The Dark Horse Saloon in Bel Air has been around since 2010 and features southwestern favorites and authentic, award-winning barbecue.  (There is another location in Canton as well, but may be under different ownership.) The original building dates back to the post civil war era, having served as the home to John's barbershop, a watch repair store and the original headquarters of the Aegis newspaper.  The decor pays homage to this rich history, keeping with the Western theme and including relics of days gone past.  So you normally wouldn't expect a southwestern place to serve crab cakes.  But when they do, they go all out.  In addition to crab cake platters and sandwiches comes the Chesapeake Grilled Cheese.  Is it as amazing as it sounds?  Continue on and see for yourself!

Last week, we reviewed Annapolis Seafood Markets' Backfin crab cakes.  Based on a tip from friend of the CCR Kerry G, we set forth to see just how good this place was.  And when we got there, we discovered that there were two different kinds of crab cakes on offer.  If you missed the review, Annapolis Seafood Markets is a chain of seafood markets with 3 locations around the Baltimore/Annapolis area.  Their stores offer a variety of fresh seafood and prepared items available for carry out.  Annapolis Seafood tends to be a local's secret, with their seafood being bought and prepared fresh daily.  Seeing as how the backfin cakes were really good, we just HAD to try the jumbo lump cakes.  Do they meet or exceed the standards set forth by the backfin cakes?  Read along and find out!

Annapolis Seafood Markets is a chain of seafood markets with 3 locations around the Baltimore/Annapolis area.  Their stores offer a variety of fresh seafood and prepared items available for carry out.  Annapolis Seafood tends to be a local's secret, with their seafood being bought and prepared fresh daily.  Friend of the CCR Kerry G. shared this little secret with us, saying that someone in her family who typically hates seafood requests their crab cakes all the time.  While she may be referring to the jumbo lump crab cakes, anyplace with such rave reviews from the non-seafaring types must be good!  So with such high regards in mind, the CCR set sail for their nearest Annapolis Seafood Market with their sights set on crab cakes.  How were they?  Let's find out!

Way back in December 2011, friend of the Review Jeff L had suggested Box Hill (see, we do listen!).  Our first thought was "A pizzeria?  Really?"  But then we looked into it, and eventually made the visit.  While it may not look like much from the outside, take a step inside, and you'll immediately notice all of the celebrity photos, as well as the wall of awards.  Continually being showered with awards and praise (such as Best Crab Cake by Baltimore Magazine in 2009), the Box Hill Pizzeria has been delivering crab cakes from a secret family recipe since 1984, both to the table as well as through the mail.  So with all of the talk, the CCR was set to see if the rumors were true.  Follow along as we take a road trip up to the Bel Air area to feast our eyes (and our mouths) on these award winning crab cakes!

The Edgewater Restaurant has been around since 1948, and is one of those local institutions that will get people all excited at just a mention of the name.  A sheer testament to their ability to survive as long as they have, you'll get the same reaction from everyone -- the crab cakes are their most favorite thing in the world.  But, the one thing they neglect to tell you, is WHICH crab cakes are their favorite.  You see, Edgewater sells two kinds -- jumbo lump and backfin.  One could assume that the jumbo lumps are it, but if you happen to show up on a Wednesday, you'll notice that the backfin crab cakes are the special of the day!  Not wanting to pass up a good deal, the CCR decided to focus their efforts on the backfins, at least this time around.  Are they as legendary as jumbo lumps?  Time to see for ourselves!

Back in January, the CCR encountered Handy Crab Cakes, hoping that stumbling across a brand they've never seen before might actually be a frozen crab cake that is a worthy substitute for when you can't get a freshly made one.  As it turns out -- not so much.  Alongside those regular crab cakes were the Crab & Shrimp Cakes.  Call us a glutton for punishment, or maybe just consider us adventurous.  But we went ahead and bought a package.  For science!  They are, according to their website,  America's oldest seafood processor, who still maintains a plant in Crisfield, MD.  In this day and age of rampant patriotism, we say let's support the local Maryland economy and give them another shot.  Were these any better?  Let's find out!