Heard The Whisper, notes from The Target*

 

Here's your sign.  Read it.

 






 


 

 
   We have been seduced by the sirens call in the wind.  "For the only one whom can whisper to you the ways of the surf, is the wind."  But we have always known, no man can possibly hold out against the perpetual stoke, the everlasting bliss, of the Ocean.  So this week, we do an about face and head first...to the beach.   We did not pause, we ignored the "no parking" signs, we paid no mind to the vast emptiness of the beach. We marched on over dune and newly groomed sandy paths.  The Atlantic lay spread before us, its swell shimmering like glass with knee to waist high sets.  The return. A five month promise kept.  Deliverance.

4/25 Sesh sets.

 


 
 
 
Chilled  56F waters. Watt-man, with abandon of all concern (i.e. replete with full rubber including boots and gloves) descended.  Searching...the first true ride of the year.  HT stood ground.  Waiting for the allusive perfect pic of surf and stick (and wondering where all the beach chics were...very poor conversation opportunities this round).  The evening progressed.  The Watt dug deep, and pulled into several nice early season rides before the wind died and the sets flattened. Nice night.

 




 
   As we headed back inland, our spirits were renewed. The crusade now had its legs.  Truly it can be said, one can only comprehend the perfect beer and wing after time at the beach.  But, on a Wednesday, with mid-week preferences limited due to off season schedules would our choice be disastrous?  We decided to go classic and headed north towards the long established Original Greene Turtle.  A sports enthusiasts haven, the only special tonight was the Caps hockey playoff game on the tubular. And plenty of views all around. But, no music.  That's right, none. No band, no radio, no nothin'! No good.  Beer... fine selection. We had us a couple of nice tastin' craft drafts.  Cold AND expensive! $7.50...Come On Man! Domestics were $3.50. DOMESTICS!  Wings were good, meaty, well cooked, but flavor wise- very garden variety.  Just average in all departments.  Even our bartender had customer rotation on his mind. Soon as we were done our wings he was ready with the hammer, er check. Wings clocked in at a current Skeleton record $1.30/wing. These types of summer-like OC prices can bring a surf high down faster than a face plant in one foot shore break with no insurance to cover the doctor bill (and a new ding on the board...or in our case the wallet...as a reminder).

Give 'em a C.  All categories.  Score 2.0.  Period.

   Live and learn, or as to the Turtle, live and let die.  Got us the beach. Got us the surf.  Got us the Crusade.  Number One...engage.

                                                                                                             *Artistic license taken in 
                                                                                                                edit by The Watt

Waiting Out The Flatlines, notes from The Watt

   There are some serious flatlines out there.  Where are the waves?  I was having the T&C repaired at a local surf shop the other week, and the grom doin' the repairs asked that very question.  No answer I'm afraid. Target says the warmer conditions we experienced during this earlier spring have abandoned us. That the longer hours of sunlight have tricked us. It seems that water temps have hovered around the 50 deg. mark for the longest time.  But I gotta say, I do not think the answer lies in the daylight but rather in the shadow of chilled nights that have not yet let go their grip.  So, as my man so astutely puts it..."while our souls are pulled toward the ocean, the thrill of the wave is best served inside a bar awaiting the gulf stream to warm the coast."

Tiny tubes, 4/12

   We headed back up north this week to Kirby's Red Onion Grille, a small corner not yet two years old.  Our bartender, Paulie, immediately took care of our needs with a couple of ice cold drafts.  With only a slightly adventurous wing selection you would think a quick decision was in order, but not to be.  We ordered the "Bangin' BBQ" which was a mix of Buffalo and BBQ with a touch of garlic...an apparent locals favorite, and the "Red Onion Seasoned" which was Old Bay spice with a touch of cumin.  We debated over the garlic, but agreed with the cumin.  Regardless, a solid performance as both were hot, well cooked, and meaty.  Target felt perhaps a deep fried red onion ring covered in their sauce would better serve...I'm leavin' that one.   Small crowd, average music, but well placed, plentiful tubes for sports viewing.  Very friendly service and equally friendly prices.
   We continue on as the next location becomes a bit more difficult, and we consider the busyness of the upcoming season that will definitely affect wait staff performance, food quality, atmosphere, all of which must be taken into account.  No one said it would be easy, but the crusade must move onward...

THE SCORE:
Wings(Spicy): B
Wings(Quality): B+
Beer (Cold but limited selection): B
Music/TV: B
Atmosphere: B
FINAL:  3.05

Go West Young Man, notes from the Target

3/29  It's still calling...

 














   The first dip into the warming waters of the Atlantic (a toasty 51F) continues to be on wave delay...as in lacking.  Small, choppy conditions and cooler air temps kept us out for another week.  No excuse really, just not looking to clash with beach break just yet.
   The crusade, however, is relentless.  No rumor of wings is considered too small to be investigated.  Onshore winds have us heading west to a location in West OC that may deliver the promised culinary champ.  Pizza Tugos in the old Trader Lee Village was our next target destination.  While many a night had been spent in the Village beer garden during our youth, we now seek a higher calling.  As we entered the bar the question reverberated...how would a pizza joint stack up in the wing offering?

 


   






 
   A simple sign above the bar, "Featured Special: Cristal Brut and Pizza." Thirty (that'd be 30!) craft beers on tap.  How can any place with this kind of attitude be bad?



   Classic rock via Sirus rode the airwaves as our Hot Buffalo and BBQ Wings were delivered.  The bartender was an attentive old salt, and the wings brought out hot. Very little dispute this week.  The BBQ was top notch, and the Hot Buffalo just a tad less so. Only issue, a bit pricey.  Oh, and no sugar for the post beer iced tea.  True tests come under the summer heat and this place is definitely deserving of a return engagement. 'Til next time...

Got Beer?

Wings (Spicy): B+
Wings (Quality): A
Beer: A-
Music/TV: B
Atmosphere: B
SCORE: 3.37