So, the other day, I got this real hankering, you know? For some proper seafood. And not just any seafood, I mean Maryland-style, the kind that gets all over your hands and you don’t even care.
Heard folks talking ’bout Norris Seafood down in Essex, Maryland. It’s been a while since I had some good crabs, the real deal, and I figured, why not give ’em a try? Sometimes you just gotta scratch that itch when it comes.
Hopped in the truck and made my way over there. Wasn’t expecting anything fancy, and that’s good, ’cause it ain’t. It’s one of those places that looks like it’s been there forever, focused on the food, not the fluff. I like that. Tells you they’re serious about what they’re selling, not how pretty the sign looks.
Walked in, and boom! That smell hit me. You know, that mix of saltwater, fresh fish, and a good bit of spice in the air. That’s when you know you’re in the right spot, or at least, you hope you are. Made my stomach rumble a bit, to be honest.
Went up to the counter, took a good look at what they had. Crabs looked decent, lively. That’s what you want to see. Didn’t want to mess around too much with decisions, I knew what I was there for.
Told the fella behind the counter I needed a good dozen of the jumbos, or whatever the best heavy ones they had were. He gave me a nod, which I guess meant ‘sure thing’. Also grabbed a pound of their steamed shrimp, ’cause why not? You’re already there, might as well live a little, right?
Paid up, got my brown paper bags full of goodness. The weight of it felt promising. Drove home, already thinking about laying out the newspaper on the old picnic table in the back. That’s the only way to eat crabs, far as I’m concerned. No plates, no fuss.
Got home, and wasted no time. Spread out the newsprint, grabbed my trusty mallet and a roll of paper towels – you always need more paper towels than you think. Opened up those crabs. Steamed just right, caked in that seasoning. They were heavy too, a good sign they’re full of meat and not just water and air.
And let me tell you, they didn’t disappoint.
- The meat was sweet and flaky.
- Plenty of it in there, not like some of those watery, sad ones you get sometimes.
- Seasoning had a good kick but didn’t blow your head off, just enough to make you reach for your drink.
The shrimp were fat and juicy too. Popped ’em in my mouth one after another while I was working on a tough claw.
Yeah, it was messy. Hands covered in seasoning, bits of shell flying here and there. My dog was very interested in the proceedings, hoping for a dropped piece. But that’s part of the fun, ain’t it? If you’re eating crabs and you’re clean at the end, you’re doing it wrong. That’s my motto.
Cleaned up the battlefield afterwards. Felt good. Full. Satisfied in that way only good, fresh seafood can make you feel. Sometimes, it’s the simple things, you know? Just some good, honest seafood, done right. Norris Seafood in Essex, yeah, they did alright by me this time. I’d go back. Probably will, next time that craving hits hard and I need a proper Maryland crab fix.
