The Trawler Seafood Restaurant opened in 1966 in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. It began as an oyster bar. As the business grew, rooms were added to the original structure until there were 15 rooms. In 1989, a fire destroyed the building, but a new structure was built soon afterwards.
Hurricane Hugo was disastrous to the Charleston area and destroyed the Trawler building. Again, the restaurant rebuilt. But while the restaurant had always been family-friendly and family-affordable, the restaurant made a change toward pricey upscale dining. Suddenly, it was family-unaffordable and the restaurant soon declared bankruptcy. It was replaced with Tavern and Table.
Many people who frequented the Trawler Restaurant remember the complimentary crab dip and crackers that diners received upon arrival at their tables. The dip and crackers served as an appetizer while waiting for the waitresses to take orders and deliver food to the tables.
There are several similar Trawler Crab Dip recipes available online. This is a recipe from a cookbook, Caterin’ to Charleston, that I bought in Charleston in 1984, specifically for this recipe. When I inquired about the recipe at the restaurant, I was directed to this book. So, it may be fairly authentic. Other recipes vary the measurements just a little, so experiment to get the taste that suits your palate.
Trawler Crab Dip
Ingredients:
1-1/4 cup mayonnaise (heavy duty restaurant type if possible)
1 cup crabmeat
½ cup cheddar cheese, grated
1 Tbsp. horseradish
4 Tbsp. French dressing
Directions:
Mix all ingredients and serve with Captain’s Wafers, Club Crackers, or any other crackers. For a little extra flavor, add more horseradish. Refrigerate leftovers.
Enjoy!
Stay tuned for the next historical post on June 22nd.
