August Beginnings

It’s time to get cracking. This Friday, August 2, the Annapolis Rotary Club and its 150-plus members roll out the brown paper for its 68th annual World’s Largest Crab Feast at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (5-8pm).
    The feast is a highlight of summer, with all-you-can-eat steamed crabs, corn on the cob, crab soup, hot dogs, BBQ, soft drinks and beer.
    Wash it down with watermelon slices in the company of five watermelon queens: Our Mar-Del watermelon queen plus the national, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina watermelon queens.
    The traditional bake sale guarantees a sweet ending.
    This year, the Feast goes green with recycling stations and composting bins sponsored by Annapolis Green and Severn Savings Bank. As much waste as possible will be trucked to composting landfills.
    Reserved seating $120. General admission: adults $60; children 3 to 12 $20 at the gate.

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    Mar-Del Watermelon Queen Chelsey Procino visits Whole Foods at the Annapolis Towne Centre on Saturday, presiding over the Watermelon and Corn Fest. From 10:30am to 2pm, try your skills in a watermelon-carving contest, sample watermelon and corn and recipes.

Shrimp, Watermelon & Goat Cheese Salad

1 (16 oz.) package frozen tail-on raw shrimp
Balsamic vinaigrette dressing
2 small ripe tomatoes, quartered
2 cups watermelon in large, bite-sized chunks, seeds removed
2 oz. fresh goat cheese, crumbled
2 tbs. chopped fresh basil
Salt and pepper to taste

    If using wood or bamboo skewers, soak in water. Preheat oiled grill to medium high. Skewer shrimp, brush with dressing and grill 2-3 minutes, basting and turning a few times. Remove cooked shrimp and set aside while you compose salad. On a large platter or individual plates, arrange tomatoes, watermelon and goat cheese. Top with grilled shrimp, add salt and pepper, and garnish with chopped basil. Serve with additional vinaigrette.

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    In Edgewater, The Old Stein Inn celebrates 30 years in business with specials through the month. This Saturday is Best-Dressed Bavarian Day with Sylvia on the accordion. Pig Roast Sunday features music by Bavarian folk duo Liab’ und Schneid from 4pm to 8pm.

Got a tasty tip for next week’s Dish? Email Lisa Knoll at [email protected].