Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Crab, Crab, and More Crab

I recently took advantage of a Starwood promotion (Free Weekend Night) and checked out Baltimore's Inner Harbor. It's nothing like the Seaport in New York City or Penn's Landing - there's definitely plenty more to do. The area is full of museums, an aquarium, chain restaurants (The Cheesecake Factory, ESPNZone, Hard Rock, Hooters, PF Chang's), historical ships, Camden Yards (Orioles), and M&T Bank Stadium (Ravens). Here are a few of the places that I checked out (thanks for the recommendations, Pete):

* Costas Inn: if you're into steamed crabs, this is the place for you. We ordered a dozen extra large blue crabs and the waitress came back with the necessary tools: a brown paper table cover, mallets, a bucket, and plenty of napkins. The crabs come out covered in Old Bay seasoning and its hammer time. After you crack your first two, you develop a system for optimal meat retrieval. Make sure your hotel has a refridgerator if you decide to take leftovers - thanks for nothing Sheraton Hotel (someone almost ended up with a hotel room drawer full of crabs)!
* The Brewer's Art: it's rated the best bar in America by Esquire. I didn't know that until I got there, but I could instantly see why. The rosemary garlic fries and mac and cheese are must haves, their Belgian home brewed beers (Resurrection and Ozzy) are $4.50 for a pint full to the rim, they had my favorite beer (Kwak), and the bartenders are super attentive.
* Blue Moon Cafe: its a great place for brunch if you're patient enough to wait outside for an hour (luckily I was). The Captain Crunch french toast is a diabetic's dream topped with whipped cream and fruit, the bacon is deliciously thick sliced, and the cinnamon bun and biscuits to go were wise choices. I'll definitely be back to try their crab meat omelette.

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