Old Bay is as synonymous with seafood as Maryland is with crab. Developed by German immigrant Gustav Brunn in Baltimore in 1939, Old Bay is a blend of 18 herbs and spices, including celery salt, paprika, mustard, and black pepper, which gives it its distinctive flavor.

The seasoning was originally created to flavor Chesapeake Bay blue crabs and became popular with local crab houses and seafood vendors. The classic Maryland crab feast involves covering crabs in a mixture of Old Bay and salt, then steaming them. This has made Old Bay a staple at crab feasts, a deeply ingrained tradition in Maryland.

While Old Bay was originally designed for seafood, particularly crabs and shrimp, it has since become a staple in a wide range of dishes. Marylanders use it on everything from French fries and corn on the cob to fried chicken and popcorn. It is often viewed as an essential part of the state’s identity, adding a distinct flavor that represents the Chesapeake Bay region.

For many Marylanders, Old Bay is a point of pride, much like the Chesapeake Bay itself. Old Bay started as a regional product, its popularity has spread nationwide and even internationally. McCormick & Company, a Maryland-based company, acquired the rights to Old Bay in the 1990s and has since expanded the brand with products like Old Bay hot sauce, snack foods, and other seasonings.

Beyond traditional uses in seafood, chefs and home cooks in Maryland and beyond have started incorporating Old Bay into a variety of creative dishes, such as Old Bay-flavored wings, potato chips, and Bloody Marys.

Old Bay is much more than just a seasoning in Maryland—it is a cultural icon that represents the state’s culinary traditions and pride. Its connection to Maryland’s crab feasts, Chesapeake Bay heritage, and seafood industry has solidified its place in the hearts of locals and has made it a beloved part of Maryland’s identity.

Enjoy our take on the classic this week with our Old Bay Wings!

North Carolina has long been known for their BBQ. The state serves two distinct styles of pork, Lexington-style and Eastern-style. The history of Lexington-style pork barbecue dates back to the early 20th century and is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Piedmont region, centered around the town of Lexington, North Carolina.

Originating in Quebec, Canada, poutine is a combination of French fries, cheese curds, and gravy. While its origins are firmly rooted in Quebec during the late 1950s, poutine has since become a popular comfort food across the northern states.

Key Lime Pie is as synonymous with Florida as sunshine and sandy beaches. This iconic dessert has a storied history that is deeply rooted in the state's cultural and culinary traditions.

The key lime pie traces its history back to the 1800s in the Florida Keys. Early settlers in the Keys, particularly sailors and sponge fishermen, are credited with popularizing the pie. The key ingredient, the small, tart key lime, is native to the region and was introduced to Florida by Spanish settlers.

Chicken and dumplings is one of the South’s most comforting and beloved dishes, with roots that run deep in Georgia's culinary traditions. This simple, hearty meal, made with tender chicken and soft dumplings simmered in a rich broth, has long been a staple in Southern kitchens. While its origins may be humble, its place in Georgia's food culture is undeniable.

Montana is known for its rugged landscapes, towering mountains, and pristine wilderness. But nestled within this breathtaking scenery is one of the state's hidden treasures: the huckleberry. This small, flavorful fruit has played an important role in Montana’s natural and cultural history, and its legacy continues to thrive.

The history of green chilies in New Mexico is deeply tied to the region's culture, cuisine, and agriculture. Green chilies, particularly the Hatch chile, are a cornerstone of New Mexican identity.

Join us for a little culinary road trip! Each week we’ll be highlighting the dish that each state is known for, but with an 1885 twist! Eat your way around the country without ever packing a suitcase!

Southerners have always been known to do things their own way and BBQ sauce is no exception to the rule. In South Carolina it’s a mustard base, in North Carolina a vinegar base, the sauce in Kansas City is thick and slightly sweet while Memphis prefers it thin and tangy. In Texas the sauce has a little kick and an earthy flavor, but north in Oklahoma its ketchup heavy. While all the BBQ sauces are a little different, none is as distinct as Alabama white sauce.

We are excited to welcome Chelsey to the dining room at 1885 Grill in St. Elmo. She’s an asset to our team and we know you’ll love her just as much as we do! We sat down for a little Q& A to get to know her just a little better.

Located just outside the Chattanooga city limits lies the small community of Ooltewah, Tennessee. While the area may be small, it has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1859 and its time as the county seat of James County.

Summer in the South not only means sweltering days, it also leads to an abundance of homegrown produce. We don’t know about you, but a fresh juicy tomato is one of our favorite aspects of the season. Whether it’s fried, stewed, sandwiched between a bread or simply sprinkled with salt and pepper- there’s no way you can serve a tomato that we won’t enjoy.

We had a wonderful time hosting Malika Bowling for dinner last weekend. She was in town visiting Rock City and stopped in for a quick bite after enjoying all the sights and activities that Lookout Mountain had to offer.

The best way to celebrate mom is by skipping the cooking and the cleaning! Make plans to join us on Mother’s Day for brunch, lunch or dinner. These specials will make her feel like the queen she is!

It’s that time again… Hello, St. Elmo is Back! You know we love any excuse to party on the patio and our favorite neighborhood party calls for a celebration! Join us on Saturday, April 20th for the annual event. The St. Elmo Town Square will be filled with local vendors, makers, musicians, children’s activities, and of course, the highlight of everyone’s day, the Corgi Parade!

Warmer temperatures call for lighter culinary fare. Add a kick to your favorite salad with our sweet tea vinaigrette. The light dressing packs flavor and features one of our favorite southern staples, sweet tea! It’s the perfect complement to your spring dining table!

Dry January doesn’t have to be boring and leave you sipping a water with lemon and skipping alcohol doesn’t mean you have to skip the cocktail flavor. Raise your glass to these delicious, refreshing, and sophisticated mocktails.