When it comes to a summer crab cracking, there are a few culinary essentials you need in order to keep the festivities running smoothly. Being short a few mallets or running out of beer can put a damper on even liveliest shindig. The solution? Plan ahead, get your condiments right, and whatever you do, don’t forget the Old Bay.
A utilitarian oyster knife
Opinel No9 Oyster and Shellfish Folding Knife; $20 at opinel-usa.com and Salt & Sundry.
A 6-pack of easy-drinking beer
Flying Dog Brewery Dead Rise; various locations and prices at flyingdogbrewery.com.
…plus a growler full of something stout-er
Shine Vessel Co 64oz Wander and Rumble Growler; 59.99 at shinevessels.com.
A crab mallet
Salisbury Fine Metal Artisans Crab Mallet; $12.50 at salisburyinc.net.
Some classic seasoning
Old Bay Seasoning; various locations and prices at oldbay.com.
A get-your-hands-dirty apron
North End Bag Co. Waxed Apron; $90 at northendbagcompany.com.
Serving and side dishes (preferably themed)
Le Creuset Sweet Corn Dish; $12 at lecreuset.com.
Marinades, sauces, and condiments
Tessemae’s Savor Summer Grill Pack; $39 at tessemaes.com.
A workhorse cooler
Yeti Tundra 35; $299.99 at yeticoolers.com.
And lastly, a nip of something stronger
One Eight Distilling Untitled Whiskey; Flask from $16-$24 at oneeightdistilling.com.
Hayley is an Associate Editor at Washingtonian Weddings. Previously she was the the Style Editor at The Local Palate, a Southern food culture magazine based out of Charleston, South Carolina. You can follow her on instagram @wandertaste.
