I was disappointed to find out that my favorite seafood restaurant in Ocean City closed this spring. Crabman's Seafood Bar and Grille shut down after just two years at their current location on 127th street.

Owners Brian and Donna Field used to run a little carryout called Crabman's House of Crabs, where I first ran into them. They served only local crabs, and you could really taste the difference.

The biggest draw to Crabman's was that they didn't pre-steam their crabs. When you ordered them, they cooked them. No heat lamps, no re-steaming. I haven't found anywhere else in town that does this, yet.

Everything was fresh and handmade. It really was the best stuff in town, and you couldn't beat their cream of crab soup. Maybe the location wasn't right, or the rent was too much, but apparently they just couldn't keep up with their bills.

I'm really at a loss right now. Whenever someone asked me for a seafood recommendation, I always picked Crabman's. I'll have to go on a city-wide tour of the restaurants this week. I've heard good things about On The Bay Seafood (42nd street) so I'll check out that first.

There are a few new crab houses that I'll be sure to review in the upcoming weeks.

On an unrelated note, apparently someone appreciated their American freedom a little too much this holiday weekend, as the Greene Turtle had their turtle fountain stolen. Their marquee out front pleaded for the safe return of their beloved tortoise, which was noticeably absent from the south side of the building.

Ocean City is pretty quiet today. It's that special time of the year after Memorial Day but before the high school seniors start pouring into town. Enjoy it while it lasts!