Real ‘Eastern Shore’ Party – Annual Bishopville FD Oyster & Bull Roast!
The 15-minute wait (we were early) until the doors opened was worth it…!
Towering heaps of still warm, steamed, fresh salt oysters, along with piles of really tasty, tender roast beef sandwiches, plump, golden fried oyster fritters and pans of crispy fried chicken vied for ‘star’ billing at the Annual Bishopville Fire Department Bull and Oyster Roast last evening. First one, then another, more of this and then some of that, seemed to be on everyone’s agenda. While we’ve been to 
‘Roasts’ elsewhere nothing in our experience has matched the good spirit of last night’s event. Strangers became friends, whether sharing a shucking knife or a trip to the sandwich line or offering napkins when an oyster shell went astray or butter dip dripped! Of course there was the ubiquitous beverage (aka beer) line – very near the ‘raw oyster’ bar – can’t have one without the other! The condiment table offered assorted dressings and sauces, including some excellent, fresh ground horseradish. The folks who manned this event kept the tables clear of empty shells and filled with another heap of steaming oysters are to be commended (I say ‘manned’ because toting the heavy baskets and boxes of these sea critters is not for the weak!) Outside, busy Fire Department fellows in jackets (the evening was cool) watched over the huge steam pots. It was all sooo good. Upon readying to leave, our new BFF’s (best friends forever) at the table lamented our departure and made us promise to meet again next year – table three, nearest the brown pole – will you join us!
For updated information on activities and events visit the Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department website.
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An unusual but welcome Ocean City MD visitor…
Today I caught sight of this unexpected, but very welcome, Ocean City Maryland visitor. Not our usual tourist for sure! This little guy/gal was seen to be taking his ease perched upon my neighbor’s Jet Ski ramp afloat in the Assawoman Bay – the coastal bay that divides the island of Ocean City from the mainland here in Maryland. In my 14 plus years as a bay side resident I’ve often seen dolphin – once a large pod of dolphin passed right beside my waterside deck, but never a seal. Perhaps it’s the unusual winter weather we’ve been experiencing here at the beach this season that makes the protected bay enticing? Or, perhaps this creature is briefly lost? Surely, with the bountiful diet of seafood available within our coastal waters to give him strength, I’m certain this welcome visitor will soon find his way home.
Update – Like all thoughtful guests this little seal has limited his visit to three days 
- this morning, after an early photo shoot, he decided to leave. Yesterday, a second volunteer from the Baltimore Aquarium stopped by in late afternoon to take some pictures of the seal and his injury. He planned to forward the pictures to a vet in Whaleyville who apparently works with sea animals. The vet would then try to determine if the wound on the seal was severe enough to capture the seal and attempt to repair the damage. Alas, too late. Our visitor has moved on. Here’s a photo taken yesterday – he certainly seemed to enjoy the late winter sunshine!
The ORIGINAL Smith Island Cake Co. – a famed treat!
Traveling by car and then by boat from Ocean City MD in a west-south-westerly direction for approximately 2 ½ hours one comes to Smith Island situated in the Chesapeake Bay along the Maryland/Virginia border – the reputed origin of the famed, ten-layer Smith Island Cake recipe. A most delectable dessert, this cake may now be found (and enjoyed), freshly baked, just minutes from our town at a location within the White Marlin/Ocean City Outlet Shopping Center located just along US Route 50 – Ocean Gateway. 
Upon entering this bakery/café, situated right beside the SAKURA restaurant, one is first greeted with the seriousness of this endeavor. Sparkling clean cases and racks of tempting treats are surrounded by cozy tables; obviously set up for the patron to enjoy his purchase. The aroma of good coffee further extends the invitation.
This intricate, six to 12 layer concoction, sometimes termed, “Frosting with the Cake”, here, is served by the slice or may be purchased whole! There are cupcakes and mini-cakes, which may be enjoyed as well, even some of those local specialties, sweet potato biscuits. The 
cakes come in many, many flavors…although the ‘original’ yellow with chocolate frosting is my favorite. However, there’s a peanut butter/chocolate that runs a close second! Noting a sign posted in this shop, we saw that in celebration of the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day holiday, a few new flavors will be available including: Irish Cream, “Green” Velvet and Nutty Irishman! Wow!
Recently, the Maryland State Legislature voted to name the Smith Island Cake as the Official State Dessert of Maryland – and from personal experience I can deem it most worthy!!! Try it and see if you agree!
For more information on this cake and where it may be obtained visit…
http://www.original smithislandcakeco.com
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DOLLE’s – a Centennial Party for an Ocean City favorite!
On February 1st this important celebration begins…for the sweet favorite, DOLLE’s CANDYLAND. Two thousand, ten marks the 100th anniversary for this now fourth-generation, family-run business here in Ocean City, Maryland. Known for traditional salt-water taffy, fine chocolates, caramel corn and fudge, Dolle’s enjoys a special place in the memory of millions of visitors over the years to our famed family seaside resort. Today, in addition to the original south Boardwalk location, Dolle’s has expanded to include a modern shop in North Ocean City at the Ocean Square Shopping Center on 120th Street and a shop some miles south of here on Chincoteague Island in Virginia.
The folks at Dolle’s are going all out to celebrate and say they will begin 
running ads for special promotions and activities relating to their long history following a brief January vacation. There will be a book showing photos of ‘the old days’ and a special commemorative candy box will be available throughout this year. Also, among the other planned festivities will be special days when prices will be rolled back to a specific decade; 50 cents for some candy or a box of popcorn for a quarter!
Always a meeting place for locals and vacationing visitors alike, Dolle’s now has a website to expand that feeling of community and where more information on this celebration may be found…visit http://www.dolles.com and join the party!
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2010 Wintertime Events & Activities
Although winter in the Ocean City Maryland area is considered the “off season” there remain plenty of events and activities for residents and visitors alike. Below is a listing of some 2010 seasonal offerings:
Nautical & Wildlife Art Festival and North American Craft Show – Jan. 16-17, Convention Center. Noted painters, sculptors & photographers highlight this annual show. Juried crafters utilizing a variety of media. Admission includes entry to both shows. http://donaldduckshoppe.com
36th East Coast Commercial Fishermen’s & Aquaculture Trade Expo – Jan. 29 -31, Convention Center. Features the latest gear & all facets of the aquaculture industry. Admission. http://marylandwatermen.com
Superbowl Sunday Scramble – Feb. 7th, Eagle’s Landing Golf Course. Tailgate party with 18-hole scramble tournament. For details, Eagle’s Landing, 410-213-7277.
Seaside Boat Show – Feb 12-14, Convention Center. Over 300 boats including sail pontoon, inshore and offshore. Everything for the boating life. All proceeds to area youth programs – known as the “Boat Show that works for children”. Admission. http://ocboatshow.com
OCCollector Car Auction – Feb. 20-21, Convention Center. Premier indoor collector car auction of hot rods, classics, exotic sports cars, muscle cars and much more. Admission. http://oceancitycarshows.com
Reach the Beach Rec & School Open Nationals – February 26 -27, Convention Center. One of the largest cheer competitions on the East Coast. Admission. http://acdaspirit.com
St. Patrick’s Indoor Soccer Tournaments – Feb. 26th – March 21st, four weekends at Northside Park, 125th St. Estimated that over 150 teams will take part in this tournament for players ages 10 and up. Check the website for age groups and registration. http://oceancitymd.gov/recreation
Reach the Beach Dance Nationals – February 28th, Convention Center. American Cheer & Dance Academy returns to Ocean City for its 13th annual competition. Admission for spectators. http://acdaspirit.com
Handbell Ringers Concert – March 13th, Convention Center. American Guild of English Handbell Ringers, Area III spring festival culminates in a FREE concert at 4:45 pm. http://areaiii.org
30th Ocean City Hot Rod & Custom Car Show – March 13-14, Convention Center. Premier indoor car show with special attractions and live entertainment. Admission. http://oceancitycarshows.com
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival – March 13, noon -4 pm. 60th St. south to 45th St. 30th anniversary of Maryland’s second largest St. Patty’s parade. http://DelmarvaIrish.org
Home, Condo & Garden Show & Art & Craft Fair – March 19–21, Convention Center. Fresh ideas on decorating, remodeling, accessorizing or building your home. Admission includes both shows. http://ococeanpromotions.info
Mid-Atlantic Symphony – March 21, Enjoy music composed by Mozart and Beethovan. Tickets and information 888-846-8600. Admission. http://www.midatlanticsymphony.org
Keep watching…there is much more to come throughout the year in Ocean City Maryland!
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!
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IMPERIAL CRAB – truly, more than a title!
Below is another fine old recipe from the famed collection of St. Paul’s by the Sea located in Ocean City Maryland. Within this collection is this statement – “The original land patent for Ocean City is, “The Ladies Resort To The Ocean”. And, they did, resorting to building and running the small sideside hotels and rooming houses. By the 1890′s their hard work and sacrifice put Ocean City on the map. It is from their kitchens that these recipes come.”
CRAB IMPERIAL
1 lb. back fin crabmeat
2 egg whites, stiffly beaten
2 tbsp. quality mayonnaise
2 tbsp. mild, wet yellow mustard
6 saltines (use rolling pin to mash fine as sugar)
green pepper (not too much, enough to season) finely chopped
1 small jar pimientos
When mixing ingredients, be careful not to break lump crabmeat. If you use crab shells, melt some butter to coat inside of shells**. After shells are filled, place a teaspoon of mayonnaise on top. Heat at 400 about 15 minutes. Watch carefully, when mayonnaise becomes brown, remove from oven.
**Use individual ramekins if shells are not available.
Pondering the focus on good food here at the Maryland seashore one comes to the conclusion that the original, old time resort town of Ocean City Maryland was built upon two things; its proximity to the vast ocean and the bounteous seafood derived from it. Several of our town’s finest restaurants actually began as small diners – purveying fresh caught crabs, oysters, clams and fish. Of these bay and ocean offerings, crab was and remains – king! No matter the reason for the occasion here on the Eastern Shore – the famed, Atlantic Blue Crab is served in some fashion. Hot steamed hard crabs, buttery sautéed soft crabs, melting cheesy crab dip, spicy crab cake sandwiches, and of course, the best of all, Imperial Crab are all favorite dishes. Going back to the cookbook from the women of St. Paul’s by the Sea we found what I believe to be the best Imperial Crab recipe of all! It requires a little effort…beating egg whites, mincing fresh green pepper and pimentos, pulverizing crackers into powder but result is, oh, so worth it! It’s the perfect melding of flavorful crab and other subtle flavors! A truly ‘Imperial’ dish!
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CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS 2009 – Ocean City style!
During the holidays people visit the Ocean City Maryland area for a variety of reasons; to rest and relax – get away, to visit family and friends, and to view and participate in the area’s many traditional and non-traditional, seasonal activities.
There is no doubt that our area offers a wide range of choices for all visitors. First, if your choice is to get away – the rest and relax part is easy. Early winter brings a huge sense of natural quiet to the area. Bundled up, going for a stroll beside the surf or on our famed Boardwalk, watching the sea birds aloft and breathing the brisk sea air is 
nature’s own best tranquilizer. To our south, Assateague Island becomes a winter wonderland; bare branches and the occasional island pony or deer against the background of long stretches of pristine beach often provides natures most reflective scenery. Prolonging this sense of relaxation means perhaps finding oneself of an evening in one of the area’s many fine restaurants enjoying choice refreshments.
For our visitors who instead choose to partake of more vibrant area activities – these too are abundant. Area shopping is 
unique – and although we have the nearby chains we also offer plenty of those hard to find, one of a kind shops and galleries, especially in our sister town, Berlin Maryland. Outlet shopping may be found at the nearby White Marlin Mall/Outlet on Rt. 50. Horse and Carriage rides are also offered in Downtown Historic Berlin on weekends through Christmas. Area museums offer additional ‘open’ hours – showcasing our region’s unique seaside history. Traditional choral presentations abound in area churches. Here on the island of Ocean City a drive along Coastal Highway showcases colorful and exciting displays of lights.
New Year’s Day presents the more ‘non-traditional’ in the form of the annual “Penguin Swim”. One may view a huge mass of shivering bodies topped with smiling faces brave a quick dip in the cold Atlantic – to benefit our local hospital – Atlantic General!
Yes, there are truly many unique ways to enjoy the Holidays Ocean City style 2009!
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Scalloped OYSTERS – real food from the Sea!
At first finding authentic, old-time Eastern Shore recipes seemed a somewhat daunting task. We weren’t looking for the restaurant kind – the menu that says, “Old Fashioned… (Double frozen, pre-packaged, deep fried…)”; the over processed food that comes in a box. We were looking for the type of food that was made with pride in local kitchens and is still served to a very lucky few. Coming across another old cookbook that not only offers recipes but also true local history is the basis for this blog section, Shore Good Eats. We recently found a quote that seems to say it all from the preface of one of these grand, old cookbooks, “The original land patent for Ocean City is, “The Ladies Resort To The Ocean”. And they did, resorting to building and running the small seaside hotels and rooming houses. By the 1890’s their hard work and sacrifice put Ocean City on the map. It is from their kitchens that these recipes come.”
Upon studying the recipe below – Scalloped Oysters, one finds the identical ingredients as in the best Oyster Stew except the ‘crackers’ are on the inside. After having tried this I find myself a convert – this is really delicious! Try it…I halved the amounts for a test run; it’s all gone and I wish I’d made more!
SCALLOPED OYSTERS
1 quart oysters (standard, with liquor)
2-3 cups coarsely crushed saltines
1 stick butter
1-2 cups milk
Salt & pepper to taste
In a greased 2-quart casserole, alternate layers of oysters and crackers, dotting each layer with butter and sprinkling with salt and pepper. End with layer of crumbs. Add milk until liquid almost reaches top of casserole. Dot the top with remaining butter. Bake at 350 until browned, 45-60 minutes.
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It’s “Lobster Blowout” at HARPOON HANNA’S!
There’s absolutely nothing disappointing about this particular annual event; each November this Ocean City Maryland icon restaurant, Harpoon Hanna’s, offers a special, month long special – a “Lobster Blowout”. Two evenings each week (Wednesday and Thursday) fresh, whole Maine lobsters are offered at half price! The other evening we decided to check out this well-advertised deal. First off, even at the early hour of 5 pm the large parking lot was full. However, upon entering, we discovered that much of that 
was due to the normal “Happy Hour” crowd; we were seated in the dining area immediately and very comfortably. Menus were provided although we already knew what this evening was all about. All that I can say is “WOW”! The ‘bugs’ served were perfectly prepared…steamed just right, and, with the addition of a couple of tiny slits in the claw we were able to dismember this tempting crustacean with ease and less mess (well almost – they do have the ubiquitous 
lobster bib available in case of a mishap)! And, melted butter does still drip from time to time! A choice of two sides is offered: Baked Potato, Cole Slaw, Mac & Cheese, Applesauce (the good kind) or Vegetable of the Day. After gobbling all these goodies we should have quit but the limited yet attractive selections on dessert menu proved too tempting; out came a slice of Key Lime pie to share. It was tasty but small; really all that we needed! Everything was good – really good! Attentive without being intrusive, our server, Chris was a real pro. Also, it appeared that by the time we left, many others were enjoying this special evening! This offering, as mentioned earlier is available Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the month – except Thanksgiving Day, when another, more traditional special is offered!
Visit http://harpoonhannasrestaurant.com for information on all that this grand eatery has to offer!
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