Schaefer’s Canal House
208 Bank Street
Chesapeake City, Maryland
(410) 885-7200
https://www.schaeferscanalhouse.com/
Tucked away on the north side of the C&D Canal in the historic town of Chesapeake City, Maryland, Schaefer’s Canal House isn’t exactly what you would call a “destination” restaurant. However, should you find yourself traveling along the nightmarish Philly to DC I-95 corridor – especially in warmer weather – its considerable charms will surely beckon. No matter where you happen to be seated, outdoor veranda or dining room, the view of the canal is truly spectacular – especially if a large ship should happen to pass by.
Given the restaurant’s strategic waterside location, as well as its informal atmosphere & nautical décor, it is certainly no surprise that matters piscatorial dominate the extensive bill-of-fare. There are, of course, suitable menu accommodations for landlubbers – burgers, cheesesteak, chicken, and sandwiches, for instance – but seafood is definitely the name of the game; specifically chosen, I might add, to complement the bounty of Maryland’s local waterways… And, if you’ll pardon the aqueous metaphor, it is always wise to swim with the current rather than against it. In other words, stick with what a given restaurant proports to do best, and you generally will not be disappointed.
Case in point… our most recent visit. My dining partner and I began our late lunch with a shared appetizer. The choices were legion. But this was definitely not the place for Chips & Salsa or Chicken Wings or Panko-Crusted Mozzarella… We hemmed and hawed between Jumbo Peel & Eat Shrimp and Traditional Calamari before finally settling upon the latter (pictured).
As most diners are aware, ordering calamari is a rather tricky proposition… Think of it as playing Russian roulette with your palate. If improperly prepared, calamari have all the flavor and texture of underdone rubber bands. But – kudos to the kitchen – our calamari rings were among the best that I have tasted anywhere. Ever so ethereally breaded and lightly fried, they were incomparably tender… while the accompanying sweet basil tomato dipping sauce gently caressed rather than smothered the objects of its affection.
Entrées – Surf & Turf (8oz. filet mignon with lobster tail or crab cake), Jambalaya, Grilled Salmon, Parmesan-Crusted Mahi Mahi, etc., all served with a baked potato, vegetable of the day, and side salad) – were more suited to heavy dinner rather than light luncheon, so we obviously opted for less filling fare. My dining partner simply loves crab – in any way, shape, or form – so the Crab Melt (pictured) was something of a must. Basically, crab imperial (crabmeat combined with mayonnaise or a sherried white sauce) topped with sliced tomatoes, smoked bacon, and Swiss cheese served open-faced on a pretzel roll… Another major coup for the kitchen.
Tacos seem to be quite popular here… ditto their kissin’ culinary cousins, the quesadillas. Both are served in a tortilla shell… the only difference between a taco and a quesadilla is the melted cheese in the latter.
Diners have several options. My choice, for example, was the Fish Tacos (pictured), two flour tortillas filled with moist blackened mahi-mahi, a semi-mild, sweet-tasting white-fleshed fish that is similar to halibut in flakiness and swordfish in density. Accoutrements included an utterly delicious combo of cilantro cabbage slaw, sour cream/lime dressing, and mango salsa. Other possibilities, similarly embellished, are Grilled Shrimp Tacos and the Blackened Chicken for landlubbers… The Shrimp & Crab Quesadilla is set in an Old Bay tortilla and garnished with salsa, sour cream, and cheddar jack cheese.
Desserts, as you would undoubtedly surmise, are on the down-home side. Once again debating the issues, we finally decided to share the Key Lime Pie (pictured). A personal fave, it proved to be the perfect choice for a warm afternoon. Light as a feather and beautifully textured, it simply beguiled the palate with its sweet, citrusy flavor.
One final word… If you have occasion to check out the social media – Yelp, TripAdvisor, etc. – you’ll soon discover that reviews of Schaefer’s have been decidedly mixed. No question, there have been various grousings about a variety of issues. Which, given its size and popularity, is not at all surprising. My dining partner and I have visited on several occasions, and the only thing I can say is that we have never had a bad experience with regard to either food or service.
Is the food absolutely the greatest…? Of course not. Ditto the service. Both, like the atmosphere, are informal, easy-going, and laid-back. More than any other eating establishment I have recently encountered, Schaefer’s Canal House is an intriguing gastronomic gestalt… Meaning, it is infinitely more than the mere sum of its individual parts. Go expecting a 3-star Michelin experience, and you surely will be disappointed. On the other hand, pay a call on a warm summer afternoon or evening, slosh down a G&T or glass of wine, savor the sea breezes, a casual cache of fish & chips, watch the boats glide by… and all will be well.
Bon Appétit & Cheers!
TAD
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