Reviews and Testimonials about Jerry's Seafood Restaurant

June 13, 2010

By Washington Post Staff

"Home of the Crab Bomb" is the motto of this no-frills family restaurant with three Maryland locations, and for good reason. The snow-white meat from Venezuela is picked on premises. The marble-size chunks are then tossed with a touch of mayonnaise and Old Bay, not a bread crumb in sight. The result is a seemingly impossible but awe-inspiring combination of delicacy and all-American satisfaction.

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Thursday, July 30 2009

By Terra Walters, for the Capital

A recent Friday evening found us dining at Jerry's Seafood on West Street, and we were lucky enough to score a table on their exquisite rooftop.

It was our first visit to that location since the departure of the greatly missed Metropolitan, and we were expecting to be overcome with angst for we were all great fans of that innovative restaurant and the culinary stylings of its talented young chef, J.J. Minetola. If the truth be known, however, we began to feel considerably less sad after the first sip of our outstanding cocktails (Sapphire martini for $7.70 and Mount Gay and tonic for ($6.70) and our moods improved dramatically as the food began to arrive. Jerry's is one of those places where you just need to dive right into the breadbasket. No point in nibbling on those tasteless carb allotment-wasting breads and rolls that are featured in so many restaurants; but when you find bread this good, butter it and enjoy it.

The arrival of the appetizers signaled another drastic reduction in Metropolitan missing as we savored the first bites of the Crab Balls ($15) and the Beer Battered Shrimp ($15). Though pricey, both starters merited the positive reactions they engendered. The crab balls (we had ours baked, but fried is available as well) were seasoned expertly and set off perfectly by the homemade stone crab sauce that accompanied the dish. This was one time when a dipping sauce truly enhanced a dish exponentially. The shrimp, we agreed, were among the best fried shrimp we'd tasted. It should be simple – just start with shrimp that are fresh, then batter them lightly in a savory batter before frying them quickly - but a lot of restaurants can't seem to get it right. These shrimp were crunchy and greaseless, tasty to the max.

One comment about presentation, however: The skewered shrimp presented prettily, but there is no culinary justification for serving them that way and pulling them off the skewers added a step that shouldn't have been necessary.

Entrees at Jerry's include two side dishes, and we were considering whether to include the stewed tomatoes as one of our selections. Our server kindly provided a small dish of them for tasting (the service was most attentive early on in the meal, but became more perfunctory as the demands of a busy Friday night ramped up). No offense to Chef Gainey, but our unanimous vote was that the dish, described as Grandma Gainey's recipe, was much too sweet. Though somewhat limited in scope (only a dozen entrees), the menu focuses on that which is Priority One in these parts: crab. Fully half of the 12 entrees are crab-related. Our experience with the appetizers had endorsed that this is a kitchen adroit in the preparation of seafood, and we had every confidence that the salmon or the sea bass or the fried oysters would have been delicious. We, on the other hand, were all about the famous Crab Bomb. Jerry's Seafood proudly advertises itself as "the home of the crab bomb," so how could we not try it. By the time the entrees arrived, we were on our second basket of bread (what happens on Jerry's rooftop stays on Jerry's rooftop) and happily sipping our Firestone Sauvignon Blanc ($33). Upon ordering it, we had commented that we would see if they did wine as well as they do tires. They do. The wine list at Jerry's is an appealing one, priced from moderate to expensive. Surprisingly, there are more reds than whites, but perhaps that means that others are starting to drink what they feel like drinking irrespective of the traditional pairings of white with seafood and red with meat. Jerry's offers both a 10-ounce Crab Bomb ($34) and a 6-ounce Baby Bomb ($26). One member of our group went for the big one, while the others diners selected the smaller version. (The member of our party who opted for the firecracker version of the Baby Bomb loved the spiciness provided by the liberal inclusions of dry mustard and black pepper in addition to the Old Bay.)

After the fact, we can admit to having been somewhat cynical about something called a Crab Bomb in this land of crab cakes, crab cakes, and more crab cakes. One taste, though, and we were sold. Only jumbo lump crab is utilized, and the dusting of Old Bay is just the right amount to point up the flavor of the crab. Baked to golden brown, the crab bombs - large and small - were nothing less than spectacular. We also enjoyed the well-executed wedge cut fries and the homemade cole slaw (Grandma Gainey gets high marks for this recipe). One doesn't give up a Friday evening seat on Jerry's rooftop hastily, so we decided to have dessert and coffee. The Chocolate Brownie Sundae ($4.50) was delectable, with a warm chocolate chip-studded.brownie served with vanilla ice cream and liberal drizzlings of chocolate sauce.

But it was the Limoncello Truffle ($5.50) that took the prize. A wispy crunch of meringue on the outside gave way to a center of lemon gelato with a mini-shot of limoncello inside. What a treat By this time, the solitary candle was no match for the starless and moonless sky, so we pretty much finished our dessert by touch. A suggestion: add another candle or two if people are still eating and make sure that either all or none of the tables have tablecloths (we asked but no one seemed to know why some of the tables had tablecloths while others - like ours - didn't).

The story of the owner of Jerry's Seafood is a real Horatio Alger tale. Having been injured in a construction accident in 1974, Jerry was given several jars of shucked oysters by his uncle, and told to "go to work." From selling oysters from the back of a '68 Chevy to owning multiple restaurants, Jerry's experience tells an ultimate Maryland truth: Offer them good seafood and they're sure to find you.

Jerry's Seafood takes traditional ‘cakes' and turns them into ‘bombs'
Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009

The state of Maryland is known for its crabs, and therefore its cuisine is justly famous for a wide variety of crab cakes. But for those hungry for something more substantial, or just for something a little different, Jerry's Seafood in Lanham serves up a meatier, simpler take on the Free State's celebrated cake.

Its signature dish, the crab bomb, has no complicated secret ingredients: the 10-ounce sphere is just enormous chunks of fresh crab meat, mildly spiced with Old Bay seasoning and minimally bound with only enough mayonnaise to hold it together, then baked.

"You can't fry a crab bomb, it'll blow apart," said owner Philip Gainey, who bought the restaurant in July 2003 from his uncle, the eponymous Jerry.

Opened in the early 1980s, Jerry's Seafood has maintained a simplicity of presentation combined with a passionate devotion to freshness and quality, Gainey said.

Fish and shellfish come in fresh every day, and homemade dishes and sides are prepared fresh daily, including soups, coleslaw, salad and salad dressings, and stewed tomatoes. The frying oil is changed daily, keeping fried food tasting fresh.

"We just really believe in the smallest detail, and we don't veer from it," Gainey said. "When you veer from it, you really just become the same old restaurant as everybody else."

The crab bomb ($34) allows pure, sweet crab flavor to shine through. But there is a spicier alternative: The Firecracker crab bomb, seasoned with black pepper and dry mustard. There is also a smaller version of both flavors – the baby crab bomb ($26), made with six ounces of crab meat.

Though the bombs are the restaurant's signature dish, the most popular offerings on the eatery's small but solid menu are the cream of crab soup and sherry-laced crab bisque ($7.50 each). Other appetizers include shrimp and more crab selections ranging up to $24 per pound of steamed, spiced shrimp.

Jerry's makes just four sandwiches, three seafood and one steak ($11 to $15), and you can also order either garden or Caesar salads ($5.75), with the addition of crab or shrimp ($8 more).

Lunch and dinner entrees keep it equally simple: crab cakes in original or Firecracker versions ($20 lunch, $32 dinner), fresh oysters or scallops ($19 each lunch, $31 each dinner) and other seafood or steak selections.

Specialties aside from the crab bombs include crab imperial or shrimp stuffed with crab imperial ($26 lunch, $34 dinner) and salmon ($24) prepared any number of ways.

Desserts include homemade coconut cake and lemon pound cake ($6.50 each per slice), brought in daily by a former customer who offered to bake for the restaurant, Gainey said.

Friday, May 30, 2008

Jerry's Seafood at the Metropolitan, 169 West St., Annapolis; www.jerrysseafood.com, 410/268-7733. Seafood. Famous for its Crab Bomb from its other branches, Jerry's also serves delicious mussels in chipotle broth, and a fine, proper crab soup. There's also the Baby Bomb (smaller) and the Firecracker Bomb (spicier). Among the desserts, the brownie sundae is wonderful and rich.

Fried Oysters can be an appetizer or main course at Jerry's Seafood Restaurant in Annapolis.

Scott Haring Friday, May 23, 2008

Jerry's Seafood, known in the region for its Crab Bomb, has launched an effort in Annapolis to become part of the downtown dining scene. It has opened in the former Metropolitan restaurant site on West Street. Metropolitan was a posh, contemporary, cosmopolitan restaurant; Jerry's is basically the same except it is mostly about seafood. It kept the name, now referring to the site as Jerry's Seafood at the Metropolitan. The three-story building's interior has changed little - even the cocktail napkins still read "Metropolitan." Weather permitting, you cannot beat the rooftop dining and bar area - something that is virtually nonexistent in the historic city. Around here, if you are going to specialize in seafood, you have to do it right, and Jerry's knows what's right. Cream of crab soup ($7.50) is almost a model version of this traditional starter. It is very thick but so creamy and smooth that it still comes off as soup (not a glob of paste, like some thick versions). The decadent richness is balanced nicely with just the right amount of spice. A generous amount of tender crabmeat is mounded on the top so you can see just what you are getting. An appetizer special of the evening was steamed mussels with chipotle broth ($14). Tender, juicy mussels were steamed to perfection, and the chipotle added a wonderful bite - hot, but not overwhelming. A nice, smoky flavor was present, but it didn't mask the mussels, as can be the case with a barbecue version. The broth was so good we lamented the lack of bread to sop it up.

Joseph Silverman/The Washington Times Jerry's Seafood at the Metropolitan in Annapolis is famous for its 10-ounce Crab Bomb crab cake. Jerry's specialty has always been the Crab Bomb ($34). Ten ounces of jumbo lump crab is seasoned lightly with Old Bay and baked to a golden brown. This is prime crabmeat, and Jerry's knows how to let it shine. It uses a very light touch with the spices and mayonnaise binder so the crab flavor is dominant. Another key to its success: It is not overcooked. There is nothing worse than dry crabmeat, and this remains moist and sweet. The Baby Bomb ($26) is a 6-ounce version for those with a smaller appetite. For those who want more spice, the Firecracker Bomb has black pepper and dry mustard added. Sea bass ($27) is all about the fish. Tender, flaky fish was perfectly sauteed, with just a light touch of seasoning. Pan-seared scallops ($31 - can also be fried) are worth a try if you are a scallop fan. All entrees are served with two side dishes: baked potato, wedge-cut fries, vegetable of the day, Grandma Gainey's coleslaw, stewed tomatoes or apple sauce seasoned with vanilla and cinnamon. The handful of sandwiches available include crab cake, fried oyster, filet of haddock or rib-eye. Most crab houses offer some kind of ice cream treat as a dessert; at Jerry's, there's a brownie sundae ($5.50). Simple but wonderful, the rich, chocolaty brownie and smooth vanilla ice cream are a perfect end. Jerry's is well-known for its location on Lanham-Severn Road in Seabrook, just off the Capital Beltway. Beach-goers may be familiar with yet another Jerry's, in Lewes, Del.

RESTAURANT: Jerry's Seafood at the Metropolitan, 169 West St., Annapolis; 410/268-7733; www.jerrysseafood.com
HOURS: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday
PRICES: Soups and salads $5.75 to $8; appetizers $14 to $24; sandwiches $11 to $15; entrees $19 to $34; desserts $4.50 to $6.50
CREDIT CARDS: All major cards
PARKING: Street or nearby garage ($2)
ACCESS: Wheelchair accessible

April 24 2008

Jerry's Seafood in Seabrook has the best seafood by far. I love its cozy and quaint atmosphere. I have been living in the area for years and had never stopped in to check it out. One day my mom and I went for dinner, and we were truly impressed. The service was outstanding from beginning to end. Because it was our first time, we got to sample a couple of their starters. The wait staff was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. The selection of seafood was great and not the same thing you find everywhere else. The portions were outstanding, satisfying and filling.

Kimberly Boddie
Lanham

10 Places to Eat That You Should Know About
April 26 2007

Jerry Gainey sold the place in 2003 to a nephew and a longtime employee, and on subsequent visits I thought the quality of the famous "crab bomb" -- 10 ounces of jumbo lump crab meat barely held together with mayonnaise and Old Bay seasoning -- had slipped. But on my last visit, the bomb was once again about as close to perfection as crab meat can get. The cream of crab soup -- with its own nice bite of Old Bay -- and the milder crab bisque were equally good. The simple side dishes, including a great baked potato, creamy coleslaw and a crisp green salad, were just about the best they could be.

User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (25 ratings)
Jerry's Seafood (301) 577-0333
9364 Lanham Severn Rd, Seabrook, MD 20706 | Cross Streets: Between Carter Ave and 94th Ave

User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars by Dre 04/12/2008 This is truely some of the freshest seafood that I have ever tasted, It cost a little more, but it's worth every penny. Once you dine here red lobster will not do anymore.don't cheat yourself treat yourself.

User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars by Yoyo in DC 06/14/2007 The bomb!: The CRAB bomb is the best crab cake I have ever tasted.

User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars by eclark20018 05/16/2007 Crab Bomb IS the BOMB!: Heard thru the grapevine about Jerry's Seafood. Did some investigative work on the internet, read the reviews and had to go for myself. Got there at 5 p.m. on a Saturaday. It is located in a small strip mall with a small parking lot. It doesn't help that the parking lot has restrictive parking signs. Had to wait about 30 minutes for a parking spot; driving around and around the lot with other cars, following people coming out of the resturant to snatch their spot, only to see other cars laying in waiting. I decided to put my name on the waiting list, which was about 45mins to an hour, looking for parking helped kil the time. Inside, it's a just 1 room with about 50 - 75 tables. Music was playing in the background , slightly muffling nearby conversations. The lighting was just subdued enough to give it a mellow mood. I found the setting perfect for an intimate dinner The menu is very straighforward - nothing but seafood and the wine list was impressive, both a little steep. LAWDY, LAWDY, LAWDY! The crab bomb was worth the parking hassle! Melted in your mouth, buttery, smooth, ABSOLUTELY NO FILLER! 10 ozs. of delectable crab. I had planned to take some home, but that wasn't happening. And the steamed broccoli! Steamed to perfection - fresh, tender, well seasoned. I could have made a meal with the broccoli. OH, and your non alcoholic beverage is served in a carafe; a pleasant surprise for the soda drinker. So, from now on my payday ritual will be carryout from Jerry's Seafood. Try everything on the menu and skip the digging for gold in shell crabs!

Out of this World Posted by gltyree on Mar 12, 2008 I am not a connoisseur of seafood. I especially don't care for crab cakes, because they usually have so much fillers inside. But my daughter took me to Jerry's for a Valentine's Day dinner. I tried the Baby Bomb because I'd heard so many good things about their crab cakes. Much to my delight, it was all true and a whole lot more. The crab cake was out of this world. I enjoyed it so much I did not want to finish it (how's that for good). I cannot find words that could do it any justice. It was well worth the 2 hour wait.Sincerely, So Satisfied

Delightful Posted by mariaescobar on Jul 20, 2007 This place is great. My favorite entree is the crab bomb. The food is always served fresh and hot. I have never been disappointed. It's pricey but it's worth every penny. Jerry's Seafood is at the top of my list as best seafood restaurant in MD.