MARTIN FISH COMPANY…ocean ‘bountiful’!
To our delight the sign says, ‘OPEN’; even on this somewhat gloomy mid December afternoon here in Ocean City Maryland. We already know that no matter what manner of seafood we select from the iced displays within the Martin Fish Company it will be fresh! First we see the clams…many varieties, 
all sizes. My mind turns to dinner; perhaps hearty chowder would be nice – or maybe steamed, served alongside a spicy dip of cocktail sauce…or with some melted butter. Then we spy the fresh oysters…again, could be roasted or in a creamy stew; surely a winters treat. Have I mentioned the shrimp – again, all sizes! Further along the aisle are the fresh fish fillets – rockfish, monk, cod, the list is endless – all fresh caught! Walking on I find myself staring eye to eye with a shiny – perhaps 10 lb. whole rockfish laying beside an even larger fresh bluefish! Oh the choices! And then nestled on a sheet of burlap over ice are the lobsters…small today but nevertheless – live and promising! Walking back up the aisle we come upon the crabmeat – sold in a one-pound containers. It says wild caught in MARYLAND – the only kind I’ll consider using in my recipes. The good 
stuff! Although pricey (what isn’t?) it’s so worth it – not worn out from a long trip from Asian waters. And here too are the containers of already shucked oysters…ready for that stew or perhaps to be incorporated into the dressing for the Christmas turkey; again, too many choices! This little walk today included a peek into the freezer cases on the other side of the shop…where they store the already, store-made chowders and soups, including the ubiquitous Maryland Cream of Crab. On shelves above these cases are sold the various accompaniments necessary for real seafood preparation including spice mixtures, breading and such!
During our visit, a woman came in and ordered a large rockfish to be picked up a week hence! I overheard her telling the attendant that she was going ‘non-traditional’ and planned to serve this 
beloved local treat, stuffed with a crabmeat mixture, to her out of town guests for Christmas dinner!
Martin Fish Company is open every day during the summer…then goes to reduced hours Wednesday through Saturday in fall and spring; closed during the month of January and reopen, fully stocked, the Thursday preceding ‘Superbowl’. They are located on the southeast side of the commercial harbor in West Ocean City on Harbor Road off Golf Course Road and are only steps from the boats that make up our local fishing fleet. For further information or to pre-order, telephone 410.213.2195. You won’t be sorry!
To enlarge any photo, just ‘click’!
OC SEASIDE BOAT SHOW – com’on summertime!
Arriving each year on President’s Day weekend (Feb 13-15) the Ocean City Maryland Seaside Boat Show more than provides that much needed rescue from the mid-winter doldrums here at the beach for nearly everyone. Over 350 boats of all sizes and shapes are displayed 
indoors at the Ocean City Convention Center – 42nd and Coastal Highway, with the overflow proudly lined up along the street edge of the parking lot. Inside more than 140 exhibitors vie for the attention of those folks who have one thought – “com’on summertime”, with their boats and boating accessories. The variety of 
watercraft is truly amazing…from sport cruisers to performance boats to pontoon boats, which all contain an endless array of comfort and convenience features. There are even “peddle” kayaks and my favorite “blow” boats large and small including the Hobie Cat. Every nook and cranny, every conference room and exhibit hall is filled with shiny new 
adult “toys”…including personal watercraft such as the Sea-doo, for us landlubbers motor scooters and that unique motorized sidewalk traveling machine the Segway. This year the Segway display offers a model completely fit out for the surf fisherman that includes 
rod holders, a tackle box and the knobby tires needed to run over sand! The halls at the Center are filled with brightly colored balloon displays…each marking the way to further exhibits including fishing gear, sport clothing, nautical art and home accessories. Proudly sponsored by the Ocean City/Berlin Optimist Club, 2009 marks the 26th year of presentation for this inspiring event. Rescue yourself!
Note: To enlarge any photo just “click”.
COOKING, Ocean City style – offering the complete menu!
Ocean City Maryland certainly has all the ingredients at hand to whip up most any dish for those times you desire “have a go” in the kitchen. We begin with cookware – both basic and unique, which may be purchased at several stores just across the Route 50 Bridge in the White Marlin Mall and the adjacent Ocean City Factory Outlets. Kitchen Collection and Bed, Bath & Beyond are filled to overflowing with kitchen implements. Next comes the recipe…with technology came the computer replacing the almost now obsolete, printed cookbook. A quick entry into the Google search with the name of a dish 
or ingredient will yield literally thousands of recipes and their variations along with photos, accompanying video and suggestions for service. Even cellphones have become a popular cooking aid according to a recent article in the New York times. They offer a myriad of uses including a place to store a shopping list, gather recipes online and even as a timer. Now comes the most important part – the ingredients! With the recent appearance of Harris Teeter on Route 54 our area our already excellent grocery-shopping pantry is complete. 
Remember too, during the growing season, the freshest of local fruits and vegetables are nearby – practically on every corner, at a local farm market stand. Add to this the man local specialty shops for things such as artisan breads, fresh seafood and fine wines and it seems that all remains is to turn on the burner! And, for those of us who take our cooking most seriously, specialty-cooking classes, including gourmet courses are offered each semester at our own local Wor-Wic Community College. Just check the online catalog.
There is no doubt – fine, home cooking is thriving here at the seashore!
To enlarge any photo, just “click”!
WINE FEST at the Beach…13th Annual Celebration
Mark your calendars now to come celebrate the 2008 “Wine Fest at the Beach” in Ocean City Maryland on September 26th and 27th. The party will be held at the Inlet Park…where the Boardwalk Begins. Along with local and regional live music and quality arts and crafts vendors, this winefest 
will feature fine libations from wineries throughout the United States, Micro-brewed beers and real Delmarva and Chesapeake Bay Cuisine. Wine tasting sample coupons and a commemorative wine glass will be given with the General Admission ticket price of $23.00. Under the Designated Driver Program, to insure a 
safe time for everyone, designated drivers, though paying the regular admission price, will receive a special wristband that entitles them to free Pepsi Cola soft drinks all day and will also receive a complimentary commemorative wine glass upon arrival at the fest. To obtain a printable coupon good for $3.00 off the general admission price and more information on this fun event visit the website at www.winefest.com.
(Our thanks to Bill Swartwout for the terrific photos.)
MC CABE’S Gourmet Market – A worthwhile trip!
Precisely 4 miles north of the Maryland – Delaware border but still on the coastal strip we call the island of Ocean City sits a small but distinctive strip shopping center located along the southbound lane of Coastal Highway (Rt.1) named the York Beach Mall. Beneath the “tower” is the home of McCabe’s, a true gourmet market. Since 1986 this market has always been more than your average deli…the display cases are filled with goodies 
including fresh baked breads, rolls, cookies and treats, a case of decadent desserts, one of cheeses from around the world alongside domestic delights, another of quality deli meats sold by weight and one of really lovely homemade salads such as the specialty chicken walnut, shrimp, tuna and turkey tarragon along with many varieties of 
pasta including potato salads and slaws. The perimeter of the shop is packed with groceries…gourmet groceries – those hard to find items that seldom exist at your local store such as imported vinegars and sauces, mustards 
and crackers along with other tasty treats. Available too, are all of the items needed to make a party, pretty napkins and tableware and drink mixes. Even the generous display of ‘can’t be without’ house wares and gadgets has an area. The cheerful folks at McCabe’s are ever eager to make you a carryout or in sandwich specialty or a custom gift basket or a party tray of treats for your next business meeting…just ask! There is a convenient area to dine indoors or al fresco on the patio. And, we can’t forget to mention the great coffee made from fresh ground beans while you watch!
McCabe’s has a terrific website at www.mccabesgourmet.com or you may phone directly at 302.539.8550 with inquiries.
Note: To enlarge any photo, just “click”.
HARRIS TEETER – into the 21st Century!
A brand new grocery market from the Harris Teeter chain opened recently at the junction of Rts. 54 and 20 just off Rt. 1 in Fenwick, Delaware beside the new Bayside community. And it’s near enough to Ocean City Maryland to be a viable consideration for our own area shoppers. The store is massive, with over 48,000 square feet of space that includes a bakery, 
a huge deli, a “manned” butcher counter where fresh meat may be cut to order, a fresh seafood center and seemingly miles of aisles where the usual and some not so usual grocery items are stocked. There is also an area where “ready to go” or already prepared items are available. This could become very popular as good weather approaches…an instant picnic ready for beach goers. With shopping at a premium store usually considered expensive we found that by shopping with the Harris Teeter VIC card and 
paying attention to the in-store specials we really did not spend any more than usual except on the purchase of impulse items such as the freshly prepared sushi from the sushi bar that includes the necessary Wasabi and pickled ginger – a nice touch. Also of note – the staff, well scattered throughout the store are friendly, very friendly and instead of just pointing you are politely led to the location of any item of which you may inquire. Checkout is 
a breeze even when the aisles are teeming with people. The cashier unloads the basket and the bagger bags and will offer to load your car. Finally, you are thanked for shopping there, certainly an admirable trait in this day of indifferent clerks. Harris Teeter also offers online ordering called “Express Lane”…whereby you select your items online, click to place your order and a personal shopper 
gathers and has your order ready for pick-up at the entrance…a convenient service when in a hurry or when everyone in the household is down with the flu! Which brings us to another service offered – an in store pharmacy with a coffee shop serving Starbucks brand coffee so that you may sip while you wait for your prescription to be filled. It seems that Harris Teeter is working hard to bring the entire, usually mundane, grocery shopping experience into the 21st century. For further information visit online at www.harristeeter.com.
Note: Just click to enlarge any photo!
Minute Market – OC’s Butcher Shop!
It has been said that the MINIT MARKET located on 33rd St. & Philadelphia Ave has the only true butcher shop in Ocean City, MD. A butcher shop where men in clean uniforms are working behind the meat display counter and are awaiting your request for custom cut meats. We found this to be true. The few center aisles located within this small store offer the basics…a nominal selection of canned and packaged foods. The produce section offers a surprisingly wide selection 
of fresh and attractive produce but it is in the meat, deli and bakery sections where the Minute Market really shines. Many of the bakery items, muffins, pies, cakes and cookies are baked on site. There is a wide selection of breads. In the deli, choice lunch meats and cheeses are 
made into fresh subs and sandwiches and we’ve been told that the aisles are crowded at lunchtime with many local workers stopping by. Then, the meat case drew our attention…real butcher shop meats – cut to order and weighed on the premises…signs saying that “rack of lamb available” and “ask for your filets”. This day there were packages of real store-made sausage available, three grades of fresh ground beef and some 
well-trimmed steaks. One woman nearby was picking up bones for her dog. It is – a real butcher shop! Also offered were packages of store made deviled eggs…and store made fresh cheesecake! I’m told all is delicious…and I plan to make the Minute Market on 33rd a weekly stop from now on. This store is open from 7 am until 10 pm daily…year round.
For information or to place an order, call 410-289-9137.
Note: to enlarge, just “click” on any photo.
Seaside SUPER THRIFT…for what you need!
Traveling southbound on Coastal Highway, in the 4300 block you can see a large red and white sign marking the Seaside SUPER THRIFT store. This is more than a convenience market…Seaside offers a very nice selection of foodstuffs, beer and wine. The parking area is out front and very large. To the left upon entering is one of the finest selections of deli meats 
and cheeses offered in Ocean City Maryland – most all are of the better quality, Boar’s Head brand. The fresh cut meats are appealing and we spotted several packages of pretty beef filets for the grill. Poultry was the Shur Fine brand – fresh! There was a partial aisle displaying beach items – sand toys – buckets, shovels and balls for the kids along with a nice display of post 
cards to send to the folks back home. In other words, the Seaside SUPER THRIFT has almost everything you could need to make your visit to this fair resort complete. For more information please telephone 410-289-6067.
Note: This store will close shortly after Sunfest at the end of September – reopens early May 2008.
Rick’s Market – the big, red tomato!
You can’t miss it…located on the bay side of Coastal Highway at 64th Street in Ocean City Maryland sits a big bright sign…purple with a big red tomato and the words “Rick’s Market”. The shopping center containing Rick’s Market…an excellent one-stop shop for provisions while in Ocean City, has become a beach landmark. 
Privately owned and operated, and open seasonally, Rick’s is well known for containing those important extras…a deli, where fresh, made to order sandwiches, subs and salads are available…a bakery where you can grab that fresh from the oven breakfast bagel as well as a complete selection of beer 
and wine. There is a good butcher section and an area where farm fresh, local seasonal produce, including those big, red tomatoes, is offered. Add to this a good selection of “the necessities” and you have a fine place to shop while visiting our area. The store is clean and the staff is friendly. Hours daily are 7:30am until 11 pm. For inquiries please telephone 410-524-7528.
Ocean City Organics…the healthy way!
Located at 11944 Ocean Gateway (Rt. 50) eastbound toward Ocean City Maryland within the BeechTree Station Shopping Center sits a little yellow shop…Ocean City Organics. It is small yet filled with all of the necessary items those with special dietary needs are seeking. The co-owner, Skip, told me that he gets telephone calls every day from folks heading to the beach who want to know if certain items are available during their stay. These may be people with allergies or conditions that require specialty items – gluten free, wheat free, or dairy free products. 
Or, they may be local customers who have found they like the flavor of emu, or buffalo, unsweetened yogurt, farm fresh cheeses, tasty granolas and cereals, various nut butters, imported specialties or local honey. Fresh, local organic produce is available everyday here too! OC Organics also carries a full line of ‘no sulfites added’ wines. The shop is actually two stores joined and open in the 
middle…one side filled with foodstuffs the other an amazing assortment of goods relating to health or natural products. Yes, there are the usual vitamins and supplements…along with some interesting lotions and potions…some that smell great and make you feel good. There are juicers and other interesting kitchen equipment along with allergy free bedding and some clothing. One corner has a full line of “health” books to peruse or purchase. Custom gift baskets are available. Ocean City Organics is open 7 days a week, 10 – 6 pm and until 8 pm Monday through Friday. The telephone number is 410-213-9818.
