The Heat Is On, notes from The Target

Small walls, small obstacles.  7/5

 
 














   It's been a while since we last saw the Atlantic.   Life sometimes requires our full attention and devotion.  The wave just jacks on ya, and you've got to give it all of your focus.  So Thursday we just wanted to sit and watch, letting the calming effect of the surf bring us back.
   As Mr. Frey said, "The heat is on, on the street.  Inside your head, on every beat."  Summer has shown up literally blasting the East Coast with a full on heat wave.  High humidity.  90 degree temps.  Ocean temperatures in the 70's.  Extreme heat brings extreme crowds into the water.  Kids everywhere.  Don't these people know the beach is off limits to tourists when the guards clear 'em after 5:30pm? Extreme heat also has another unwelcome effect...the flatties.   Surf was knee high at best and hosted some severe beach break. DWatt was not to be denied. Darting between vacationing groms and taking some insane hard rights to avoid running aground were the maneuvers of the day. But it didn't matter. We were back.

    Leaving the beach today, another new establishment was determined to be the crusades next destination. More famous for pizza than wings, Grottos has opened it's newest location in North Ocean City. Entering the parking lot it could be seen that this was set for families. Kids and parents abounded...everywhere. But, as we made our way to the sports bar, we had no problem finding a seat. Place is set up perfect for enjoying football in the fall (may even require a return engagement).  We ordered a couple Leinenkugel Summer Shandys, a combination wheat beer and lemonade that was served cold and refreshing. Munching on the free popcorn we placed our wing order and realized that our bar staff was either tired or overwhelmed by the crowds. It seems all alcohol comes from this bar alone and slows service quite a bit. No smiles and watching the clock were the norm for the employees as we sat and waited for our wings. When they arrive the size of the wings could not be questioned as they were indeed meaty, but the Hot Wings had been clearly under the warming lights. The Honey BBQ were much better. The bartenderess messed up the next round of beer so she put them on the house; always a good move. As we left the bar we saw vast potential not yet realized and we wondered aloud the ever present question one must ask of all Grottos: does the Wixman have his own private seating, or does he mingle with the common folk when he arrives?

The Ratings-
Hot Wings: B-
Honey BBQ: B
Beer: B
TV/Music: B
Atmosphere: B-
TOTAL SCORE: 2.95

To the heat- Bring it!