Cheap Eats Season 3 Episode 1 Appetite For Annapolis

In the season 3 premiere of Cheap Eats, host Ali Khan sets out on a culinary adventure through the city of Annapolis, Maryland. Known for its rich history and picturesque waterfront location, Annapolis is also home to a vibrant food scene that thrives on local ingredients, diverse flavors, and affordable prices.

Kicking off his tour at the Annapolis City Dock, Ali samples some of the city's signature seafood dishes. He begins with a classic Maryland crab cake, made with lump crab meat, Old Bay seasoning, and minimal filler. The dish exemplifies the local focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and simple preparation techniques. Ali also tries a seafood-rich chowder, a sandwich loaded with fried oysters, and a soft-shell crab on a bun, all showcasing the bounty of the Chesapeake Bay.

Next, Ali visits a cozy cafe called Bean Rush Cafe, where he discovers a uniquely Annapolis treat - a crab dip bagel. The dish combines a toasted bagel, rich and creamy crab dip, and a sprinkling of Old Bay seasoning for a perfect breakfast or snack item. At the same cafe, Ali also enjoys a delicious burrito filled with scrambled eggs, bacon, roasted sweet potato, and black beans, which is perfect for brunch.

For lunch, Ali visits a local taco joint called Taco Mar. He is greeted with an impressive spread of tacos, each one featuring a different flavor and a mix of textures, ranging from octopus to pork belly to avocado. The standout dish is the macho nacho taco, which tops a crispy tortilla with seasoned ground beef, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and jalapenos. As Ali notes, this taco is a meal in itself.

After a mid-day snack at a Mediterranean cafe, Ali heads to a diner called Miss Shirley's Cafe for dessert, where he discovers something called a Berger Cookie milkshake. The shake combines vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, and chunks of Berger cookies - a local favorite - for a creamy, indulgent treat. Ali also tries a slice of Miss Shirley's famous coconut cream pie, which he describes as "dreamy."

The final stop on Ali's tour is at a seafood shack called Jimmy Cantler's Riverside Inn. Here, he gets a crash course in Maryland-style crabs, which are steamed with Old Bay seasoning and served by the dozen. Ali learns the proper technique for cracking open the crabs and extracting the meat, and he enjoys the sweet, briny flavor of the local delicacy. He also tries a few other dishes, including buffalo shrimp, hush puppies, and a seafood feast that includes shrimp, clams, mussels, corn, and potatoes.

Throughout the episode, Ali is struck by the warmth and hospitality of Annapolis's culinary community, as well as the affordability of the delicious food on offer. From breakfast bagels to milkshake desserts, Annapolis proves that you don't need to spend a lot to eat well. With his trademark enthusiasm and humor, Ali Khan makes the most of his time in this charming city, exploring its diverse food scene and discovering some surprising local specialties.