DH says the best crab cakes in Seattle are at our house.

We use the "new" Etta's recipe from the book mentioned above. There is no "filler" in the cakes, just enough binder (mayo) to hold them together, plus some seasonings. The only breadcrumbs (fresh) are on the outside, for crispness.

I saute them in 1 tsp. butter on a non-stick griddle and they are crisp and not at all greasy.

They are good at Etta's too. I think at Dahlia Lounge they are only on the appetizer menu, which is fine because a small one is usually enough.

repete- you're so right! Faidley's at Pike's Place would be amazing. Especially if it was set up on the west side with a view of the Sound. I didn't try crab cakes in Seattle but the best crab cakes I've had were in the Washington and Baltimore area.

Paula-if you have time, check out the Bakery Nouveau in West Seattle; it is amazing. To get there: take the ferry from Pier 55? to West Seattle then take the free shuttle to Alaska junction. It is only 1.5 blocks to the bakery from where you are let off.

paula; forget the crab cakes, (they are not the speciality aruond here) and try some wild caught sockeye salmon....cooked right (grilled very rapidly) they are to die for...or shrimp, oysters, etc.

OK I did a little research for you all at lunch-time today.

Several of the fish vendors DO sell a "crab cocktail". A plastic cup with sauce (or not) in the bottom and a big ole scoop of fresh crabmeat on top, plastic fork included. Both Central and Jack's featured these priced $6.50-7.50.

We were in Seattle in July. I ordered a crabcake at one of the nice restaurants along the waterfront--I do not remember the name. It was nothing like the crabcakes I am used to--we do not live too far from Baltimore. It was quite mushy. I agree, go for the wild salmon.

I love Faidley's in Baltimore's Lexington Market. When we go to Baltimore, lots of time my husband will drop me off at the back door, I'll run in and he will circle the block until I emerge with a couple of crab cakes. Then we drive somewhere along the water and have lunch. Crab heaven!
KathyH

Etta's.

There is a small counter place called Market Grill just north of the pig that does great fresh fish.

Apple at Faidley's ...
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/enter...pple_3-22.html

Sorry for the long link. It's the video link that shows the dinner .. and crabcakes.

stormygirl, yes,I meant "seared"...
hope I can cook better than I spell!

enzian,

Can I have your recipe?

for the record, east coast crab and west coast crab are two different animals...they don't taste anything alike. I live in SEattle and don't like crab cakes here...