How did "Poorman's Lobster" got it's name?

Question

I treated my Special Olympic Friend (The one who grew attatched to me) out to eat at a nice supper club, because he helped me shovel my driveway and sidewalk. When we sat at a bar table (A table that is in the bar area, but it is the same height as the bar) and we looked at our menus, and when he was ready to order the waitress took our orders, and he ordered the Poorman's Lobster, which looked really good. I know it is a type of fish, I seen Poorman's Lobster before, and always wanted to try it, even though I had BBQ ribs that night. He took his food home and gave it to his step-father, and told him that it is not really lobster, but more of a fish, but how did Poorman's LObster get it's name if it is not even close to lobster?

Answer 1

poor mans lobster can be any kind of firm white fish, a lot of times halibut or monk fish, and it prepared and flavored like lobster, usually just briefly boiled and dipped in melted butter. its a dish that tastes like lobster but costs much less.

Answer 2

I was once told that Monkfish tasted just like lobster, though I find it pretty expensive, too.  Something like $12/lb.  I've never bought it, but tasted it once at a sampling.  Good fish!

Answer 3

I heard the reference in the movie " Forest Gump"...shrimp was called the poor man's lobster.

Answer 4

Wow I didn't know you could order Poorman's Lobster!  That's way cool!

My mom made it for us alot as kids because it is a less expensive meal than real Lobster!  Personally I love it!  You actually boil the fish with a few drops of vinegar and then eat it with drawn butter like you would lobster!  MMmmmm!

I love seafood but lobster has never been a favorite but Poorman's Lobster woo I'm hungry now!

Peace.