Less Is More, notes from the Target

Two feet or 20 feet, stoke is stoke.  8/23

 
 













 
   The sun sets about twenty minutes earlier now.  By 8pm, dusk has fallen pretty heavily.  Summer winds down... the urgency of finding that perfect mid-week wave and meeting the goals of the Crusade become even more relevant.  As we exited our vehicles this week and headed duneward we could hear the sound of the surf against the beach, the hope of a choice session peaking our interest.  But once again, the reality of the most recent flat spell was staring us in the face.  Regardless, though less than expected it was more than last week and though the waves were small, the tide was low and the Wattman was able to grab a few backsides to quell the burn of last week's foil.  An upbeat note as we headed in.

Close-outs welcome

  We decided to continue the Crusade on the Boards at 2nd street...the Mug and Mallet.  A truly eclectic old time establishment; more precisely, a dive bar.  One of those kinds of places that screams, "YES! This is where you need to have a drink!"  With it's 50's style metal bar stools with the black padded seats, urethane coated wooden bar and booths, and a shower curtain as a stall door in the bathroom, it made you wonder if anything has changed in the last forty to fifty years..  The more recent Bose additions blasted a great mix of tunes that could be enjoyed without hearing loss.  But then the real fun begins.  Bartender Mike arrives with a frosty golden liquid. No.  Make that an Ice Cold Beer in a frosted glass.  Never at the beach have we been presented with such perfection of Beer and Head. The frostiest glass, the coldest beer ever.  Did we mention retro Natty Boh's on tap at only a buck and a half per glass?  It gets better.

  The wings arrive. Zesty BBQ and Sweet Thai Chili.  Another moment of truth discovered.  Wings, perfectly cooked, were some of the fattest we've had all summer. The taste was amazing. I felt the Thai was exceptional while the Watt seethed that the BBQ was the best all season. But, ohhhh we got more...B Mike arrives announcing the hour (9pm) and exclaims "free Pirate Slam Shooters!"   All 10 of us (I know what you're thinkin'...such an exceptional find, where the hell are all the peeps?), shots were on him!  A mix of Captain Morgan, cr'eme de banana and pineapple... smoooooth for sure. Which poses the question, when was the last time you got a free shot at any bar in OC?  THIS is why the Crusade exists.  To uncover the rare gems.  The oft overlooked establishments that nurture men's souls.  The dive bar.  Less is more.  It's what it's all about.  Get there soon 'cause they close 'til next year on September 23rd.  We won't make it back this year, but you can bet 'cho ass we'll make it back!
   Onward!

The Target with THE RATINGS-
BBQ Wings: A
Sweet Thai Chili Wings: B+
Beer: A
TV/Music: B+
Atmosphere: B+
OVERALL SCORE: 3.48

  

To Dew Or Not To Dew, notes from the Target

Soon to be denied, 8/16

   Summer is fading fast, but that cannot stand in the way of the Crusade. The real problem is the summer doldrums, i.e. the Atlantic Flatties (and we ain't talkin' flounder here).  High tide and knee high or less beach break seem to be plaguing us in recent weeks.  Granted, the surf night of the Crusade is Thursday, and that limits the possibilities of optimum conditions. Regardless, it is disheartening. DWatt has been fighting for waves each week, but even he had to admit defeat this time around walking to shore without the mind clearing ride he so desperately wanted.

   It is Dew Week at the beach.  The Pantech-Dew Tour occupied the down town which required a radical change of direction over recent evenings. We headed north to Fenwick Island and Charlie's Bayside Restaurant for our recovery from the surf's noncompliance.  Located in the back of the Fenwick Village, you walk among small shops when you suddenly come upon the bayside deck, outside tables and the bar entrance.  The bar itself, small with no view to the bay.  But the barkeep was very accommodating, and at least the sole TV had the Orioles game on.  Beer selection was small and a bit overpriced.  The wings however, surprisingly good.  The Jerk Wings with orange sauce was a different take on the traditional. The Spicy Buffalo- not very- but was still meaty with a good taste.  It was apparant that Charlie's did not cater to the bar crowd, but was rather more of a dining establishment.  A return trip...for dinner...maybe.  The Crusade will move on.

THE RATINGS-
Spicy Buffalo: B
Jerk Wings: B+
TV/Music: C
Beer: C
Atmosphere: C+
TOTAL: 2.45