NBC's Al Roker Enjoys Crabs at Costas

Costas Inn has been a celebrity magnet over the past couple of weeks, with many high-profile guests stopping in, including former Ravens football player Tony Siragusa as well as several current players.

NBC's Al Roker, the weatherman for the Today show, stopped in last week and had what he said during a WBAL radio interview were crabs "the size of your head."

"We've had a relationship with Cathy Lee Gifford for years, and we've been on the Today show twice because of her," said Pete Triantafilos, whose family owns the North Point Bouelvard eatery known for its crabs. "Cathy Lee knew Al was going to be in Baltimore for the Blue Angels, and she told him he had to stop and get crabs at Pete's."

Costas has shipped steamed crabs to Gifford on several occasions, including her final day as co-host of Live! with Regis and Cathy Lee, Triantafilos said.

Roker visited the restaurant June 13 with three Today employees, Triantafilos said. The party was served two dozen crabs, and Roker said he was done after the four diners had gone through 15 crabs.

Triantafilos said Roker told him the crabs were the biggest he'd ever had, and that he's usually still hungry after two dozen crabs.

It was a big week for Costas, according to Triantafilos.

He and his father, Costas, were invited to greet members of the Blue Angels crew when they arrived at Martin's State Airport on June 13.

The famous Navy jet demonstration squadron was in town for the Star-Spangled Sailabration, a weeklong kickoff of the commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812.

"And we provided lunch for 55 members of the support crew on Sunday," Pete Trianafilos said. "We served crab balls, steamed shrimp and beef sandwiches, and delivered 55 individually packed meals to Martin's on Sunday."

Sunday, which was a big day for Sailabration, was also Father's Day, which no doubt contributed to Costas having its biggest day in its 41-year history, according to the restaurant's Facebook page.

Restaurant officials estimate they served more than 850 customers in the dining room and bar area, plus handled a significant amount of carryout business.

"It's been a great couple of weeks, and we're grateful to our customers for their support," Trianafilos said.