Travelogue

Where: Cumberland, MD

Why: Business, antiquing and getting crabby

Ahoy!

The subtitle to this piece could be called, “When Crabby is a Good Thing,” as I tasted my very first Maryland crab — in Maryland proper — in a delicious Maryland Crab soup.  It immediately transformed Famished Holly into a decidedly un-crabby human, one fit to be seen in public.  This proved to delight my waitress, who no doubt knew that her tip, and possibly her sanity, were on the line.

So what does pig have to do with any of this?  I tasted this lovely concoction at a restaurant called The Crabby Pig, located at the very end of the historic C&O Canal that connects D.C. to Cumberland.

Along the C&O. Visiting in the Spring? I recommend layers.

One can bike the entire 184.5-mile path from Georgetown, if one is in a tortured mood.  But if you do acquaint yourself with this path thusly, I’d recommend rounding out your celebration meal with a sandwich or two: this soup is far too light and delicate to fill up your inner Lance.

The Crabby Piglet, pre-soup

Post-soup. Much happier. And unstained!

Before we get to the soup, a few words about Cumberland: I can’t say it was love at first site, but the city does boast a lovely little downtown area, replete with an excellent coffee shop and a first-rate antiques emporium. Observe:

Great for an entryway, no?

This piece reminds me of something Frank Lloyd Wright might have designed.  (I’m almost as obsessed with FLlW as I am with Jefferson.  One favorite note about the consummate architect: when he designed houses for people, he often would not only design the furniture but also clothing that would best harmonize with the home.  A true auteur.)

Next find:

1950s Table - so fun! Perfect for a cheery breakfast nook.

I lusted after this table.  And then sat down and realized that the Leave it to Beaver family who mingled here owned very short legs and torsos.  This table would inspire rushed, not leisurely, eating.  Still: look at these fabulous chairs!  Little jewel boxes, and still classic.

Timeless

Back to the soup:

Don't call me chowda.

I found this little meal simply delightful. Mildly spicy, tomato-y, and just crabby enough. But before the hate mail starts, let me note here that I grew up in the South.  I know chili, not bisque or chowder.  (Correct me if I’m wrong, Eastern Seaboarders, but it’s my impression that when it comes to clams or crabs, a chowder usually contains potatoes and dairy. A bisque is cream-based and banishes potatoes. A mere soup contains no dairy and is more broth than body.  I wouldn’t dream of weighing in on whether any of the above should harbor corn, tomatoes or other New World delights.  I’ll just shuddup and eat.)

As for recipes, I don’t have access to a decent kitchen right now, and thus — sniff, sniff — cannot cook and test for you.  There are myriad versions out there on the web, so I’ll offer you just one here.    If you know of a better one, please send it along, as this is a delightful accompaniment to good bread and a fine salad.

Maryland Crab Soup, from All Recipes.  Note: I’d probably use fish stock rather than beef.  Use Maryland Blue Crab — or your closest local substitute if you can’t find Maryland Blue Crab or if it’s out of season.  There are some hale and hearty Maryland cooks who will kick my hiney for saying that, so substitute at your peril.

LIKED THIS PIECE?  THANK YOU!  PLEASE SHARE IT BELOW.  :)