Rolled-up sleeves. Newspaper-lined tables. Small, wooden mallets.
Baltimore, Maryland is famous for their steamed crabs…and for good reason. Last spring, we traveled to Baltimore for an Orioles baseball game, and my husband introduced me to the city’s tradition of “picking” steamed blue crabs at the Cross Street Market. “Picking” really translates to “dismembering and devouring” these delicious, sweet crustaceans. They’re served freshly steamed and generously seasoned with Old Bay seasoning, which is referred to as “The Definitive Seafood Spice” among seafood lovers. (Consisting of celery seed, salt, a blend of red and black peppers, and paprika, Old Bay uniquely enhances the flavor of the crabmeat.)
Some may view eating crabs as too much work for such little meat, but if you really love blue crabs, this messy tradition is a great, casual dining experience.
Rants, Raves, and Rations 
For some odd reason, crabs are not popular here in New Zealand. I’ve had some amazing crab feasts in Hong Kong, but would love to try the east coast crabs of the US. Do you use special tools for crab eating or is it specifically a hands only experience?
Hands, wooden mallets, and butter knives if needed. What utensils were used in Hong Kong? A crab feast sounds amazing!
You can actually buy crab eating packs. Scissors, stick and tiny spoon are preferred. The Chinese prefer the rich tasting roe over the meat. Just thinking about it now makes my mouth water!