BlackSalt

The Best Soft Shell Crab Dishes Around D.C., According to Eater Editors | Eater DC

"The Palisades seafood spot Blacksalt’s first shipments of fresh Chesapeake soft shells arrived a few weeks ago. Available in the fish market (raw or cooked to-go) starting at 10 a.m. or for dine-in service during dinner." - Tierney Plumb

"It may be part market, but there’s nothing remotely pedestrian about BlackSalt. This lively restaurant’s menu manages to be both approachable and interesting, with sublime shellfish and a concise selection trawling coast to continent for inspiration.Begin with Addie’s mussels bathed in a well-balanced broth—you’ll be sopping up every last drop. Then move on to the ever-warming, saffron-tinged Provençal market stew bobbing with the day’s finest catch, which may include juicy mussels, tender shrimp and flaky swordfish, among others. Finish this aquatic feast with a slice of their tart key lime pie. Served with blueberry compote and freshly whipped cream along with a sesame seed tuille, it is a rich and delicious way to clinch the meal." - Michelin Inspector

Where to Spot Soft Shell Crabs Around D.C.

"On the eve of a White House State Dinner in April, President Joe Biden brought the visiting Japanese prime minister to this Palisades seafood spot. Biden reportedly ordered the crab cakes, but had been there just days later, he may have reconsidered. Blacksalt’s first shipments of fresh Chesapeake soft shells arrived three weeks ago from Cambridge, Maryland." - Tierney Plumb

Where to Splurge on Seafood Towers in D.C. | Eater DC

"Blacksalt offers two equally delicious towers: “La Petite” ($95) stars 10 oysters, four cocktail shrimp, mussels, and crab, while “La Grande” ($135) comes with 18 oysters, six cocktail shrimp, mussels, crab, and four market options. But both allow for the choice of two market items: sea scallop ceviche, passion fruit, lime ahi tuna poke, oysters Rockefeller, shrimp tempura, and seared sea scallops." - Claudia Rosenbaum

What the Elite Will Eat at Tonight’s White House State Dinner | Eater DC

"I read that President Biden headed up to the Palisades to dine with Japan’s prime minister at Blacksalt, a 20-year-old seafood house, where he reportedly enjoyed crab cakes on the eve of the state dinner." - Tierney Plumb