I thoroughly enjoyed my oyster-slurping fest at the Baltimore Seafood Festival over the weekend. After sampling quite a few, I have to say my favorites were the Chesapeake Gold from Hoopers Island Oyster Aquaculture Co. Briny, chewy, sweet — delicious! Just like licking the bottom of the ocean, in a good way.

Slllurrrrp!

My husband and I also enjoyed the charred octopus from Mare Nostrum in Fells Point. So much so we went back for seconds and considered thirds. We are actually headed back to this restaurant next week to further indulge.

Charred Octopus

Back in my own kitchen:  We feasted on Vietnamese and Indian dishes (different nights of course) and enjoyed them all. Clearly, however, none of them are even remotely photogenic …

Grape Raita

Indian Chicken in White Sauce

Eggplant with Chickpeas

Vietnamese Caramelized Lemongrass Shrimp