Old Bay is a Chesapeake Bay tradition. Developed by a German immigrant named Gustav Brunn in the 1940's, the original idea was to pump local pub goers with free crabs (because they were so plentiful) covered in the delicious spicy salt to encourage them to buy more beverages. The seasoning is named after the Old Bay Line ferry that carried people from the Baltimore to Norfolk in the early 1900's. Half a century later the seasoning is synonymous with the region. Over the years people have gotten progressively more creative with its use. While you can still enjoy it at any crab shack on the Eastern Shore, we've photographed some of our favorite unconventional appearances of Old Bay over the last few months. From the steamed shrimp at Sneaky Pete's to Old Bay bagels from Uber Bagel, Herr's Old Bay potato chips (a staple at any respectable deli in the region), the Eastern Shore Martini ('Natty Bo' in an Old Bay rimmed martini glass) at Crabby Dick's, to the crab fondue from Pig and Fish we have indulged them all.