The Rams Head Tavern in downtown Annapolis has a long history dating back to the early 1700's. You can feel that history as you make your way through the downstairs Tavern, past the Tea Room and out to the patio. And as you walk through the downstairs, check out the plaques bearing the names of the many members of the World Beer Club (of which, yours truly is a member). While known for their immense selection of beers, as well as being home of the Fordham Brewing Company (where they brewed the beer until the moved to a larger facility in 2003), you may not know that they also have some pretty decent food. Crab cakes are on the menu, so we're out to see if they pair well with the beer. Did they? Read on!
Lures is a local watering hole that prides itself on its extensive craft beer selection and regional cuisine, and has been around since 2008. They were even voted Best Hidden Gem by the Annapolis What's Up? Mag in 2011 (and we also reviewed their Chesapeake Chachos back in October 2011). Just glance around the place, and you'll wonder what they love more -- beer or fishing. The two naturally go hand-in-hand, so for now we'll call it even. But where there is beer and fish, there are crab cakes. And Lures provides. How were they? Let's find out!
Christopher's bills itself as serving contemporary American cuisine, where personal touches and quality cuisine are the cornerstones of their restaurant. When you first enter, you'll walk through the bar, and come out the other side in a cozy dining room. The atmosphere fits any mood, whether you're feeling social, entertaining friends/family, or bringing a date. But we're not here to bring a date. We're here to sample their crab cakes. How did they fare? Continue on and see for yourself!
Jerry's Seafood has been seen on the CCR before, back in March when we reviewed their famous Crab Bomb. But there were more tempting treats on the menu that drew us back. In case you missed their first review, Jerry's Seafood has been serving seafood to the DC area for over 25 years. Instead of serving everything that swims in the sea, they instead concentrate on providing quality instead of quantity. While the Crab Bomb didn't exactly blow us away, we gave them another chance for redemption. Was it worth a return visit? There's only one way to find out. Read on!
The Crab Cake Cafe brings a new twist to a Maryland favorite. Located across from Annapolis High School, this establishment combines the tradition of Maryland crab with different flavors found around the country. Everything is made fresh on the premise from scratch, ensuring the best flavor and highest quality. Their slogan says it all "Local flavors....twisted". Crab cake flavor inspirations come from places such as Texas, Hawaii, and New Orleans. But fret not, the Maryland classic is still available, which is where we decided to start. Do they truly capture the flavor of the Chesapeake? Let's read on and find out!
If you're a fan of QVC, then you've probably already know about Bobby Chez. Back in 1997, Bobby (real name Robert Sliwowski) took his late father's crab cake receipe, and along with his mother, created the lightly breaded 4oz crab cake that made them famous. Years later, they're the #1 selling crab cake on QVC, alongside a thriving mail order and wholesale business, and have multiple restaurant locations featuring a wide range of culinary delights. A quick internet search proves that people love them. So what did we think? Read on and find out!
Annapolis has lots of small shops and restaurants that add to the quaintness of this harbor town. And what a better way to enjoy the charm of Annapolis than by relaxing in a luxury hotel? West Kitchen & Tavern is a "scratch" kitchen located in the Lowes hotel, offering a wide selection of delacies celebrating the Chesapeake flavor that has made the area famous. Using only fresh, local ingredients, they offer a wide variety of plates that you can share or keep all to yourself. And what Cheasapeake menu isn't complete without crab cakes? Continue on to find out how they turned out!
One name that has been synonimous with Ocean City, MD is The Greene Turtle. We're sure most of us started going there before we really should have *wink wink*, if but for the chance to buy one of their famous t-shirts. What has started out as a beach sports bar in 1976 has now grown to be a regional brand name, turning up in more locations as the days go on with over 35 locations across DE, MD, VA, and DC. While mostly known as being a sports bar, they do have a pretty lengthy menu featuring some menu items that is not your typical pub grub. Like any restaurant representing Maryland, they do serve crab cakes. Should you break out of the ordinary to try one, or stick to the ribs and wings? Let's find out!
Cafe Soleil is a restaurant located in the Club Quarters hotel, just outside of Farragut Square within the Golden Triangle district, and 2 blocks from the White House. For 12 years, they have been serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week to hungry tourists and locals alike. With as long as they have been around, and the neighborhood they are located in, you have to bring your A-game when it comes to the discerning food palates in our nation's capital. Should these crab cakes get the presidential seal of approval, or should their recipe get vetoed? Stick around and find out!
What name is more natioanlly associated with crab cakes (and crabs in general) than Old Bay? Made by McCormick right here in Baltimore, Old Bay seasoning (origianlly named "Delicious Brand Shrimp and Crab Seasoning") has been around for over 70 years. Make no mistake, it is supurb on everything from crabs and shrimp, to french fries and mac and cheese. So imagine our surprise when we noticed Old Bay Brand crab cakes in the frozen food asile. Not just an off-brand that uses Old Bay, but the actual brand. Surely these must live up to the box promises of "premium restaurant quality" jumbo lump crab? Well, we took the bait. Read on to find out if they live up to the name.