Locals claim that the crab cakes at Rusty Hooks, a dockside grill in North Carolina, rival those of the Chesapeake Bay.
The author, a lifelong consumer of crab cakes, was skeptical but decided to investigate the rumors. Upon visiting the grill, they found it to be simple, with a smell of salt and fry oil.
A smear of drawn butter clung to my lip, and I didn’t care.
The crab cakes at Rusty Hooks proved to be a revelation, with a golden crust giving way to a mouthful of sweet, briny jumbo lump crab, held together by just enough seasoning to let the seafood shine.
Author's summary: Exceptional crab cakes in North Carolina.