A summer trip back home to my roots in Baltimore, Maryland always means seeing an Orioles game, reconnecting with my family (most likely over a BBQ in the sun with a pool) and eating Maryland crabs in as many forms as possible.
Here are the yummy results of my latest mission in search of the perfect soft shell crab sandwich, a pile of meaty crabs steamed with Old Bay & a rich crab cake made with the finest back fin meat.
1. The Perfect Fried Soft Shell Crab Sandwich
I HAD to order the Bay O Po Boy. Miss Shirley's makes this with a choice of a crab cake or a HUGE soft shell crab, coated in cornmeal then fried and served with bacon onion jam, Old Bay remoulade, red and yellow tomatoes on ciabatta bread dusted with Old Bay. Soft shell crab please! And try the side of the broccoli salad with cheese and bacon.
2. A Meaty Pile of Crabs Steamed in Old Bay (DROOL)!
This is always my favourite. A good pile of steamed Maryland crabs to be enjoyed outside in the warm summer air plopped on top of the table under brown paper bags with cold beers. The only rule: You cannot sit at the crab table unless you can pick your own crabs. Get your mallets ready and get your hands dirty!
3. Crab Cakes Made with Jumbo Lump Back Fin Meat
The original restaurant in Parkville stills thrives, but this time I decided to try its Cockeysville location...and it did not disappoint. I was served the same succulent crab cake flavoured with Old Bay and lemon, plus a bonus of cream of crab soup. Excellent wine and beer list and because it was lunch time, we benefitted from the Happy Hour prices.
