Nothing Clean, notes from the Target

"I am up riding high amongst the waves, where I can feel like I have a soul that has been saved"    -Pearl Jam
Overlooking Holidays, 66th street.  3/27

   The Ocean's cold, wet, wintry grip continues to creep forward.  Forty degrees; not exactly seasonal.  As we exit March, it's looking like we'll be into May before we find any time among the waves.  Thursday's conditions felt the ENE winds slice into the swell as the waves imploded at several locations along the lip, eventually closing out and spitting in all directions. Nothing clean. A fair day with afternoon temps in the mid-50s. Heading to the Pines, the weekend's vaporous rain clouds began their slow congregation making for a stoked sunset.

Sunset on The Pines, 3/27.

   The South Gate.  A mixture of unimpressive stores.  The OC may be close, but with a winter population greater than, one would think Ocean Pines would offer more. More what? Try mid to up-scale restaurants, food stores, shopping.  None of which we have found so far.  The evening's foray led us to what was expected to be another of said establishments.  As I waited for the Watt, I followed a car through the parking lot and watched as a seemingly small pot hole practically swallowed the vehicle whole. As a detonation of muddy water ensued, the car bumped and struggled to the other side. Again, nothing clean.  Enjoyed the show. Made the mental note. Another symbol of the hazards of our long off-season.  Wattman arrives and we go on in.
   Taylor's Neighborhood Restaurant.  Nicely appointed wood accented interior.  Flat screens well placed.  A long horseshoe shaped bar, dining on either side each complete with a gas fireplace.  We had to squeeze up to the bar as most patrons were, well, up to the bar. An obviously experienced barkeep had a couple of cold craft drafts in front of us in no tie.  Despite the crowd, she had no problem handling any orders.  Even stopped to watch the College Basketball Tournament for a moment without sacrificing service.  we ordered up the Tai Chili Wings and house Shrimp Salad Wraps.  Always going for the wings first, they were lightly breaded, slightly small, but had a overall nice spicy-sweet taste.  The wraps were fat.  Plenty of tender shrimp, but a bit bland.  This is Old Bay Country.  They need to stock up.  However, this is the Pines gem in the rough (not quite a diamond).  We wouldn't think twice about sending family types here.  Nice atmosphere with a close neighborhood feel.  But...not enough to hold us. The Journey continues.

THE RATINGS

Tai Chili Wings: B+

Shrimp Salad Wrap: C+

Beer: B

Atmosphere: B

Overall Score = 2.88