BY KAREN YOUNG

There’s something about summer that brings lobster to mind.  Visions and memories of the Eastern seaboard with fresh air,  blue skies and the sparkling sea.  Cool sand between your toes, sitting close enough to the ocean to feel a light mist, taking in the scenery as you bite into sweet lobster.  Brinnnngggggg. Okay, wake up… so you’re here in the San Fernando Valley, but that doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in lobster. Here’s  some local restaurants to give you a lobster fix — until you make it east — or to Malibu, at least.

CAFÉ BIZOU

This Sherman Oaks mainstay with that certain French feel offers a three course pre-fixe lobster meal daily for $28.95. The Steamed Maine Lobster is served over homemade pasta with mushrooms and tomatoes in a lobster sauce.  Includes a choice of house salad or soup of the day, plus dessert (including their famous chocolate flourless cake). 14016 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks (818) 788-3536  www.cafebizou.com

DELMONICO’S STEAK AND LOBSTER HOUSE

This surf and turf restaurant serves lobster every which way —  in soup, ravioli, linguini and risotto, whole lobster or a twin lobster tail with sides.  Enjoy the 2 lb steamed lobster with baked potato and sautéed vegetables or get it stuffed with crab and shrimp. If you crave the richness of Lobster Thermidor, you’ll find it here.  Stretch it further with the special house “Lobstertini” cocktail — vodka, Peach Schnapps, strawberry puree and champagne garnished with (drumroll, please)…lobster meat.   Regular prices range from $19.95 for pasta to $59.95 to the 2 lb grandaddy with crabmeat and shrimp,  but through June, there’s a special price of $36. 95 for the Twin Tails and the 2 lb Steamed Lobster dinners. 16358 Ventura Blvd. Encino  (818) 986-0777.  www.delmonicossteakandlobsterhouse.com

LE PETIT RESTAURANT

This cozy French Bistro in the Sherman Oaks/Studio City neighborhood offers a special dinner on Monday and Tuesday nights featuring a 1 ½ lb Maine Lobster and choice of baby mixed green salad or soup du jour on Monday and Tuesday nights for $24.95.  Le Petit Restaurant 13360 Ventura Blvd Sherman Oaks (818) 501-7999 www.lepetitrestaurant.net

KING’S FISH HOUSE

When dining at this anchor in the Calabasas Commons make sure to sit on the patio. Of course it’s a mall and not the Eastern Seaboard, but it has a certain rugged feel.  Starters include Lobster Bisque and Lobster Deviled Eggs. For something different, try the New England Lobster Roll (the traditional sandwich $22.50). Whole Live Lobster comes in sizes from 1 lb to 3 lbs ($23.50 – 43.75) and includes two sides. Add a Clam Bake with clams, mussels, red potatoes, and corn, served with drawn butter ($5.95) or Stuffed New England style shrimp stuffing, served with a side of grilled zucchini,and drawn butter ($4.95). Get into the real lobster spirit and top off your meal with Strawberry Shortcake topped with fresh whipped cream ($6.95). 4798 Commons Way, Calabasas  (818) 225-1979 www.kingsfishhouse.com

MARMALADE CAFE

Every Tuesday starting at 4 pm is Lobster Fest — Lobster Bisque ($6.95), Lobster & Scallop Linguine ($17.95), Surf & Turf with 7 oz Filet Mignon and 1/2 grilled lobster with yukon mashed potatoes and grilled corn on the cob ($26.95) and 1 1/2 lb live main lobster (steamed and grilled), red potatoes, grilled corn on the cob ($24.95).  818 locations: Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Westlake.  www.marmaladecafe.com

ROY’S RESTAURANT

Hawaii meets the Valley in Woodland Hills —  The  Surf and Turf  includes Petite Filet with Lump Crab Oscar and a Maine Lobster Tail with Poblano Mashed Potato & Asparagus ($39.95). Butter Poached Half Lobster Tail, Seared Scallops, Stuffed Shrimp, Macademia Nut Pesto Risotto ($33.95).   Start off your lobster fusion fest with a Lobster California Roll.   6363 Topanga Canyon Blvd. Woodland Hills (818) 888-4801   www.roysrestaurant.com

RUTH’ S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE

This legendary steak house serves two fresh lobster specialties. Choose from a Fresh whole Maine lobster, ranging from 2.5 to 5 pounds ($22 a lb) or  Cold Water Lobster Tail with blackening spice and topped with lemon and drizzled butter ($22). Keep with the theme and start off with a Lobster Bisque. 6100 Topanga Canyon Boulevard Woodland Hills  (818) 227-9505 www.ruthschris.com

Karen Young is the Editor/Publisher of MY DAILY FIND.  Got questions? Suggestions? Ideas? Just want to say “hey”?  Email her: karen@mydailyfind.com

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