Discover America’s Crab at McCormick & Scmicks

By Anny H. Ruth | April 10, 2010

San Francisco is known for clam chowder and crab chapino, Louisiana has its crawfish, and Maine has its lobster. When it comes to reputations, San Diego is known for many things – sunny skies, sandy beaches, a laid back culture, and the zoo. But what about great seafood?

There are many great seafood options in America’s Finest City, but if you’re looking for crab, there are few options that hit the mark in terms of variety.

Like many, you may see Dungeness Crab, King Crab, or Blue Crab on a menu and you order it without hesitation. All are good, but what are the differences between the varieties?  One local restaurant won’t make you choose – you can try them all in one place.

Through the end of April you can savor the varieties of crab all in one place – McCormick & Schmick’s at the Omni Hotel in downtown San Diego.

McCormick & Schmick’s is not just known for its location, location, location. Although the location is nice – just across from Petco Park – you will find much more than a pretty view at this restaurant. For one last month, they are giving guests the opportunity to “Discover America’s Crab” with a special menu showcasing several varieties and preparation styles for crab. With everything from Regional Crab Cakes to King Crab Legs to Lobster Ravioli Topped with Blue Crab on the menu, there’s something to please every palate.

Not sure what type of crab to order?

Dungeness Crab is a tender white meat, known for a delicate, sweet flavor. To try it, order the California Sushi Roll with Dungeness Crab, Sticky Rice, Cucumber and Avocado.

King Crab is known for meaty claws and legs and a full, rich flavor. If you want to give it a try, order the one pound King Crab Leg Dinner with Seasonal Vegetables and Melted Butter.

Blue Crab has a tender texture with a rich, buttery taste. Order the Lobster Ravioli Topped with Blue Crab served in White Wine Cream Sauce with Roasted Tomatoes and Spinach.

In addition to their usual menu, which changes daily based on the fresh catch, the “Discover America’s Crab” menu offers additional dining options to try.

California Sushi Roll
With Dungeness Crab, Sticky Rice, Cucumber and Avocado

Lobster Ravioli Topped with Blue Crab

In White Wine Cream Sauce with Roasted Tomatoes and Spinach

1LB King Crab Leg Dinner

With Seasonal Vegetables and Melted Butter

Regional Crab Cake

Regional/house preparation

Create Your Own Crab Surf & Turf

Pair a 6oz Filet Mignon with your choice of Crab Leg Sections, our Crab Cake or have your Filet Prepared Oscar-Style, topped with Crab, Asparagus and Hollandaise

Seasonal Sides Dish Options

Chocolate-Raspberry Trifle
With Vanilla Custard, Fresh Berries and Whipped Cream

Although not a place to go for a budget seafood menu or large portions, the quality, variety, and hospitality of the staff surely make up for what the restaurant lacks in affordability. One suggestion for stretching your dollar – go with a friend and spit everything, that way you get to try more without the added cost.

The Lobster Ravioli with Blue Crab was creamy and delicious. Not only will you savor the decadent pasta and white wine cream sauce, but you will get a healthy serving of spinach which was also surprisingly good.

The Regional Crab Cake was a little different than versions at other restaurants. Instead of lump crab meat, the crab cake was made of more delicate pieces of crab. Although my natural preference for jumbo lumps of crab in my crab cake left me wanting a little more, I was pleasantly surprised by the amazingly crispy exterior that was not too bready. The crisp exterior gave way to a soft delicious center that should be enjoyed slowly.

In addition to the crab, the steamed muscles were unbelievable. The rich buttery sauce is only made better by a side of warm sourdough bread for dipping.

After all the food you may not need desert, but the desert plate that the waiter will bring around will surely tempt you. Each looked more decadent than the next and surely they are all just as good as the seafood.

So, indulge and give in to a night on the town. You’ll be happy you discovered America’s crab at McCormick & Scmicks. You can review their menu and make reservations online at www.McCormickandSchmicks.com.

After a meal loaded with different varieties of crab, you’ll surely have a better feel for your preferences. If you still want to know more, here are a few fun facts about these glorious crustaceans of the sea:

Did you know…

America has more varieties of crab than anywhere else in the world
Dungeness Crab is the official state crustacean of Oregon
King Crab can grow up to six feet long
Blue Crab walk sideways on their middle three pairs of legs