Food of the Northern Neck by Juliana Grassia
by Juliana Grassia, Director of Visitor and Community Engagement
Fresh oysters. Image courtesy of the Virginia Tourism Commission.
Did you know that George Washington referred to the region where he was born as “the Garden of Virginia”? The Northern Neck still lives up to the distinction today, with miles of shoreline and farmland that give us oysters, crabs, and fresh seasonal produce. This culinary tradition is not only unique (and delicious); it is also part of the region’s rich history. Let’s take a look at some of the beloved foods of the Northern Neck and the cultural impact they’ve had on this place.
Oysters
These tasty bivalves are beloved today, but over a century ago they were a source of contention in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River. As the oyster business became more lucrative after the Civil War, tensions rose among Virginia and Maryland oystermen. This resulted in what’s known as the oyster wars. Anyone who lives in Colonial Beach has heard tales of onlookers gathering on the beach as literal skirmishes broke out on the water. It even resulted in the death of an oysterman.
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a bill which called for Maryland and Virginia to collaborate on a commission to oversee the Potomac River, effectively ending the “war.” In present day, the Potomac River Fisheries Commission regulates recreational and commercial fishing, crabbing, oystering and clamming on the Potomac River.
Blue Crabs
My first crab picking in 2018- a disposable table cloth is a must!
Have you ever been to a crab picking? This quintessential Northern Neck experience was new to me when I first moved here. I had to learn how to properly crack open a freshly steamed blue crab, and I’m happy to say I have the technique down now. But this experience isn’t possible without healthy and clean waterways that support the blue crab population. Organizations like the Chesapeake Bay Foundation work diligently to support the health of our watershed and address its threats.
In the 1980s, the late Hon. W. Tayloe Murphy, Jr., former president of the Menokin Board of Trustees, spearheaded the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, which was a critical first step in mitigating pollution in the Bay and its rivers. Though the blue crab population is still at risk, this important work helps protect them for generations to come. As the saying goes, “Save the crabs- then eat ‘em!”
Let’s eat!
So where can you enjoy Northern Neck cuisine, including oysters and blue crabs? Check out the links below for some suggestions.
The Foodie Travel Guide to Virginia’s Northern Neck: Where to Eat, Drink, and Stay
Northern Neck Tourism Commission- Wineries, Cideries, Dining & Lodging
My personal favorites include Relish Restaurant and Wine Bar (Warsaw); Denson’s Chesapeake Bay Farm to Table, Oyster Bar, Food Truck & Catering (Colonial Beach); and Merroir (Topping) but you can’t go wrong!