Lobsters can be obtained all the year round, but are scarce from December to March. They are cheapest during the summer months. Lobsters are usually bought already boiled, but live lobsters can be obtained to order if a few days’ notice is given to the fishmonger. Choose one of medium size and heavy in weight, it is illegal to sell lobsters less than 9 inches in length or to offer “berried” or “spawny” fish, i.e. when the coral is visible outside the shell. If fresh, the tail of a cooked lo