Despite the common downfalls (the expense, shady dealers, bad reactions), you’re always searching for a good crack.

Go into shell shock with Johnny’s Lobster Feeds.

The Sorensen Catering crew’s smorgasbord of boiled sea critters awaits your next soiree.

Your job’s easy: Round up a posse (twenty or more), set up the tables and chairs, pour the bevvies, and leave the rest to them.

To set the stage, they fire up the pots, wrap the tables in butcher paper (we added tablecloths underneath for a classy touch), and place buckets loaded with napkins, condiments, and shell crackers on top.

Once all bibs are tied, they strain the pots and dump copious amounts of lobsters, prawns, artichokes, potatoes, onions, and corn along the table. It’s all topped off with sourdough baguettes and cups of melted butter.

Then the hand-to-mouth feast begins.

And this crack is anything but wack.

Johnny’s Lobster Feeds, available through Sorensen Catering (707-486-2882 or sorensencatering.com/lobster.cfm).