Marylanders possess an inherent gene that deems Maryland crab cakes the best in the world. The ingredients in the crab cake are oftentimes up for debate; however, the worth of the Maryland crab cake is indisputable. At Crab Cake Cafe off Riva Road, the crab cake is incredibly valued, but twisted in such a way that it somehow becomes even more delectable. In fact, Crab Cake Cafe’s slogan tells it all: “Local flavors…twisted.” So, what’s the verdict from a Marylander about this alteration on the crab cake: fantastic.
“This is the first one, but we plan to open ten,” Catherine Witt, executive chef at Crab Cake Cafe, tells me sporting a proud smile. She was hired thanks to her extensive experience building and opening restaurants, which is what she did with Crab Cake Cafe. Plus, it helps that she’s a Maryland girl.
This locally-owned crab cake heaven serves up variations on the classic crab cake sandwich, many of which have unconventional yet delicious ingredients. The “Shrimp and Crab Cake” sandwich includes all lump crab meat combined with shrimp meat in a pattie. This crab cake is the only crab cake sandwich other than the “Traditional MD Crab Cake” that is served with tartar or cocktail and lettuce and tomato. Another exotic variation is the “Hawaiian Crab Cake,” which includes crushed pineapple and red bell pepper mixed with the lump meat and crusted with toasted coconut. Dill pimento spread comes on the side. “New Orleans Crab Cake” contains andouille, okra, red onion, and green pepper on the sandwich with spicy remoulade sauce on the side. “Tex Mex Crab Cake” combines crab with chipotle, adobo, avocado, lettuce, tomato, and cilantro cream. The last twist on the MD classic is inspired by the west coast: “Baja Crab Cake,” complete with shrimp, smashed avocado, cucumber, sprouts, and chili lime sauce. If these crab cake variations still don’t satisfy your craving for intriguingly different food, create your own sandwich from a list of toppings! All these sandwiches cost $14 and come with fries, sweet potato fries, or cole slaw. Guests can also request wheat buns instead of white.
I ordered the “Baja Crab Cake” on wheat bread. Crab Cake Cafe truly integrates the twisted flavors into the crab cake; the smashed avocado is inside the pattie instead of resting on the pattie. The buttery avocado mixed with the salty crab and the slightly spicy lime sauce made for the perfect fusion of classic and new flavors. The sweet potato fries are neither pulled from a freezer bag nor bland like the rest. These sweet potato fries are hand-cut in long strips and sprinkled with sea salt. In retrospect, I should have tried the sandwiches my friends ordered (pictured), but I was too consumed with my own.
Maybe you’re not a crab cake fanatic. Crab Cake Cafe accommodates the vegetarians, red meat eaters, and those who chose to devour crab in a form other than the sandwich. Soups like seafood gumbo and Maryland crab are on the menu, as well as salads like chop salad, spinach salad, and specialty sandwiches like steak filet, crab melt, chicken breast, and vegetarian. Like the crab cake sandwiches, these dishes come with your choice of fries or cole slaw. Another culinary thing to note: Crab Cake Cafe offers baked desserts daily.
So, next time you crave a taste of Maryland fused with other exciting flavors, head to Crab Cake Cafe. As the food is so marvelous and inspired, you may want to take advantage of the catering service Crab Cake Cafe offers. If so, call 410-224-4622 to inquire further. Also, visit the website: www.crabcakecafe.com and follow them on Facebook and Twitter for promotions. Stopping in for a bite to eat isn’t a bad idea either; the restaurant is located at 2641 Riva Road. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Remember, it is because of restaurants like Crab Cake Cafe that Maryland is regarded as the best for crabs. Celebrate your state today!
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