Blu Crabhouse & Raw Bar

Blu Crabhouse & Raw Bar is a family owned restaurant that brings visitors and locals familiar Eastern Shore fare with a unique, eclectic flair. It's a great downtown location within walking distance of Ocean City’s famous boardwalk, and overlooking beautiful sunsets on the bay. There are Ocean City favorites on the menu–the dishes you look forward to enjoying every time you visit the beach. Steamed Maryland blue crabs, shrimp, clams, and crab cakes as well as some new twists on the traditions using innovative ingredients and seasonings. The Raw Bar has a rotating oyster selection with everything from Chincoteague's to Blue Points. Also try on of the unique specialty drinks or draft beer featuring local microbrews and a rotating selection of craft beer specials. Dine outside on the deck or on the beach for a casual, fun, delicious dining experience.

The Crab Bag

The Crab Bag is Ocean City's finest Eastern Shore style seafood house specializing in preparing and serving the biggest and the best blue crabs available. All of the crabs are selected and graded by hand for its size and weight. The most popular item is the all-you-can-eat "feast"option.  Be prepared to wait a while, as the place is very popular.

Blue Crab

The Blue Crab in Bethany Beach, Delaware is a family owned restaurant which first opened during the summer of 2004, and offers all-you-can-eat crabs and seafood just 2 blocks from the boardwalk.  Keith and I were in Bethany Beach for the weekend, and visited Blue Crab for dinner.

Moore's Stone Crab Restaurant

As one of the oldest family-owned restaurants in the local area, Moore's Stone Crab Restaurant in Longboat Key, FL is proud to serve locally-caught seafood, including stone crabs. From stone crabs to lobster to grouper, all dinners come with homemade hush puppies and one side dish.

Rangetsu

In June 2011, Rangetsu celebrated its 65th anniversary of operations in the heart of the Ginza district of Tokyo, Japan where it began in 1947 as a family operation founded by Mr. Masanori Konaka. In Japanese Rangetsu means "Orchid Moon" and thus defines the soft and romantic spirit of the restaurant.  We arrived in Tokyo on a Tuesday afternoon and after getting settled in to our hotel, we freshened up and went to the Ginza district to walk around.  This area is next to the financial district and is filled with many high-end stores and restaurants. Keith had done all the dining research before our trip and picked Rangetsu for us to try.

Star Fish Company

Star Fish Company, located in Cortez, Florida, strives to serve simple seafood prepared in the simplest of ways. Most items are either fried, grilled, blackened or sauteed. Sides are kept simple, with cole slaw, cheese grits, french fries and hush puppies. The view from Star's dock is incredible. It includes mangrove islands, Jewfish Key, Longboat Key and Bradenton Beach. Add to that the local commercial fishing fleet and you've got one of the most scenic places found on Florida's Gulf coast.

Tim's Rivershore Restaurant & Crabhouse

A long-time local favorite, Tim’s Rivershore Restaurant & Crabhouse is famous for its home-cooked seafood, a very unique atmosphere and the most scenic dining experience you will find in Northern Virginia. This hidden treasure on the Potomac River serves all your seafood favorites, including fresh crabs, oysters, scallops, shrimp, mussels, and fish, as well as steaks, burgers, and pulled pork and chicken sandwiches.

At Home: Crab Stuffed Artichokes

This next installment of What Micky Eats...At Home features a quicker version to the elegant dish of stuffed artichokes.  Instead of braising for an hour in a Dutch oven, use the microwave to help cut down time. Also, we added some crab meat as an extra surprise to the regular Italian bread crumb stuffing. Enjoy these crab stuffed artichokes as a companion to your dinner entree.

Marvin

Inspired by the story of Marvin Gaye's infamous two years in self-imposed exile in the small Belgian town of Ostend, the creators of Marvin have combined the cafe society of Belgium, with the proud soul of DC. This bistro and bar serves home cooked classics from Belgium to the American South. Upstairs at Marvin you'll find one of DC's best lounges and rooftop decks which is heated, partially covered, and open year round. Closest Metro is U Street – Cardozo.

Coastal Flats

Coastal Flats is a casual 1950s coastal Florida inspired seafood house located in the heart of Fairfax Corner. Inside, a hand-carved mermaid and 200 fish swim from vaulted ceilings and exposed beams. Custom-designed mirrors and a mural of a tropical port adorn the walls. Inside is an all-booth dining room, and when the weather cooperates, there’s seating on the back porch.

Co Co Sala

Last date I was here: 1/21/2011

Restaurant: Co Co Sala (http://www.cocosala.com/)

Location: Gallery Place

Total Rating: 3.2
Food: 3, Price: 3, Service: 4, Ambience: 3, Accessibility: 5

Summary: This chocolate lounge and boutique located near Gallery

Place features menu items from day to night centered around a chocolate theme. Specializing in espresso and chocolate-based drinks, artisanal chocolates, and exquisite pastries, patrons can also satisfy cravings of the salty and savory variety with trio dishes incorporating chocolate and coffee in surprisingly unique mediums. Dramatic wave walls emulate flowing chocolate while defining intimate seating areas. Elegant displays enhance the intricate details of the jewel-like chocolates being showcased. Two glimmering bars serve as the backdrop for the sumptuous pastries within and at night transform into a provocative atmosphere where tantalizing cocktails are served. Closest Metro is Gallery Place-Chinatown.

It is Restaurant Week again in DC and Co Co Sala was our first stop for the year. This chocolate boutique always intrigued me and I was really curious to see what items were offered on the prix fixe menu. Surprisingly, they only offered the RW menu which seemed a little forceful, but I suppose those who just wanted a cocktail would be served at the bar. Our server was very nice and attentive, yet the ambience was very crowded and dark, I could barely see what was being served. I ordered the featured cocktail of the evening, which tasted like a chocolate covered strawberry daquiri - very good, but too sweet to have more than one. We were also served an amuse drink of a hot cocoa sip. The food was served in smaller "bites" portions, which left us skeptical if the set price was worth it. Overall the food was good, and the concept is interesting incorporating chocolate flavors in some way via a sauce or dusting. However, the restaurant itself is over hyped and overpriced. It would be a fun place for a party, but I would not come back for a regular dinner.  Make easy reservations to Co Co Sala on CityEats.

What I ate:

Manchengo and Baby Arugula Salad

caramelized walnuts, dates, apples & oranges, coffee vinaigrette

Crispy Creole Crabcake

mango salsa, chipotle chocolate tomato glaze, avocado cilantro emulsion

Bacon Mac & Cheese

orechiette pasta, four cheeses, crispy applewood smoked bacon

Chocolate Onyx

dark chocolate mousse, vanilla crème brulee, salted caramel, crispy chocolate pearls,

brownie, chocolate sorbet, 72% cacao bon bon

Plus Keith ate:

Tomato and Burrata Salad

creamy burrata cheese, with basil and oregeno, balsamic reduction

Portobello Flatbread

portobello mushrooms, goat cheese, roasted peppers, kalamata olives, fig marmalade

Lamb Slider

curry & coconut organic lamb, baby corn, lime yogurt crème

A Sticky Situation

warm sticky toffee pudding cake, brown butter toffee sauce, ginger caramel ice cream

Farmers & Fishers

Last date I was here: 08/20/2010

Restaurant: Farmers & Fishers (http://www.farmersandfishers.com/)

Location: Georgetown

Total Rating: 3.45
Food: 3, Price: 4, Service: 4, Ambience: 4, Accessibility: 4

Summary: Farmers & Fishers is located along the Georgetown waterfront and offers a great, casual approach to enjoyable, easy to eat, and flavorful foods and drinks inspired by the best of American regional cooking, from coast to coast. Owned by Founding Farmers and the North Dakota Farmers’ Union, Farmers & Fishers brings the same casual farmhouse and farmer-inspired attitude and dedication to the use and promotion of sustainable agriculture. The menu features original, meticulously crafted delicious dishes inspired by culinary regions of the U.S., from the New England coast to the great Southwest, Napa Valley to the mid-West. The dining experience here is relaxed and delicious, and a great value. Closest Metro Station is Foggy Bottom - GWU.




Keith and I decided to try this place for Restaurant Week and were gratefully seated upon our arrival after the long and hot trek from Metro. The restaurant was already buzzing with patrons and we were seated close to the kitchen which added to the rumble. Servers marched around in their plaid shirts, and ours was especially friendly, greeted us right away and took our drink order. I splurged and ordered the $12 Painkiller - which is like an unblended pina colada. A little pricey, so I most likely would not order a cocktail here again. Since the regular menu prices are pretty fair (entrees around $15) we would be receiving 4 courses as part of the RW menu. As soon as the appetizers came out - we realized that there was A LOT of food and we might not even have room for the entrees! The portions were very generous, the ingredients fresh, and the flavors comforting - however, each item was simple and unoriginal. It was not necessarily disappointing, just not what we expected. I guess the theme of "farmhouse cooking" was what they were going for, but for all the popularity I was a bit surprised. Keith even commented that the food was no more special than what you would get at TGI Friday's. Farmers & Fishers handled the extra influx of patrons due to RW very well and kept the food coming hot and fresh. They even gave us a box to take our dessert home since we practically needed to be rolled out of the restaurant. Overall, we had a satisfying meal and I appreciate their play on the trend of serving sustainable products, but again there was nothing special or interesting on the menu that would bring us back anytime soon.


What I ate:

American Farmhouse Three Cheese Pizza

Fresh Table-made Guacamole, Chips and Salsa

Maryland Crab Dip with Toasted House Ciabatta

Pan-fried Cowboy Chicken

with smashed potatoes and pan-fried brussel sprouts and steamed carrots

Carrot Cake

served with vanilla ice cream

Plus Keith ate:

Rainbow Trout Horseradish Style

with Farmhouse Rice-a-Roni and pan-fried brussel sprouts and steamed carrots

Chocolate Devil’s Food Cake

served with vanilla ice cream

Tony & Joe's Seafood Place

Last date I was here: 7/2/2010

Restaurant: Tony & Joe's Seafood Place (http://www.tonyandjoes.com/)

Location: Georgetown

Total Rating: 4.35
Food: 5, Price: 3, Service: 3, Ambiance: 5, Accessibility: 4

Summary: Tony & Joe’s Seafood Place located at the Georgetown Waterfront serves tempting dishes such as Maryland crabcakes, fresh lobster and shrimp scampi. With spectacular views of the Potomac River, Kennedy Center, Washington Monument, Roosevelt Island, and the Key Bridge, Tony & Joe's is a nice place to grab a drink on a nice summer day. Closest Metro is Foggy Bottom.

Although not super convenient to Metro, Tony & Joe's is situated on the waterfront next to other similar restaurants, yet has better seating options and a large outdoor bar. We only had a couple appetizers to share over drinks, and they were very tasty and fresh. The ambiance made up for the long walk and although the place was very crowded, there were enough servers to accommodate everyone.

What I ate:

Freshly Shucked Cherrystone Clams

a dozen steamed clams served with lemon wedges and butter

Fried Catfish Fingers

Strips of fresh farm raised catfish dipped in egg and fresh bread crumb

Served with chipotle aioli

♥Hot Crab Dip♥

A blend of lump crabmeat, cheese and spices,

served with toasted French bread croutons

Kabuki Sushi

Last date I was here: 03/21/2010

Restaurant: Kabuki Sushi (http://www.pacificbeachkabukisushi.com/)

Location: San Diego, CA – Pacific Beach

Total Rating: 4.75
Food: 5, Price: 5, Service: 4, Ambience: 4, Accessibility: 4

Summary: Super cute and fun sushi place right in the heart of Pacific Beach. Offering free parking and gracious hospitality, this casual spot is great for large groups or first dates. Fresh hand rolls and specialty rolls float by on little boats – or you can order directly off the menu. Very inexpensive and delicious!

March 2009: I was in San Diego for work and tagged along with a coworker to Kabuki for dinner. She used to live in the area and this was one of her weekly local spots. The owner, Charlie, was very friendly and greeted everyone who came in. The free parking that they advertised just changed management companies and a few patrons (including us) received parking tickets, but Charlie offered to take care of it. I really enjoyed this sushi spot and would definitely come back the next time I am in San Diego.

UPDATE: One year later, I returned to Kabuki and brought along Keith. Good ole' Charlie was there to greet us and we had a lovely lunch of fresh sushi rolls. This place is so fun and friendly, I suggested it to everyone who asks for a sushi recommendation.

What I ate:

♥California Dreamin’ Roll♥
Crab, Avocado, Cream Cheese, rolled in rice with spicy mayonnaise and Teriyaki sauce

♥Shrimp Tempura Roll♥
Shrimp fried in light tempura batter and rolled in rice with extra crunchies on top

Rainbow Roll
Spicy tuna rolled in rice, covered with avocado, salmon, ahi, and yellowtail

Mochi Ice Cream
Strawberry and Mango

Gyoza

fried dumplings

Busboys and Poets

Last date I was here: 11/27/2009

Restaurant: Busboys and Poets (http://www.busboysandpoets.com/

)

Location: Mount Vernon Triangle

Total Rating: 3.5

Food: 3, Price: 4, Service: 4, Ambience: 4, Accessibility: 5

Summary: Serving a mix of gourmet "coffee house food", Busboys and Poets is a community gathering place. First established in 2005 Busboys and Poets was created by owner Anas "Andy" Shallal, an Iraqi-American artist, activist and restaurateur. After opening, the flagship location at 14th and V Streets, NW, the neighboring residents and the progressive community, embraced Busboys, especially activists opposed to the Iraq War. Busboys and Poets is now located in three distinctive neighborhoods in the Washington Metropolitan area and is a community resource for artists, activists, writers, thinkers and dreamers. Closest Metro is Mount Vernon Square or Gallery Place-Chinatown.

We tried this casual place after watching a movie and I was surprised by how large the space was. Decorated all over with various local artists' work and blasting hip music, the staff was young and friendly. I noticed several vegetarian options on the menu as well as updated classics. Since it was cold out, I ordered a chai latte - it was a little small and lukewarm to my liking. However, my food was largely portioned and fresh. This place may be good to meet up with friends or for a casual meeting, but I would not go out of my way to eat here.

What I ate:

Veggie Burgerhomemade vegetarian burger with sprouts, avocado, tomato

served with french fries

Plus Keith ate:

Crab Cake Sandwich

with Old Bay tartar sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion

Fulton's Crab House

Last date I was here: 08/13/2009

Restaurant: Fulton’s Crab House (http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/downtown-disney/dining/fultons-crab-house/)

Location: Orlando, FL

Total Rating: 4.1
Food: 4, Price: 4 Service: 4,Ambience: 5 Accessibility: 4

Summary: Fulton's Crab House at Downtown Disney Marketplace serves fresh seafood flown in daily from ports worldwide for your lunch and dinner. Set in an authentic riverboat replica docked right on the waterfront, this restaurant features over 50 fresh seafood selections, as well as a variety of non-seafood specialties.

I was in Orlando for a work conference and tried this place for lunch. I went right at 11:30am when they opened, so I was seated right away – though it quickly filled up after me. The atmosphere is just absolutely charming as it is like you are in an actual riverboat. The service was great and I nibbled on crackers with a crab boursin spread and hot fresh sourdough bread while I waited for my meal. The view overlooking the water was fun. I would definitely recommend this place to others who visit Orlando and the Downtown Disney area.

What I ate:

Blue Lump Crab Club Sandwich
Triple stacked, with citrus aioli, crab boursin, field greens, tomatoes and bacon
Served with Old Bay seasoned French Fries.

City Pier Restaurant

Last date I was here: 08/08/2009

Restaurant: City Pier Restaurant (http://annamariacitypier.com/restaurant.php/)

Location: Anna Maria Island, FL

Total Rating: 3.15
Food: 3, Price: 3, Service: 4, Ambience: 3, Accessibility: 4

Summary: The City Pier Restaurant is located at the end of the city pier on Anna Maria Island, on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, they have a large selection of food - everything from fresh fish to sandwiches to burgers to vegetarian dishes. Live music is also performed most days during lunch and dinner, weather permitting.

On our second night on the island, we tried the City Pier for dinner. Located on the very end, we walked by many sloppy fisherman with bait thrown all over the walkway. We had to wait a few minutes and it was very windy outside. Once seated, I realized that we were rocking – either form the waves or the wind, but was not too cool for me and my sea sickness. Nevertheless, I stuck through and after perusing the menu, settled on a dish that sounded better than it actually tasted. The crab cake stuffing was okay but the sauce was not appetizing at all and it was served on top of wilted lettuce and black olives – a weird combination. I tasted some of Keith’s fish and felt that it was seasoned oddly. All in all, even though service was decent, the City Pier might be better for lunch. Personally, I would not go back again.

What I ate:

Crawdadcargot

garlic, butter and freshwater lobster

Stuffed Portabello

Portabello mushroom with crab stuffing and special sauce

Plus Keith ate:

The Hungry Fisherman Platter

A combination of Mahi, crabcakes, shrimp, scallops and calamari*

*note - no calamari was included, instead shrimp cocktail was substituted.

Cantler's Riverside Inn

Last date I was here: 07/11/2009

Restaurant: Cantler’s Riverside Inn (http://www.cantlers.com/)

Location: Annapolis, MD

Total Rating: 4.2
Food: 4, Price: 5, Service: 4, Ambience: 5, Accessibility: 2

Summary: Nothing says summer like an afternoon picking Maryland blue crabs on Cantler's patio overlooking Mill Creek. If you own a boat, you can arrive by water, but the journey by car from downtown Annapolis is just a few minutes and a world away. The pace here is dictated by how long it takes to steam the crabs in giant kettles and how long it takes one to pick through the shells for the succulent meat. You can't be in a hurry for either. Cantler's is open year-round and offers a full seafood menu for those who don't want to get down and dirty crab-picking (there is a big wash basin out back). The owner and founder, Jimmy Cantler, is a native Marylander and worked as a waterman on the Chesapeake Bay. The Cantler family has worked in the seafood industry for five generations. In 1974 Jimmy Cantler started a restaurant dedicated to serving fresh seafood in a casual family atmosphere. Today all seafood is inspected by experienced handlers to insure only the highest quality product reaches their customers.

We went to this place after reading about it in the Washington Post. The road was winding and tricky as we drove up and then we had to wait for about 30 minutes as there was a line of cars waiting to even get in the parking lot. Be prepared for another long wait, especially if you want outdoor seating. This is what gives a lower accessibility score, however it was such a nice day we didn’t mind waiting for our table. Also, you can walk down to the pier and watch as they load, measure, and pack up the fresh crabs on site. After an hour wait we were seated and served right away. The portion was decent for the price and everything was fresh and tasty. Although super crowded, it is worth the wait for fresh seafood and Maryland crabs at Cantler’s. I would definitely come back again.

What I ate:

Clam Strips
Tender clam strips fried golden brown

Crab Cakes
Two Deep Fried - In Maryland Tradition
Served with Hush puppies and Cole slaw

Plus Keith ate:

Cantler’s Crab Boil
3 hard crabs, mussels, clams, 1/2 pound shrimp, corn on the cob & coleslaw

Current

Last date I was here: 03/14/2009

Restaurant: Current (http://www.coronadoresortmarriott.com/L-Escale-77.html/)

Location: Coronado, CA – Coronado Island Marriott

Total Rating: 3.8
Food: 4, Price: 3, Service: 4, Ambience: 4, Accessibility: 4

Summary: Current Restaurant provides resort guests and locals a relaxing dining experience in an atmosphere of contemporary comfort. Savor California Coastal Cuisine, the perfect balance of taste and wellness. Local flavors abound with the focus on fresh, organic and farm raised menu items and features. Dine alfresco on the patio and take in the panoramic views of beautiful San Diego Bay and the abundant California sunshine and afternoon breeze. Located in the Coronado Island Marriott Resort, Current serves innovative menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I ate here twice for dinner while staying at the hotel. Service was great and I love the fresh bread served with olives, sun dried tomato spread, and herb butter. A little pricey for the everyday meal, but it is to be expected since it is in the hotel.

What I ate:

Pacific Cobb Salad
Jumbo lump crab meat, grilled shrimp, bacon, avocado, blue cheese crumbles,

with mixed greens and balsamic vinaigrette

Shrimp Florentine
Grilled shrimp served with Tomato linguine, spinach, tomatoes

in a parmesan cream sauce