Change In The Air, the Target's notes.

Tourons...they're everywhere.  Charging the shorties at Castles, 8/7/2014

   Another week.  Another week of people on MY beach. Yes.  I know the state says they can be here.  But, have some respect.  Do you really think you can have an open fire on the beach, 15mph winds, no permit...do you? Do you think just because you march down to the water's edge, surf rod in hand, you now own a specific section of the ocean?  And that stunt kite; learn the tricks first please! Tired of hittin' the deck every time I see a growing shadow fly overhead.  I stand my ground, nevertheless.  My ground! This past week it was at Castles. 37th Street lineup.  A busy one at times this week.  Considering the small surf, knee to thighs, high tide with a bit of a crashing shorebreak mixed in, this could be a surprise to some. Mostly groms though.  DWatt found himself navigating the traffic, trying to keep a favorable position for the next swell.  Short rides. Jumping quite a few in the setting hour of dusk.  Eyeing the line of the wave while keeping the closing shoreline in his periph.  Avoiding the near inevitable bodyslam with the seafloor that would snap his board.  Maybe that's why most of the others were riding foam boards.  Ya think?

   But hell, it don't matter.  For today the world rights itself.  Many of you have felt the change.  Some have even heard the whispers around the office. Some even have calendars marked.  The NFL Preseason has started. Specifically, Thursday Night Football!  Several flat screens.  More than one game. A proper bar. Fitting selection of brews. Good food. We found it all at Anthony's Liquors on 33rd and Philly.  Formerly Anthony's Beer & Wine, this place has been a mainstay for 45 years. Since people have thought they've bought liquor from here since opening the idea of an expansion was in place. The desire for a liquor license went hand in hand with the need for a brand spankin' new 10+ person bar.  Well laid out, three flatscreens, and about eight rotating craft taps.  Nice street view, reggae on the speakers.  Sweet. As they have always had a fantastic deli, their superb subs were obvious menu selections. We got the Trawler.  Turkey, roast beef, swiss, 'maters, lettuce; basically all the fixins' on a classic hoagie. We were full after this one.  Okay, no wings here...we allowed a little forgiveness.  Besides, our barkeep ran a tight ship.  The craft drafts poured in appropriate glass, domestics in bottles, and service top notch. As we feasted on good drink, good food, and good football we wondered why so many of the bigger places get it so wrong and this little gem got it so right. Their OC experience, plain and simple.  Games in hand, appetites satisfied, and spirits lifted we headed out.  A successful Journey.  Another one comin'...

THE RATINGS - 

The Trawler (Sub): B

Beer: B+

Atmosphere: B+

Overall Score = 3.17

"I gotta get ready, make everything right.  'Cause Thursday Night Football's
comin' on tonight!"  -Hank Williams, Jr.
Redskins rookie Lache Seastrunk, 4th quarter, Washington vs. New England, 8/7/2014