After Dark, notes from the Target

Crumbs, 11/15

      Not much goin' on in the way of surf.  Knee high or less.  Disorganized. Sound like we're justifying not being in the water (besides the dark)?  You're right.  Winterfest to tide us over?  The Holidays already? Seriously?  Damn, it was just Summer!  Mmmm...bring on the lights...

      With sundown before we leave work, the Crusades have entered the off season full on whether we want it or not.  After dark now.  Always after dark. We need some light.  We need comfort.  A place to call home. A friendly smile.  A neighborhood bar.  Yeah, that's the ticket.  Kirby's Pub in the 93rd street shopping village.  A literal hole in the wall, or rather hole in the strip mall.  Ya walk in... clearly an locals dive.  We've done this before.  Friendly barkeep, scattered tables and chairs, small scale bar.  Everything smaller. Even the flatscreens.  Music. Big.  They've done the Bose.  Volume perfect. Loud enough to feel the beat, but not so that you've gotta yell over it. Internet jukebox...perfect selection.  Okay, okay, enough.  We're here for the wings. And beer too!  A nice selection on tap.  We snagged a couple of cold Evolution Jacques au Lantern drafts and sampled their advertised "Best of OC" wings-  BBQ and "Bangin.'"  Good size, well cooked, decent taste.  No real distinction here in our heads.  No "Wow factor." In addition, a little pricer than we've had it in a while. In the "Out Season" no less. Where's the off season specials? Small crowd. Lame game (Virginia vs. U of NC...Really?!).  We must move on.

THE RATINGS-

Bangin' Wings: C+

BBQ Wings: B-

Beer: B

TV/Music: B

Atmosphere: B-

Overall Score = 2.75