Grab those little wooden mallets, because it’s time to chase down the delicate, sweet seafood flavor of the Chesapeake Bay blue crab, and in Kent County , Maryland the supply is plentiful, and the tradition of celebrating the season is lively. Callinectes sapidus or “beautiful, savory swimmers” have shades of blue mainly on their legs and claws, and some specimens, though rare, are entirely blue. No matter the amount of blue, these crabs harvested from the Chesapeake Bay promise a sweet, delicate meat that’s neither briny nor mealy. Blue crabs are smaller than Dungeness crabs, but when it comes to flavor, size doesn’t matter. Some of the sweetest meat comes from smaller crabs (more proof that good things come in small packages). You might work a bit more for those delicate morsels, but that’s part of the fun—an unhurried, communal meal that keeps us gathered at the table enjoying great food, good drink and memorable conversation. Crack. Shuck. Savor. The locals will t...
A collection of writing samples by Lesley Kontowicz