Best in Chow Season 2 Episode 16 Crab Cakes Wars Baltimore
- October 8, 2014
In Best in Chow season 2 episode 16, titled Crab Cakes Wars Baltimore, viewers are taken on a journey to Baltimore to explore the city's famous crab cake culinary scene. The episode is hosted by food enthusiast and traveler Cris Nannarone, who sets out to find the best crab cakes Baltimore has to offer.
Throughout the episode, Nannarone visits various restaurants and eateries, speaking with chefs and locals to gain insight into the different varieties of crab cakes available in the city. He begins his journey at Faidley Seafood in Lexington Market, where he samples their famous lump crab cakes, considered by many to be the city's best.
Next, Nannarone heads to Thames Street Oyster House, a popular seafood restaurant in Fells Point. Here he tries their take on the classic crab cake, made with jumbo lump crab meat and served with a house-made remoulade sauce.
The third spot on Nannarone's list is Koco's Pub in Lauraville, known for their generously sized crab cakes that are often compared to baseballs. The chef at Koco's shares the secret to their recipe, which includes a blend of jumbo lump and backfin crab meat, and the use of Old Bay seasoning.
For a change of pace, Nannarone visits the restaurant Rye Street Tavern, which adds a twist to the traditional crab cake with the use of smoked paprika in their recipe. The dish is served with a corn and tomato salad, adding a refreshing element to the dish.
Finally, Nannarone ends his journey at The Local Oyster, a seafood restaurant located in the Mount Vernon neighborhood. Here, he tries their crab cake slider, made with crab claw meat and served on a brioche bun.
Throughout the episode, Nannarone also discusses the history of Baltimore's crab cake culinary scene, including the influence of Old Bay seasoning, a staple in Maryland cuisine. He also speaks with locals and chefs about the best way to eat a crab cake, with some preferring to eat it on its own, while others enjoy it in a sandwich or even as a topping on pizza.
Overall, Crab Cakes Wars Baltimore provides viewers with an in-depth look into Baltimore's crab cake culinary scene, showcasing the unique variations and flavors of this Maryland staple. Nannarone's enthusiasm for food and his engaging personality make for a fun and informative watch, leaving viewers with a newfound appreciation for the iconic crab cake.