When you think of Maryland, one food probably comes to mind: crabs. Specifically, the kind of crabs steamed to perfection, generously seasoned, and dumped onto butcher paper for everyone to dive into. In this episode of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, Guy Fieri travels just 20 minutes south of Baltimore to experience a traditional crab feast at The Stony Creek Inn.
A True Maryland Tradition
Located near Stony Creek off the Chesapeake Bay, The Stony Creek Inn is a haven for seafood lovers. Owned by Bill and Mary Green, the restaurant offers a wide array of crab dishes, from jumbo lump crab meat to crab toast and even a crab pretzel.
As Guy Fieri arrives, he immediately immerses himself in the local culture, noting, “When you’re in Maryland, and you’re thinking traditional food, well, you’re probably thinking crab.” He’s not wrong. Crabs are more than just food here; they’re a way of life.
Don't lose this list! Drop your email and we'll send it to you, so you've got it handy next time you're hungry or planning a trip.
The Art of Steaming Crabs
The highlight of the episode is the steamed crabs, served Maryland-style with sweet corn and a generous sprinkle of seasoning. Bill Green learned the art of steaming crabs from his father, and he continues to do it the family way, omitting the commonly used Old Bay seasoning.
Instead, the seasoning mix consists of kosher salt, paprika, dry mustard, chili flakes, cayenne, and thyme. Guy is initially surprised, exclaiming, “No Old Bay on the steam crabs? Well, everybody stop for a moment!” But as the crabs are steamed, the blend of spices permeates through the shell, creating a rich, flavorful experience that leaves Guy impressed.
The Feast
The crabs are layered into a steaming pot with a fresh batch of corn on top. After about 25 minutes, the crab feast is ready. Guy marvels at the result: “They’re very rich, buttery, sweet. The salt complements it really well. The seasoning on the crab is pretty outstanding.”
The feast isn’t just about the food but also the method of eating it. Bill and Mary pass down their crab-picking techniques to their children, ensuring that the tradition lives on. As Guy joins in, he reflects on the communal aspect of the feast: “This is how I like to eat crab. Hang out with a bunch of people, say I never had any, and let them do the picking.”
More Than Just Steamed Crabs
While the steamed crabs are the star of the show, The Stony Creek Inn offers a variety of other crab dishes. One unique offering is the fried hard crab, which involves peeling off the batter to reveal succulent crab meat inside. They even stuff crab into shrimp for a decadent treat.
One of the restaurant’s signature items is the jumbo lump crab cake. Made with heavy mayonnaise, prepared mustard, lemon juice, liquid egg as a binder, and a touch of baking powder, the mixture is folded into 6 pounds of fresh jumbo lump crab meat. Minimal breading is used, making these crab cakes all about the crab. As Guy digs into one, he exclaims, “I’m not getting over citrus, I’m not getting over mustard, I’m not getting over mayo. Tasting the crab—everybody’s working together to enhance that jumbo lump.”
An Unforgettable Experience
Whether steamed, fried, or baked into a cake, the crabs at The Stony Creek Inn have left an indelible mark on Guy. He wraps up his visit with a heartfelt endorsement: “Once you try it, whether you’re from Maryland or not, you’re hooked. You’re absolutely hooked.”
So, next time you’re near Baltimore and craving a true Maryland crab feast, head over to The Stony Creek Inn. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’re in for a dining experience that’s both delicious and steeped in tradition.