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!

To pass by Todd Conner's (or as it's referred to around the neighborhood:  TC's), one would not think that this would be a quality eating establishment.  If you're looking for someplace where you can sit down at a table for a meal, you'll probably keep walking as you'll more than likely notice that large bar area in the front half of the restaurant, and the size/age of the clientele (which tends to be on the younger side, not that there's anything wrong with that).  But push past the crowds, and you'll see tables for eating in the back, as well as on the sidewalk if it's nice out.  (There is also a back door on Aliceanna as well)  While many businesses have occupied this space, Todd Conner's has been there since 2007, and seems to be a popular place to hang out and enjoy your Boh's and O's.  But we're not here for beers and baseball (well, ok, maybe).  We're here for crab cakes.  How do they compare?  Read along and find out!

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!

Fresh ingredients and creativity. A sandwich with no rules. These are all things that we can get behind, and all we have to do is pay a visit to the Vagabond Sandwich Company. Located in downtown Bel Air, the Vagabond Sandwich Company is scratch cooking their way into your bellies based on a concept from the 1940's. And they support the local farming community by offering local products for sale alongside theirs. You can find crab cakes in a few forms, although the proper crab cake is a wrap, and not a sandwich. Is that enough to make us follow the vagabond trail to their doorstep? Let's find out!

This week the Crab Cake Review attempts to stay home and sample some of the home versions of crab cakes.  Today's victim is Whole Foods.  The world's largest retailer of organic and natural food, one would hope that their access to sustainable, locally sourced seafood would produce a crab cake worthy of recognition.  Especially with a Baltimore location.  How did it all work out?  Read on!