cardboard box not unlike that of a Big Mac or Quarter Pounder, just in a different shape. It was supposedly prepared fresh for me. I wasn't paying attention. I wish I had been!

This is what the image looked like on the poster. I snapped a picture on my phone for comparison purposes. Usually, I find, food looks better when professionally photographed for an advertisement.

This is what my Lobster Roll looked like. Impressive! I actually think it looked better than the poster!

And another shot, a slightly different angle. Again, I'm quite impressed. There was a generous helping of meat, claw and tail. But the truth would be revealed when I bit in. And so I did. Dressed in mayonnaise, (as opposed to butter), I found the lobster to be plentiful, tender and sweet. 

The sandwich was just slightly bland to me, so I added some salt and pepper which helped. I took another bite. The lettuce was fresh and offered a nice crunch. The bun was toasted, though still soft the way mcDonald's buns tend to be. This really wasn't bad. As I slowly ate  my sandwich, my oldest son kept asking if my stomach was hurting yet. While my daughter, who's away for the summer in Maine, and whom I'd just texted,  said "Mom, that's just sketchy." I continued to eat and with each bite I took I remained pleasantly surprised.

My overall thought. This sandwich was really quite good. Was it the best I've had? No. Was it the worst, not at all. Would I order it again? Absolutely. For those of us who spend a good amount of time on the road there are very few healthy options. The few regional and national healthy fast food chains that do exist readily accessible to most travelers. I'm not a fan of McDonald's grilled chicken sandwich. I find it to be too rubbery, with not enough meat and much too much mayonnaise. Their salads don't impress me either. The same can be said for the other fast food chains out there. And so, not only was the Lobster Roll really quite good, but at just 290 calories it's a viable and healthy option for those of us who want to watch our waistlines. (It should be noted that I did not order fries!) Furthermore, you'll be hard-pressed to find a lobster roll anywhere for under $10!

So was I lovin' it? YES!