Over two years ago we started on a quest. We needed more than just the bar that felt like home. We needed to broaden our horizons, to seek out what no Crew-man had found before. We had, of course, heard rumors about such exotic places. Ice cold beer. Multiple choice, meaty, hot wings. Joints that kept jumpin' long into the night. We had no plan. Just a calling. A search...perfect surf- set after set, perfect post-session wings, and a line of taps dispensing refreshing brews...even the occasional iced PBR. But, after the first year we were not even close. Good times, yes. Good grub, fur sure. But failure hung about like roadkill; the Quest in doubt. We withdrew to the familiar... to Smitty's to refine our approach. A full scale Crusade was needed. Pack the bottle openers! No return until the mythical place had been found.
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| Siren's Song |
We knew such a trek had it's perils. Casualties would result. What started out as a trio, would be reduced to a partnership. Kenny "Cheeks" Wix, lost at a Delaware sanctuary. We moved on, his safety secured in an obscure bayside retreat. We hear from the Wixman every now and again- beer in hand, Wintergreen in his cheek. Assured, all is well in his world. But the crusade never stopped. Each week a different oasis, or mirage of disappointment.
Some spots truly amazed us. Wings served with peppers and onions or bound in chunks of blue cheese, an offering of pizza with Dom Pe'rignon (don't t think so), a breathtaking view of OC's inlet, a line of beer taps 30 plus long, free bar shots at 10 pm (Yes!). But these spots, these bits and pieces, were just a Siren's song trying to slow the momentum. We were strong. The Crusade marched on. Months passed. Spring led to Summer, cooled to Fall, stiffened into a Winter once again to be endured.
Even during the most uneven of days - a long winter, personal trials, questioning life's purpose - the Ocean, with her calming effect, always welcomes us. The next set is always coming, it's potential for a perfect ride uplifts us. Though our goal has seemingly eluded us, we've had great surf and better times. The new year has begun. Two years have come at a cost...the loss of mates, warm beer, indigestion. We have been strong enough to go on. And, we have learned that maybe what we are really in pursuit of is a Journey. A Journey of open-minded refinement. The more we seek the combined Nirvana of Surf, Beer, and Wings, the closer we come to true Enlightenment. So we set out. An unwavered search. A Journey renewed. The Crew down to two. A more simplistic approach. New, unexplored beach breaks to make post surf travel more efficient. Joints who's wings and taps are waiting to be experienced. With each week, new knowledge to be attained.
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| Randy Lee and the Saltwater Cowboys, 2/7 |
Returning to your home before starting any journey is a good thing. Cold weather still holds a firm grip on the land. With water under the 40 degree mark, planning is priority. Categories and ratings have been consolidated. Wings- temp, taste, size, selection, Beer- selection, temp, price, and Atmosphere- TV, music, service. Scores will be 0 to 4 and sometimes in between. Each location more realistically graded. We may, at times, be considered harsh but We Will be fair. Average is not good. It is minimum expectation. Ratings are not given. They must be earned. Our own
Smitty McGee's, West Fenwick, DE... the first judgement of 2013. Personally, I think we have been too kind. But we capitulate to our beginnings.
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THE RATINGS-
Medium Hot Wings: 2.0
BBQ Wings: 3.0
Beer: 2.0
Atmosphere: 3.0
Overall Score: 2.5 |
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| Surf's up! Are you ready to get wet? Malibu's, 2/12 |
