Walking into Peacemaker Lobster and Crab sent my mind whirling back to those summers that I spent at the beach when I was a youngster.
Toss a little sand on the floor and blow in a salty, sea breeze and you’d swear you were in a crab shack on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, except none of the diners were in beachwear or barefooted.
The blue-checkered tablecloths, Mason jar tumblers, and overhead lighting fashioned from galvanized tubs and funnels further added to the “shack-y” atmosphere Kevin wants to convey.
Chef-owner Kevin Nashan
Even so, amiable servers paused to explain the menu. Diners gave advice to each other on how to wield the wooden mallet to crack the shell of a steamed crab. (You do it with gusto!)
I went with the Peel & Eat Shrimp ($14), which didn’t disappoint, though a bite of my grandson’s Crab Roll (market price) with Aioli wreaked with flavor, as did my son-in-law’s Pork Link with mustard aioli, sautéed with peppers and onions ($9), and my son’s Oyster Poorboy ($12). My daughter had the luscious Lobster Roll, that was offered Connecticut style: warm with butter; or Maine style: cold with mayo.
Lobster Roll
The sides of Collard Greens ($5); Fried Green Tomatoes, ($3); house-made, French Fries ($4), and Hush Puppies, ($5) showed a familiarity with southern fare that Kevin, no doubt, acquired during his sojourn in New Orleans.
Peacemaker Peel and Eat Shrimp
Hush Puppies
The friendly and efficient staff works like a well-choreographed dance troupe, moving smoothly about the floor despite the hubbub that comes with a new restaurant opening. Kevin’s attention to detail pays off whether it’s greeting customers, food prep, service or décor. I smiled and gave him a thumbs up, which I suspect most of his customer will be doing in weeks to come.
Peacemaker Lobster and Crab Company, 1831 Sidney St. Open: Mon.-Thur. 4:30p.- 10p. Fri.-Sat. 4:30p – 11p., and Sun. 1 p. to 9p.
