The CCR will be moving domain registrars due to Go Daddy's vocal support of the pending SOPA legislation.  We apologize in advance for any inconveniences this move may cause (although hopefully there will be no issues).

While we support copyright holder's rights to their intellectual property, this legistation has the potential to allow the US to shut down entire websites because of a single infringement claim, resulting in the censorship of the Internet much like China and Iran do.  The language of this legistlation is very broad, and is being written by congressmen who admittedly know nothing about how Internet technology works.  The ramifications on free speech and innovation could be disasterous due to the potential for abuses of power.  We encourage you to learn more about this issue and to take action if you are opposed.

Update:  GoDaddy has since modified their position on SOPA, due to the ongoing outrage across the Internet, as well as the increased amount of domain transfers.  While retracting their vocal support, they have not opposed to the law.  The CCR will still moving forward with the domain transfer.  Please bear with us during the transfer process should any site outages occur, as GoDaddy has been interfering with the transfer process.

Happy Holidays from the Crab Cake Review!

If you live in the Crofton area, then you already know the Big Fish Grille.  Perhaps you have passed by it on the way to a Baysox game, or in your travels up and down Route 3.  The Big Fish Grille is the place along the road that looks like an old Bubba Gump shrimp shack, complete with a big, goofy fish sign.  While owned by the same group that runs Buddy's, Red Sky, and Yellowtail, this is a local establishment.  And with half off appetizers and bottles of wine during their happy hour, you may want to look past the kitsch and stop on in.  But before you do, I'm sure you want to know about the crab cakes.  Never fear, we are here to let you know!  So read on and see how they turned out!

Never underestimate the small mountain towns.  Yes, they may be landlocked and far away from the Chesapeake Bay.  No, there may not be much to do there.  But it all depends on how you look at it.  That small diner that you pass off as being too ordinary may have once served Harry Truman and his family.  The French restaurant may seem out of place, but may have once served as a private club for French airman back in the 1950's.  And maybe, just maybe, Noah's Ark might finally one day be built.

Today's fiber optic field trip takes us to the far reaches of Maryland, out in the Western panhandle, to a small town called Frostburg.  You may have heard of it.  If you're a history buff, then it will be because Frostburg was one of the first towns on the National Road, and quite a popular stopping point for passing celebrities and dignitaries.  Or you may have gone to school here, or known someone who has (go Bobcats!).

Which brings us to Sand Springs.  Now, this establishment may not have the history as some of the other restaurants in town (such as the Princess Restaurant or Au Petit Paris).  But it has been around since 1994, and will probably have some stories of its own to tell.  But they have crab cakes, which will always draw the CCR in.  So how were they?  Let's find out!

Del Frisco's is a nationwide collection of steakhouses that draws its inspiration from the distinctive personalities, character and architectural design of the cities they inhabit.  For example, the Philadelphia location is in the old First Pennsylvania Bank building, and contains a three-story wine tower looming over the main bar.  With multiple levels and the spectacular architectural design of an old bank, the restaurant truly is inspiring.  And while their focus is mostly on steak, they do have some seafood on offer as well, with one particular appetizer catching our eye.  Follow along as we continue this culinary adventure!

New to the Pasadena area is a steak and seafood restaurant called Two Rivers.  The idea is to bring fresh, local ingredients and chef inspired food to an area that generally caters to the lower priced family restaurant.  And while the concept is a bit upscale when you look at it on paper, the execution is very causal and family-friendly.  So how did their crab cakes fare?  Let's find out!

A while back, we reviewed Chesapeake Bay Brand's Crab Cakes as part of a crab cake throwdown.  You can read the review for their lower end crab cake, but suffice it to say, things didn't go well.  Which was disappointing, as these are the same folks who sell those gourmet crab cakes on QVC that got really good reviews.  But if you take a closer look, the product being sold online is for the Jumbo Lump crab cakes.  We reviewed the regular version!  Talk about comparing apples to oranges!  But sitting alongside that regular variety were the Jumbo Lump crab cakes.  Granted, the ones you get from QVC will probably not be frozen, but it should still be the same product.  So did they live up to the expectation?  Read on and find out!

Real crab cakes can be hard to find in the off-season, especially if you expect it to contain any precious Maryland Blue crab.  So when you are walking through the grocery store and spy a new brand of crab cake, the words "made with real crab meat" might pique your interest.  And if you are super proud of your country, then the "Made in USA!" will have that package jumping into your cart in no time.  Found at my local Giant supermarket, I decided to fight terrorism the only way I know how -- by eating crab cakes.  How were they?  Continue on and find out!

Bloom is a chain of supermarkets run by Food Lion (or as some of us call it -- Food Kitty).  The idea was for a concept supermarket that analyzed changing trends and needs to create an unconventional layout to maximize customer convenience.  For example, you can buy milk at the front of the store, instead of having to go all the way to the back for it.

This week, the CCR reviews their store-made crab cakes.  How were they?  Read on and find out!

Who doesn't love a German beer hall?  Wood paneling and stuffed animal heads on the walls (one bear in particular looks like he knows how to have a good time!).  Long list of German beers on tap.  The sounds of polkas and people in traditional German clothing dancing.

Blob's Park has been around since 1933, when it opened with the purpose to bring a little bit of the homeland to the area for everyone to enjoy.  There is a fair amount of history here, like the first Oktoberfest in the United States being celebrated here in 1947.  If you haven't been here at least once, then you'll certainly want to make a point to at some point.  

Bennet's Curse also sets up shop at Blob's Park, which has been voted one of the best haunts in the country.  As part of your admission, you gain free entrance into Blob's Park.  Imagine our surprise when, after going into the bar for a post-haunt beer, that we would see crab cakes on the menu!  (But, sadly, no maultaschen.)  Well, we couldn't pass up an opportunity to see what the Germans could do with our favorite local treat.  Follow along to see how the adventure unfolds!