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National Lobster Thermidor Day
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FriJan 24

National Lobster Thermidor Day – January 24, 2025

National Lobster Thermidor Day is on January 24, and we’re here to show you how you can celebrate this day in an amazing way. Do you know that the recipe for Lobster Thermidor is 117 years old? It is a French dish of lobster meat cooked in a rich wine sauce, stuffed back into a lobster shell, and browned. The sauce is a mixture of egg yolks and brandy (such as Cognac), served with an oven-browned cheese crust. One of the trademarks of the dish is that it is served in the lobster tails.

History of National Lobster Thermidor Day

There are many stories and theories regarding the origins of the recipe of Lobster Thermidor. Some believe that this dish was first created for Napoleon Bonaparte, the protagonist of the French Revolution and the founder of the Republic of France. It is said that Lobster Thermidor was prepared as a specialty for a celebratory dinner for Napoleon during the month of Thermidor.

The term Thermidor is said to have come from the French Republican Calendar. The eleventh month, the second one in the quarter of summer, was named Thermidor. It is said to have originated from the Greek word, “Thermos” which meant hot. If compared with the Western calendar, the month of Thermador starts from July 19 and lasts for 30 days, that is, till mid-August.

Another story is that Lobster Thermidor was prepared during the celebratory opening of the play, “Thermidor,” at Café de Paris. “Thermidor” was a grand play by Victorien Sardou, which was based on the story of the overthrowing of Robespierre. It opened in the Comedie-Francaise. Leopold Mourier is said to have come up with the recipe for Lobster Thermidor during that time. Some say that the recipe is credited to Maison Maire, a well-known restaurant in Paris. Though the exact origins of National Lobster Thermidor Day are not known, this day has been celebrated every year on January 24 as a day to celebrate and relish this great recipe.

National Lobster Thermidor Day timeline

1793
Thermidor Month is Created

The eleventh month of the French Republican Calendar is named Thermidor.

1794
Thermidorian Reaction

Maximilien Robespierre is overthrown in the month of Thermidor during the French Revolution.

1891
The Play

“Thermidor,” a play based on the Thermidorian Reaction, is created by Victorien Sardou.

The 2000s
National Lobster Thermidor Day

National Lobster Thermidor Day is created to celebrate the grand recipe of Lobster Thermidor.

National Lobster Thermidor Day FAQs

Is lobster expensive?

What was once considered “poor man’s meat” is now a delicacy that is certainly not as cheap as it used to be. The harvesting processes and food safety standards have contributed to the rise in the price of lobsters.

What are some other lobster recipes?

Lobster Newberg, Brown Butter Risotto, and Lobster Bisque are some other lobster recipes you can try. However, we would suggest you make some good old Lobster Thermidor on National Lobster Thermidor Day, as this is a day dedicated to the delicious recipe. 

What does the word ‘lobster’ mean in English?

‘Lobster’ in American English — an animal that lives in the sea and has a shell-like covering on its body, two large claws, and eight legs, or the flesh of this animal when used as food.

How To Celebrate National Lobster Thermidor Day

  1. Cook some Lobster Thermidor

    What better way to celebrate National Lobster Thermidor Day than to make your own. There are dozens of recipes online that will help you cook authentic Lobster Thermidor. If this is too much hassle for you, you can just go to a restaurant that serves Lobster Thermidor.

  2. Share it with friends and family

    Let your friends and family members know that you're celebrating National Lobster Thermidor Day. Take pictures of the Lobster Thermidor you make and share them on social media.

  3. Organize competitions

    If you want to take the celebrations to the next level, then you can organize a mini cookery competition in your neighborhood. The house that brings the tastiest and the best-looking Lobster Thermidor wins!

5 Facts About Lobsters That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. Their natural color is brown

    Lobsters are usually brown or dark green, and they turn pink when cooked.

  2. They can regenerate limbs

    Lobsters are known to grow back their limbs or claws when they lose them in the sea.

  3. They are old

    Lobsters live to be about 40 to 45 years in the wild.

  4. They can swim backward

    Lobsters can swim backward when they are alarmed.

  5. Their shells have many uses

    Lobster shells were once used to make golf balls.

Why We Love National Lobster Thermidor Day

  1. It lets us taste authentic recipes

    National Lobster Thermidor Day gives us the opportunity to taste authentic Lobster Thermidor recipes. It is a day to enjoy succulent seafood.

  2. We can improve our cooking skills

    If you have never made Lobster Thermidor ever, this day provides you with an opportunity to put your cooking skills to the test. Making Lobster Thermidor is not that simple and can be a fun challenge you can take up.

  3. It allows us to expand our knowledge

    This day is not just about tasting Lobster Thermidor but also reading the stories behind the creation of this age-old recipe. As you dig deeper, you'll discover fascinating stories about the history of Lobster Thermidor and also other recipes.

National Lobster Thermidor Day dates

Year Date Day
2025 January 24 Friday
2026 January 24 Saturday
2027 January 24 Sunday
2028 January 24 Monday
2029 January 24 Wednesday