If you want some of the best seafood on the planet, you have to go to Lexington Market – open since 1782 and a favorite of George Washington’s — and you have to go to Faidley’s. They have so many national culinary awards, the plaques crowd the walls and ceilings. They sell every kind of fish and crustacean you can think of, including big jumbo lump crabcakes and the steal/deal of the week: the $2.50 coddie.
“What’s a coddie?” you may ask. Well, it’s a very traditional fish preparation (maybe even more traditional than crab cakes?) that combines flaked cod fish and seasoned mashed potatoes, fried into a ball. Here in Maryland, we eat them with some mustard and saltines. Faidley’s coddies have parsley, seasoning and are so fresh and tender. The dish is somewhere between entree and snack food, very addictive.
Faidley’s has never had branch stores in the ‘burbs or what-have-you. Lexington Market has gone through much revitalization in the past few years, so if it’s been a while since you came downtown, you’ll find the market clean and pleasant. It’s still as popular and crowded as ever! Faidley’s has counters where you can stand to eat and drink — even beer — but no stools. Bring your comfy shoes.
They do offer shipping of their fine products anywhere in the US, so that might be an option. The price tag to ship some of the freshest seafood available anywhere isn’t cheap, but sometimes, nothing but the best will do!
