Won't Let Go, notes from the Target

Fire in the sky.  Inlet view, West OC Harbor.  2/6

   We feel all of the seasons on the Shore, but this Winter just won't let go. Worst winter in almost 35 years.  Sub-zero temps, with and without wind chills. Weekly storms blowing though.  Forced indoors.  Hunkered down. The Journey on hold...  On hold?  Seriously?  Oh hell no!  The area temps give rise.  A pube above freezing.  First break brah, and we're headed out. At 38 degrees the surf will have to wait.  Not much swell right now, which is unusual for this time of year.  But, the next locality awaits.
   West Ocean City draws us in the off season.  In season we'd fight traffic, add time with the distance.  Off season it is easy to move about, and more of a local flavor.  Most are year 'round.  And while we extol their efforts, we stick to the economic precept of TANSTAAFL (tan-staff-el).  Sorry dude, no free lunch here.  Judgement can be coarse, but fair.  Headed to Station 7 West OC looking to see if this location offered something special.  We had visited their original location in Pittsville, MD back in November of 2012.  Not impressed.  Not much over average.  Not much worth a return trip.  Yet, at Wattman's urging I agreed to give this spot a try.
   Arrived to a packed lot.  A Thursday in February and this place is packed? Something ain't right out west.  Finding parking in an obscure overfill lot, we rambled in to find a crowd of thirty to forty people, most gathered for a 70th birthday celebration.  The place was lit well. Not too dim, and not obnoxiously bright. Well appointed with various firehouse and firefighting paraphernalia. Still approaching with a bit of a speculative attitude, like a couple of fire code inspectors, we pull up our seats at the bar and are immediately greeted by a most professional bartender.  I'd say the only mistake he made all night was not telling us his name.  Six craft brews lined the mirrored back wall and as he provided some background on a couple I opted for a Miller Lite draft, and the Watt snagged a Fin City Blackfin Black IPA.  Both arrived in a frosted glass.  We redefined our requirements for beer grading and this place was checking off all the right boxes, like a Delta House brother thru his psych exam.  We scrutinized the menu and staying true to our revised mission, chose the "Stop, Drop, and Rolls" Cheesesteak Won Tons and the HazMat Wings, a combination spicy BBQ rub and sauce.  Both of these offerings were good, but the zest was missing. With more Zip in the Dip, the wontons could have been money, and while the wings had a touch of spice in the finish, more heat would have fired up their score.
   Atmospherically, the flatscreens were abundant.  Not a bad seat in the house with the Sochi Olympics starting.  Music however, was sorely lacking.  No band, and the pumped-in radio play was turned way low due to the birthday party.  Needless to say, the night was an early one. West Ocean City's version of Station 7 exceeded expectations I must admit. With our first 2014 newbie in the bag, we will continue to plod thru this seemingly endless winter season, looking forward to finding that next gem that puts the warmth of the Stoke into the Journey.

Off Double Secret Probation

THE RATINGS -

HazMat Wings: C+

Cheesesteak Wontons: B-

Beer: B

Atmosphere: B-

Overall Score = 2.69