National Crab Meat Newburg Day Date in the current year: September 25, 2026

In the late 19th century, sea captain Ben Wenberg invented a seafood dish made with lobster, cream, butter, eggs, cognac, sherry, and cayenne pepper. He demonstrated the dish at Delmonico’s restaurant in New York City. The restaurant added the dish to its menu as Lobster à la Wenberg.

Due to an argument between Wenberg and the restaurant's owner, the dish was later removed from the menu. However, the restaurant continued to serve it under a different name: lobster Newberg (Newberg is an anagram of Wenberg). It is sometimes spelled "Newburg."

Crab meat Newburg (or simply Crab Newburg) is similar to the original dish; the only difference is that crab meat substitutes for lobster. You can easily cook this rich, creamy dish yourself.

In a skillet, melt 1/3 cup of butter over medium heat. Add one pound of fresh crab meat, stir, and cook for two minutes. Then, mix in one pint of sour cream, two tablespoons of tomato paste, two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, two tablespoons of dry sherry, and one-quarter teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Cook until heated through, stirring constantly. Be sure not to boil!

If you do not feel like cooking, you can celebrate the National Crab Meat Newburg Day by going out to your favorite seafood restaurant.