Timbuktu

Timbuktu is one of those names that will come up in the ever going debate on who has the best crab cakes in Baltimore. Often considered part of the unofficial first family of crab cakes, Timbuktu has been around for at least 30 years. Though not quite as famous as G&M, they run in the same circles with the likes of G&M, Hella's, Romano's, and Pappas. So you at least know what you're in for, if your friends haven't told you already. While the inside might be a bit dated, the crab cakes are timeless, and have won numerous awards. Are they still the real deal after all this time? We set out to answer this question. Read on!

Crab cakes are available in the restaurant as a single or double platter, as well as a sandwich or submarine. Platters come with the choice of two sides (one of which can be a salad) and fresh baked bread. Lemon and tartar sauce accompany the cakes. You also have the choice of broiled or fried.

Crab cakes are 8oz in size, so if you order the double, make sure you're hungry! Cakes are packed with large pieces of jumbo lump crab meat, along with a few broken pieces, and held together by the least amount of binder possible. Binder has a bready yet cream/eggy flavor. Not much on spicing, as they opt to let the crab flavor speak for itself.

These crab cakes are good! The crab has a nice, meaty flavor to it, but is not the sweet flavor that people have come to expect as with the MD Blue. The lack of spicing lets you concentrate on that big meaty flavor without mucking things up, although it could use a bit more in the mix. The binder also has a flavor of it's own, and the creamy texture adds to the meatiness of the crab. Lemon on the crab cakes adds a nice additional flavor. Old Bay is available at the table in shakers, and a small sprinkle really helps open things up. It's usually better baked into the crab, but at least this way lets you control the spice.

Additional Info

Restaurant Name: Timbuktu
Address: 1726 Dorsey Rd Hanover, MD 21076
Neighborhood: Hanover
Restaurant Type: Local
Website: http://www.timbukturestaurant.com/
Review Date: 08/10/2012 6:45pm
Atmosphere: Moderate to Busy
Item(s) Ordered: Famous Timbuktu Crab Cakes
Cooking Style: Broiled
Other Styles Available: Yes
Available by mail order?: Yes
Price: 17.99
Order Type: Single Platter
Crab Content: Jumbo Lump
Filler: Average
Spice: Average
Overall Impression: Very Good
Rating (out of 5 crabs):

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