Obrycki's

http://www.obryckis.com/ For the past couple of Spots I have stopped in to try some down home Crab Cuisine's, I guess I was due for a "DUD". It wouldn't be Fair, or Honest to sit here and just give every Baltimore Hot Spot a good review. So here it go's.

We arrived and were seated immediately and it would seem we had just arrived in time to beat the dinner rush that followed behind us. However, after being seated, there seemed to be a longer than usual wait for anyone to come take our order. We were greeted by a waitress to take our order for drinks, but because we had been sitting there for a little while, we had plenty of time to tell her what we wanted to eat, along with our drink order.

I decided to try their cream of crab soup, which was very good, minus the shells that made into my soup with the lump crab meat place in the center of my soup cup. After the soup, Scott and I anticipated our appetizers to arrive. We ordered their recommended Buffalo Fried Shrimp and Crab Dip. Both Appetizers were served in generous portions (More than enough to Share) but I wish our drinks had stayed full through out our visit.

Finally, Scott and I shared a Large Entree called "Treasures of Seafood". Which included, their famous backfin Crab cake, two Jumbo Shrimp, clam tidbits, Fillet of fish and sea scallops, along with petite Crab Imperial. Everything was Served fried, except our crab cake. We requested ours to be broiled, and the server offered our whole dish to be Broiled if we wanted.

The food seemed to be "Generic". Nothing special or Original. The restaurant was established in 1944 and according to their wall of fame (Located just to your left upon entering the restaurant) OBRYCKI's has had no trouble making a good name for themselves. However, I was not impressed and a little disappointed considering all the good press I read before my visit.

Maybe In the future I will stick to picking and Cracking Crabs.

Olde Philadelphia Inn

Friday night turned into a total surprise. On a total whim, my significant other and I went to dinner on our date night at Olde Philadelphia Inn, off of route 7 next to White Marsh, MD. www.theopi.com

Although we have been there several times before for Football Sundays, to cheer on our favorite Baltimore Ravens, we have never been there for a full meal. It's always been just "wings and beer" for us. But during this visit, we indulged ourselves in their Entree menu and were blown away.

We started with an appetizer of Crab Toast. Creamy, yummy Crab Imperial served on top of Warm, toasted baguette bread with chopped green bell peppers. This was a delicious start to our meal. My date (aka Scott) enjoyed a Seafood Alfredo with Shrimp, scallops and Crab Meat. I decided to order a plate of fried oysters. Both dishes came with a small dinner salad and mine came with a second side for which I chose a Baked Potato.

There was no wait for a table @ 7:30 pm, and our service was fast, accurate and friendly.

As we walked in, I noticed a large sign out front that said "Now serving Hot Steamed Crabs". I didn't know O.P.I. did Crabs, and made sure to make a mental note for future reference. But since we did order seafood items for dinner, I made sure to include O.P.I. in my Blog because I was so happy, not only with the service, but with the food, which was AWESOME!! Wish I had my Camera to take pictures as I usually do, however, this was a last minute Trip, but a pleasant, tasty Treat! Thank You O.P.I.!!!

Ironbird Stadium & Bo-Brooks

I can't say enough Nice things about this one. The fact that it was 4th of July celebration at the Stadium, Only made it that much better. It turns out that Ironbird Stadium is one of Harford County's Hidden Treasures. We were treated like family from the moment we walked in. We were greeted by friendly staff and ushers who helped us to our seat's. But before I get ahead of myself, let me clue you in on how I came to find this treasure.

In the List of many fine Crab Shacks in Baltimore, one of the biggest names was a place called Bo Brooks. I looked them up on-line to find out that they had a partnership with Ironbirds stadium in Aberdeen, MD. For $50 a person you can enjoy All You Can Eat Crabs, Burgers, Hot Dogs and non alcoholic Drinks. We also had a front row seat on a deck with a private table to watch a Baseball Game. Let's not forget the AMAZING Firework Show in celebration of Independence Day.

These Crab's were a perfect medium size and always consistent with a heavy weight in each crab, and it go's without saying that they were delicious. All Condiments for the burgers and hot dogs were made available Buffet Style. And all the drinks were served on ice in a self serve tall cooler that was always full, with more than a big enough selection of soda's and ice tea's. The bathrooms were very clean and always stocked with paper towels. For only a few dollars extra, you had plenty of choices of beer and mixed drinks at any of the vendor stops within the stadium. This was a wonderful experience. I was surrounded by good friends, Great food and drinks, and entertained by one of America's favorite Pass Times.

The weather that day even seemed to be Special ordered just for us. We entered the gates at 6pm, we were served our food promptly at 6:30 and the game started at 7pm. And since we were sitting on the crab deck behind first base, the sun was setting behind the stadium, instead of blinding us while we were eating and talking to eachother.

I guess it's just like I said in the beginning, I just can't say enough nice things about Ironbird Stadium and Bo-Brooks Crab's. This is something I suggest everyone find a chance to try. This was more than worth the money paid and to be honest, I would have paid more now knowing how much fun it was. Thank You to my friend's who joined me in this endevor and the Ironbird staff for your hospitality. And thank you to Bo-Brooks. GREAT CRABS!! Yum! :)

Sue Island Doc Bar

My Adventure began at Sue Island Doc Bar on a Sunday at Sue Island Doc Bar In Essex MD. A small place on the water with plenty of out door seating and a view of the Doc's. It wasn't busy yet and we were greeted at the door by a friendly waitress who gave us a table outside. The menu had all your classic selections such as both traditional MD crab soup and Cream of Crab soup. However, my friend and I were intrigued by an appetizer "Crab Nachos". Crispy tortilla chips, topped with nacho cheese, plump ripe Maryland Tomato's, Black Olives and an abundance of thick Crab Meat. With a dusting of Old Bay on Top. Becky and I were slightly intimidated by the size of tasty treat. But couldn't have been more satisfied with the taste. Yum! :)

After our appetizer, our attention quickly focused on the crabs and corn on the cob that came to our table. Our corn was perfectly steamed and dusted with old bay. The crabs were a tad on the light side but big on "Taste". They were a medium size and easy to pick. Kinda wish I had brought my bug spray, because our company at the table, included a few bugs who were just as interested in our meal as Becky and I were. However, a perfect distraction from our hovering friends was the refreshing Margarita we were drinking.

Sue Island definitely did not disappoint. A good start to our Search of a some Awesome Crab Shacks. If your looking for something Low Key, Sue Islands Doc Bar is a good place to lose a Day in the Sun!

CRAB ADVENTURES

Hello and Welcome to my Blog. This Blog will focus on the gorgeous state Maryland and our obsession with CRABS. I am a 25 year old female, born and raised in Harford county Maryland, about 30 minutes North of the beautiful Baltimore Inner Harbor. Just like any city, whether Big or Small, we have our "Claim to Fame". Crabs one of many things our city is Famous for. But for as long as I can remember, Baltimore has had a Love Affair with Crabs.



I remember growing up around Boats and River side restaurants, always anticipating the arrival of Crabs to my plate. My parents made it their Mission to teach me how to pick my own crabs. The sooner I mastered the Art of picking my own Crabs the better. This Freedom from assisting my small fingers to pick a crab clean, left them with more time to pick their own crabs. And never has there been a lack of alternatives crab dishes, should you not feel up to picking your way through a hard shell Crab. Crabs have come a long way and Baltimore has made a name for itself for locals and tourist alike. Options such as: Soft shell and hard shell. Classic Maryland Crab soup vs. Cream of Crab soup. Crab dip or Crap Pretzels.



Some people look forward to the adventure of the frequent phone calls to all the local Crab Shacks, while hunting for the right price and availability of your favorite Crab. And of course there are also the "Loyal frequent flyer's" who will swear by any number of local Crabs Houses in the area, that their favorite Hot Spots, have the very best Crabs anywhere.



I myself am a Crab Enthusiast. I live for the Spring and Summer Seasons to come around every year. Summer for me, means CRABS. I look forward to the Crab Feast that I will attend, and encourage my friends and family to have a get together or a party for the soul purpose of gathering around a table and filling the center with as many Crabs as the budget allows.



Lucky for me, I stumbled across the July 2010 Edition of BALTIMORE MAGAZINE. On the cover of this edition, it Features "23 Top Places to Get Cracking". My eyes bulged out of my sockets with excitement. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough, and as I began reading the Authors reviews of these 23 Hot Spots, I realized that there was more to eating crabs than I thought. These Crab Shacks were not Shacks at all. These were all different kinds of restaurants that didn't only Promise the Best tasting Crabs in Town, but they offer an experience for both locals and tourist to come enjoy the atmosphere and good Hospitality. For me, I was sold on the invitation!! And Inspired!! http://www.baltimoremagazine.net/



With all this said, I am excited to embark on what I will Name "Crab Adventures". I plan on spending a lot of my free time, Not Bar hoping, but "Crab Shack Hoping". I have recruited a few good friends to try all these Fantastic Crab places. We will soak up all the good times and friendly atmospheres. Of course it goes without saying, we are going to feast on Crabs and I'll blog about our experience's. It is my hope that others will enjoy my feedback on the popular Hot Spots and try them themselves. Have Fun guys, and Get Cracking!! :)