Winterized-The Last Of '17, cuts from the Target's notebook.

"It's the one night of the year when we all act a little nicer, we, we smile a little easier, w-w-we cheer a little more!"

-Frank Cross, Scrooged

A Waterman's harbor. West OC commercial dock, 12/19/2017.

   A last sesh for the Crew. The Watt and Wife insisted as they were leaving at week's end for family in Chi-town. Being the sentimental Crewman that I am, I agreed. More than just the last meeting of the year; over beers and a signature Orange Crush as well as a few apps, we reflected on 2017. For the past is never gone as long as we remember. As I waited for the Watts to arrive, I recalled people, events, and memories. And while some are missed, in reality each memory brings a small smile and a warm feeling especially on a cold night. I thought back on just how much change the Crew has seen this year. With Wattman moving back to the Shore, the Crew was once again back on its feet. In addition, we now had LWatt joining us each week.

Winterized...Like our surf, watercraft put away for the season.

She has been a remarkable upgrade. While each previous member had added their own unique personality to the team, it has been LWatt who allowed us to revisit and perhaps see each session with a fresh, first-time view. The fact that I now got my own beach chair was an added bonus. The Watts finally arrived at our destination...Harborside Bar and Grill in West OC. 
   I had chosen to end the year and winterize at Harborside for a specific reason. While it may be a hip bar in the summer, once the dead of winter hits it reverts to its true identity. A working man's dive bar, its roots originating as a simple harbor bar where watermen and and locals can get a drink (or two or three), and good food without any gimmicks. This particular evening we had a townie Christmas celebration rolling and two groups of construction guys relaxing post-shift. Old school 80's tunes were playing in the background as we settle into our seats at the bar. Decked out for Christmas, the atmosphere fit the occasion perfectly. We ordered up the beverages. As in any true working man's bar, the liquid refreshments were served cold in true-pint glasses.

This being our Holiday finale, LWatt went off track and ordered Portobello Mushrooms stuffed with Lump Crab Imperial.  The Watt and I kept to the traditional: Chicken Quesadilla and Fish Tacos.  LWatt spoke highly of the mushrooms, but both Wattman and I strongly disagreed (we are not mushroom fans). The tacos each had a nice size chunk of fried cod that had a nice crunch, well built with a tasty mango salsa. While not stand-outs, they were enjoyed by all.

However, it was the quesadilla that was once again the surprise. It was huge. Think 14" pizza pie plate big. And not wired this time! Made with a flaky crust overflowing with sliced jalapenos, cheese, veggies, and lots of chicken. In fact this is one of the few times the Watt actually needed a doggie bag to take home for the day-after's lunch.

As we ate and jabbered, the night slowly caught up to us and it was time to hit the road. Upon leaving the warm confines of Harborside, we lingered in the parking lot extending mutual wishes for a safe holiday. Some might have called this a transition year. Some might question if we can or will continue. I think it's been a rebuilding year. A year where we could have gotten lost, but found our way again. A prelude to some new journeys and reclaiming some old ones. A successful Revival. For this reason, we ended the year on a positive note. None of the questions ever really matter as long as you have good friends. So...
...'til our next session...in January, 2018. 

THE RATINGS-

Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms: B+

Fish Tacos: B-

Chicken Quesadilla: B+

Beer: C+

Atmosphere: B

Value: B-

Overall Score = 2.88

In plain English:
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Crew!

Return To B-Town, cuts from the Target's notebook.

Ho, ho, ho, and a bottle of rhum

Santa's off to the Caribbean

A week in the tropics and he'll be alright

Sporting a tan as he rides outta sight...

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

                                         -J. Buffett

Main Street waiting. Berlin, MD 12/6/2017

   This week we returned to our holiday festivities in Berlin. I had insisted we go on Wednesday this week since the annual Berlin Christmas Parade will be taking place on Thursday. Now some might wonder why not enjoy the show.  What can I say? Some people don't like clowns. I am just not into parades...unless its Macy's or the Rose Bowl. Or, maybe even the Watt's one man surf parade...drifting south in a strong current, then walking several blocks north to get back in position. Several trips in one evening. That can be entertaining at times (though not to him). But I digress. Upon arrival I took in the Yuletide light displays that the Coolest Small Town in America had created. I could honestly say the Christmas Tree in front of the Atlantic Hotel had some of the best lights and decorations found in town. Simple and refined, it was a great looking tree.

Once we had all gotten together, we headed on into the hotel to Drummer's Cafe. Berlin's oldest foodie destination, this bar/bistro has been in business for over a hundred years. Sorta. Some iteration of the restaurant has been taking care of Berlin visitors and locals for at least that long. This being a mid week, and just before the real crowds show for the parade, the place had a population made for our relaxation. Fairly empty with small groups coming and going. we grabbed a seat at the small bar in the corner, got our drink orders in as happy hour ended, and reviewed the menu. The beer selection was limited to only three on tap but a wide selection of bottles. I ordered a Stella, Wattman a local brew, and LWatt had a martini. We kinda went a little upscale on the food this sesh...had the Twin Kabobs of Filet Mignon, Ancho Wings, and finished it off with Mahi Fish Tacos. While we waited for our meal the Watts had put together a small surprise. A card and engraved Crew glass. Perfect for a beer...or my nightly glass of milk. Those who know me know I do not celebrate my birthday, but I must say this was a thoughtful gift that I very much appreciated. When our food arrived we started with the steak kabobs. All of us reveled in the gourmet flavors of the Filet and the homemade steak sauce. Wings didn't go over near as well although the Watt seemed to enjoy the Ancho chili flavor the most. As to the tacos, we all agreed the fish was plentiful but it was the side ingredients  that gave the real favor.

Several times a week Drummer's has had someone playing the piano but not tonight. A quiet atmosphere with one TV, we finished off the evening discussing next events. The Atlantic Hotel, the Crew's second holiday spending time at this locale. Olde town charm that could be aligning with tradition. So is traditional determined as two or more, or three or more? Guess another year will tell. For now, one more Christmastime quarry to be confirmed for the Revival. 

THE RATINGS-

Twin Filet Kabobs: A

Ancho Dusted Wings: B

Mahi Fish Tacos: B+

Beer: C+

Atmosphere: B-

Value: C+

Overall Score: 2.92

Holiday In Tow, cuts from the Target's notebook.

November's end. Calm morning on the Atlantic. 11/30/2017              -Malibu Beach Pic

   The Holiday season. Last year I was on my own. Visited all the holiday displays as the only Crew member. This year a welcome change. Once again I have a full Crew in tow. The Watt back on the Shore bringing with the newest member of the crew, LWatt. The Christmas Spirit has been brought back to life. Prior to heading out on our annual Northside Winterfest lights inspection, we met at Nantucket's in Fenwick.

Following a short wait, (they seem to thrive on being unfashionably late) upon their arrival I presented them with their surprise Christmas presents. Not saying I broke the bank, but I think my total investment was less than a dollar. After all, tis the season of giving and price should not matter. By the time we got inside the crowd had thinned out. Good for us. The Crew had been here, done this. One of those local upscale restaurants, hence we know how to avoid the crowds.

We were all about the bar side... designer or otherwise. The two barkeeps were full time professionals and their manner fitting for the establishment. Wattman ordered a New England style Pale, I went with a Stella, and LWatt had a Ruby Red Cosmo. After perusing the menu we went with appetizers for the evening's supper.  We put in for two bowls of Quahog Chowder, Chipotle Buffalo Wings and the Cranberry and Pecan Field Greens Salad. Both LWatt and I felt the wings were a bit spicy, but Buffalo is not our favorite.

Wattman was more than willing to consume the entire plate by himself and really enjoyed the spicy kick. The Chowda' was filling just by itself. A nice balance of clams, scallops, potatoes, spices, and cream provided an enjoyable meal. Meanwhile LWatt enjoyed the salad with goat cheese, pecans, and a Maple Balsamic dressing.  Nantuckets is not a summer dive by any stretch. With linen napkins and tablecloths, and a level of service you would expect in the city. The tab did not come cheap. But this was the Night of Lights and we enjoyed the pre-session experience.

We'd have no hesitation about a return for the food and atmosphere, or just a beer and the game. The hand salts previously found in the bathroom were conspicuously missing, but that is the only slight.

Perfect first set...Nantucket's Restaurant

THE RATINGS-

Quahog Chowder: A-

Chipotle Buffalo Wings: B+

Cranberry/Pecan Salad: B

Beer: C+

Atmosphere: B

Value: C+

Overall Score = 2.92

 

   From there we headed to the OC Winterfest light display in Northside Park. No train ride tonight, but we did explore all the free exhibits inside the large tent. On previous visits it seemed Watt and I had dealt with sub freezing temps. This evening not so. A chill night, not freezing. Now celebrating it's 25th anniversary, most displays have been converted to LED. The newest addition was the 50 foot Sequence RGB lighted tree.

                                                   

Replacing the previous static lit tree, the new tree was a show unto itself. After walking the outside circle to check the displays, we headed to the main entrance to take our yearly picture.

 The archway display Christmas Salute...the season's tribute. This year I had some help as LWatt joined me. The Crew's Tradition. A Revival must. Mele Kalikimaka to all.

"I gotta tell you, Santa, there's something about this place that doesn't
seem quite...Kosher."    -Howard Langston, Jingle All The Way

Full Swing, cuts from the Target's notebook.

Seafood and Ale...perfect stop for the B-Town tour, 11/16/2017.

     Weekend surf only, and with our offseason tour in full swing we headed back to town...Berlin town. Once again, I had to wait in the cold for Wattman and wife, LWatt, to arrive. No worries...gave me ample time to take a quick tour of downtown. Not much has changed less a few updates in the last year. One of the changes was our evening's stopover. Fins Ale House and Raw Bar occupied an old house converted into a restaurant several years ago. During that time its been several different iterations; but Fins, being a local type chain and having several locations in Delaware, looks like it will be dug in for a while. The official Berlin Christmas opening doesn't take place for another week, however the deco committee had already begun decking this place out. We made the end of happy hour and a small crowd still occupied the upstairs bar. After finding a couple of seats at the corner of the bar the Watt ordered his craft brew served in a special glass while  I ordered up a Miller lite in its original Steinie that was ice cold. One has to wonder when you can have an iced Steinie why would you even bother ordering any other beverage? The original can never really be topped. We decided on the Old Bay wings with both Blackened and Grilled Fish Tacos.

 As the bar emptied out with the end of happy hour we had good music in the background, and a couple of large flat-screen TV's giving the place a nice home-town feel. The food was a little slow to arrive but it was hot. The Wings had a really nice flavor and were well prepared. Definitely in the top fiver this year. The Tacos were above average, nice sized and filled with a mild fish. Served with  fragrant homemade mango salsa. Fair to me, but both the Watt and Wife seemed to really like. As we discussed our respective weeks and upcoming Christmas lists, the evening drew to a close. Paying the tab, we headed out into the night crossing the street and into the Island Creamery.  Now I am not saying a mad dash was made to the front door, but thank goodness there was no traffic because no one bothered to look both ways. Single scoop orders were the size of three normal scoops. Must have been required for the drive home. As to Fins...while happy hour deals are reasonable, regular dining hours brought much steeper pricing. Had a nice time though. Good stop for the Revival's B-Tour.

THE RATINGS-

Blackened Fish Tacos: B

Grilled Fish Tacos: B-

Old Bay Wings: B+

Beer: B

Atmosphere: B

HH Value: B+

Overall Score = 3.04

Offseason swell. Choppy closings off Assateague Island, 11/18/2017.

Left Behind, cuts from the Target's notebook.

The winterization effect. Empty back bay canals signal the start of off-season.
Assawoman/St. Martins, 11/9/2017. 

    The crash of the breaking waves has been left behind. Too far in the distance to be heard. No matter, the cold nights have been taking their toll on ye olde Atlantic. Water temps now into the low 60's. Days end winds hyperventilating as if fatigued by the incoming chill...tend to chop up late in the day. We turn to face the cold of the coming winter, preparing for the long dark days that lay ahead. With this in mind we headed to the Coolest Small Town in America to begin the Revival's Berlin Tour for this week's review. 
   Our choice for the evening's destination was stationed on the outskirts of the town proper. I found myself driving all the way through downtown and out the other side. Just as I was about to meet old Route 113 there was the Crush N Crab. The place was an old converted Tastee Freez that had seen several iterations up to it's current as a small seafood/crab joint. With only a couple of cars in the parking lot I wondered what the Watt had gotten us into tonight. As we enter the five seat bar was filled with real locals so we knifed our way into a booth and settled in to reggae music playing on the sound system. The place was staffed by one barkeep, one wait staff and one cook so the service was not the quickest we had seen. With a limited but sanguine selection of beer we were happy to report it was cold and in a large glass. LWatt's Orange Crush was a tad on the weak side, perhaps due to conservatively measured ingredients. 

The happy hour specials were still available so we went with the Crabby Pretzel, Steamed Shrimp, CnC Old Bay Wings, and the Fish Tacos. The pretzel was doughy but the topping had a nice crab favor with rich crab imperial. The steamed shrimp was well prepared and was nice sized; the highlight of the meal. The wings had little or no old bay seasoning, were lightly breaded, and their small size left me very disappointed. The fish tacos, a last moment addition by Wattman had mixed reviews. A large piece of fried fish with lots of fixings on the taco that I thought was good however the Watt wasn't a fan, finding them "fishy" tasting. This place may be hopping during the summer months, but in the cold of winter it is a down home local dive. Worth another look next season. The Berlin Tour rolls on.

THE RATINGS-

Crabby Pretzel: B-

Old Bay Wings: C-

Steamed Shrimp: B

Fish Tacos: C+

Beer: B-

Atmosphere: C+

Value: B

Overall Score = 2.54

Last Chance, cuts from the Target's notes.

Leaving it all behind, Holiday's & 66th. 11/2/2017

Gonna hitch a ride, head for the other side
Leave it all behind, never change my mind
Gonna sail away, sun lights another day
Freedom on my mind, carry me away for the last time
-Boston, Hitch A Ride
    As I drove towards the beach Thursday evening, I noticed the trees filled with color. Cooler nights have brought Autumn in full swing and Winter is coming. This night we made our last stand. The session would not end 'til we said we were finished. As I approached OC I saw a sign. The reflected light of a big full moon filled the sky lighting a line to the sea. Wattman was running late and LWatt would miss the session due to work.

Upon my arrival the sun was already starting to fade. Shortly thereafter Watt pulls up. As we cross the dune an evening of pure Stoke awaits. Everything has aligned. The warmth of the day still carried over and purple-red clouds colored the sky. Water was still in the upper 60's. Only a slight breeze could be felt and a low tide provided knee high swell. Short rides. Some lacking power. Others closing out. Didn't matter. Tonight was the last chance to hitch a ride. Our last chance to get our fill of the Atlantic. So Wattman caught the quick rides. Some rights...a few lefts...feeling his way as dusk quickly set in. An entire season now in the past, the Revival was incomplete. The Sea was not done with us. A full Surfer's Moon filled the sky. So bright  you could read a book.  With a shimmering ocean reflecting colors only the right combination of elements coming together could produce, the Watt would continued to surf late into the dark.

   As I paced the beach the only sound that could be heard was the soft caw of a distant seagull and the crashing of cascading  waves against the shore.  The ocean's quiet call of good-bye until next season. Eventually the session had to end. As we walked off the beach for the last time this year I glanced back to see the empty waters and could only hope to make it back next year.
   We headed north to High Stakes Bar and Grill after several years absence. This locale had scored well previously, so we were looking forward to our return. LWatt was able to finish her work and join us for the post-surf meal. Since our last visit the place had gone through a complete re-model. Now one large bar instead of an unusual two room/two bar set up. Open concept. But the more things change the more they remain the same. We managed to catch oldies night I guess. When I am one of the youngest people in the joint, well, you get my drift. That doesn't mean the place was not jumping. A one man band set up got the music in these blue hairs. And the packed house was calling for more. The three of us grabbed the only seats at bar and the bartender soon found us. The beverage selection was small; served in a room temperature glass but the liquid refreshment was cold as we settled in for the night. We ordered up,

deciding to go with the BBQ Wings and the Chicken Cheese Steak sub. As we waited for our food LWatt could not decide what to make of this place especially as Wattman seemed right at home. The old guy finally stops playing and the crowd quickly disperses. Let's face it, it was most likely bed time for many of these people. The wings and sub arrived and we dug in. Crispy, tangy, with a sweet BBQ flavor. We all three agreed they were in the top 5. Both Wattman and I wondered if the recipe may have originated just down the street at that Irish pub. The cheese steak, while large and filled to the brim with chicken, seemed bland. To me it seemed to be missing the special seasoning all sub type sandwiches are suppose to have. In addition, paper plates. Not that we expected good china, but paper took away part of the dining experience. Prices however, were very reasonable. Decent food, good value, and a welcome-all attitude went a long way to capping off the session and making this night a nice experience for each of us. Well worthy of the Revival.

THE RATING-

BBQ Wings: A-

Chicken Cheese Steak: C+

Beer: C

Atmosphere: B-

Value: B+

Overall Score = 2.80

Just One More Bite, cuts from the Target's notepad.

Crusty nibblers in the fading light, 66th 'n Holidays. 10/19/2017

   We are running out of time. The end of the beach calendar is only a few short weeks away. But with a continued warm Fall we head to the beach each week seeking to have just one more bite out of the summer. We all arrived this week with the sun still above the horizon  and hurried to the waters edge. LWatt and I set the chairs in place while the Wattman made a dash into the water. With the cooler temperatures at night, the Atlantic has dropped ever so slightly into the upper 60's leading the Watt to don his spring suit. Rides this time of year need to be jumped fast. No time to wait for the perfect set up. With this in mind he attempted drops into several decent size waves that either died out or he tried to rise up to soon resulting in the wave passing him by or just sinking back down the back side. This night most of the rides were gained from thigh-high, swiftly appearing then disappearing waves. The tried and true of the OC. With light fading another small right hander was completed and maybe a small smile appeared for the Watt.

   No hurry tonight as we headed to one of Ocean City's longer standing bars...Tequila Mockingbird. It had been a very long time since I had been, and while it had taken over neighboring space it was still not a big place. Nice thing about this time of year is that the off season specials for all OC bars are the norm and TM was full. Fajita night and that is why we had come. Had to wait a couple of minutes, but managed to grab seats at the end of the  bar. Being a one-man show, our barkeep behind was really hustling. Seemed everyone in the place was throwing back either beer or margaritas with their meals but soon enough he got to us. Guess this being a Mexican bar it was all about the Margaritas and Mexican beer. While they claim to have over a hundred varieties of Tequila on the shelf (and I can attest there were a lot), not once during our time did anyone order anything other than the house margarita, the choice of LWatt. Wattman and I stuck to Tecate and Dos Equis. Now you know my feelings on how a beer should be served, but in this case the chilled bottles met their due. Especially with the warm chips and homemade salsa. Good stuff! However, we came for the Fajitas and ordered the Chicken as well as a Shrimp and Steak combo.

They do not skimp on the amount of food for each order and the two servings were more than enough for the three of us. While a fajita is best enjoyed wrapped in a tortilla, I believe the best way to really know what you are getting is enjoy the blend exposed less the wrap. The chicken was very bland even with all the fixings applied. Needed a shot of hot sauce to give it a boost.  The steak was a little tough, but combined with the shrimp had a nice  overall taste. The shrimp were well cooked and seasoned making them the bright part of the meal for all of us. With small TVs and a set up not conducive to watching a game the Mockingbird may not be the best game time experience. Nice place for the Revival to make a stop though. Decent food. Fair deal. An OC icon. We were not disappointed.

THE RATINGS-

Chicken Fajitas: C+

Steak & Shrimp Fajitas: B-

Beer: C

Atmosphere: C+

Value: B

Overall Score = 2.45

You can drink the water, but don't ya eat the ice.
Take your vitamin "T" with salt 'n lemon slice...
-Mas Tequila, Sammy Hagar

As Far As The Eye Can See, the Target's notes.

"So when you find yourself feeling like you ought to skedaddle out of it as soon and as fast as you can,
it hits you how endless and gigantic it is." -Bobby Hale, As Far As The Eye Can See
Holiday's salt churn. 66th St., 10/11/2017.

   Impending darkness, we race against it again and again each week in a match that can not be won. But the Watt is a man of action and has a plan to cure his epidemic. Get to the break early. Beat the end of the day on the beach and take advantage of a fast start. Unfortunately, the best laid plans sometimes do not pan out as the weather decided to become involved. Cloudy, windy, rainy, with a churning surf. Not fit for man nor beast. Rights, lefts, at the same time...and plenty of closing rogues. In these conditions only the truly needy, disturbed, or maybe "Eddie" would go.
Once again, Wattman is the only trooper in the water or on the beach as far as the eye can see. But LWatt and I did not pander to the rain to watch him battle the dark sea or his sickness. We didn't wait to see if the perfect rideable wave appeared or if a wipe out took the Watt out to sea. Instead we elected to remain in the car, dry, to follow her Cubs in the MLB Playoffs. As nightfall descended on the street, a single figure emerged from over the dune. Wattman survived, but could not find the cure. A couple stray shortie sorties and a fair ride to end the sesh. But, there would be no epic carve that would heal him tonight. Instead he gained just enough medication to carry him through for another week.

    Since the Cubs game was still in progress we needed to get LWatt to a bar...any bar...with the game on. First stop was the new Crabcake Factory Seafood House. As we pulled into the plaza it was easy to see yet another bar that had closed early due to off season decline. So, we continued northward and hit the Northside Pit and Pub at 127th street. Site of the old JC's Northside we visited several years ago and not much had changed on the inside. The small bar was filled with locals so we settled in at a table by the door with a view of the game. There were two bartenders and no wait staff, but that was no problem for these two guys. They were quickly at our table and even lent Wattman some glasses to read the menu. A nice beverage selection and a good pour in a real glass can go a long way anytime we visit. Then suddenly the game gets out of hand and the Cubs lost. So we turned our attention to some good music being played via the internet and made our dinner selection. LWatt opted for the Crabcake Special and the Watt and I selected Pulled Pork/Chicken/Beef Sliders and Smoked Honey Old Bay Wings. While the crabcake was all lump, no filler, it was dry and seemed to lack that something to make it a special. A bit bland. I did not care for the shredded pork, beef or chicken sliders. The vinegar based sauce overwhelmed all three types of meat. Wattman liked the chicken sliders. But once again, it was the wings that provided the evening's surprise. The slight taste of honey enhanced by the spice of Old Bay on a smoked wing was very good. The fact that the wing was not wet or even sticky, but had a nice crust from the frying, surprised all of us. This second location for the Pit and Pub definitely has more of a local vibe, however it is the friendly staff that ensures you  (and the Revival) will always be welcome.

THE RATING-

Crabcake Special: C+

Pork/Chicken/Beef Slider Trio: C

Smoked Honey Old Bay Wings: B+

Beer: B+

Atmosphere: B+

Value: B

Overall Score = 2.83

Lost From View, the Target's notes.

She moves like she don't care. Smooth as silk, cool as air.   -Blondie, Maria
Dark sets rollin'...guessing game in the lineup. Holidays, 10/5/2017.

   Off-season. Night has come faster with each passing day and the Watt had been running late. By the time we crossed the dune, the sun had set and any leftover light was almost gone. I had hoped the full moon would light the beach but no such luck with all the low hanging clouds. None of this deterred  Wattman. Into the water and soon lost from view; disappearing between the fast moving waist high sets against a gray horizon as LWatt and I watched a red moon rise in the cloudy evening sky.
Hurricane, now Tropical Storm Maria's goodbye song. 70 degree night. 69 degree water. Wattman still braving it in a rubber top. Less the clouds, the night could have been great for some night surfing. For as the moon rose it exploded from the horizon like a fireball into a great white light that could have put a shadow onto the beach and the chest high swell. As it was, Wattman tried to jump any wave he could barely see... rising dark images that closed out in a straight line spray of white, each attempt against an ever growing dark sea. The Atlantic had seemed to churn into an ocean of stealthy chop by the time he was done.

   We finally left the pitch black beach and  headed to the Big Easy on 60. Formerly the old Hall's Family Restaurant redone with a New Orleans flare. Considered sitting outside due to this being Endless Summer Cruisin' weekend. The constant throaty roar of street rods was everywhere. To be honest, for a Thursday we had seen bigger crowds, especially those sitting street side watching the continuous parade. So, instead we headed inside to the bar and grabbed a seat. Our bartender greeted us as soon as we sat down and in the immediate had the beverage of our choice served in a large glass. A point to be made: while the glass may have been washed and a professional pour was completed, I still wished it could have been chilled a bit (iced even) instead of pulled from a room temperature stack in the front of the bar. Grub-wise we decide to go with Tuna Tacos and the Jerk Chicken Tacos along with some Steamed Shrimp.

This being the off season and all the kitchen was a little slow. Okay with us. But for the first time this year, I notice our neighbor at the bar was really toasted. He sang with the music, ate with the fork he dropped on the floor, and seemed to ramble on to himself. Then suddenly leaving money on the bar he just disappeared. Our entertainment gone. We could only hope he was walking or taking the bus. While all this was going on our food arrived. I unsuccessfully tried to cut the tacos into thirds and only made a mess. The Jerk, which is not my favorite, was only average. The Tuna was plentiful, but was a smidge bland. In both cases the sauce they put on top seemed to dominate. The shrimp were nice size and had been butterflied nicely. Served 'Nawlins style, the sauce could have been spicier and had too much of a garlic after taste. Thus, we ended the night and merged into the traffic of custom street rods as we headed our separate ways. Deserving of a return chance? Maybe. But, not the New Orleans experience we had hoped. The Revival Tour continues.

THE RATINGS-

Jerk Taco: C

Tuna Taco: C+

Steamed Shrimp: B-

Beer: C+

Atmosphere: B-

Value: C+
Overall Score = 2.38

Don't 'cha wish it was an Endless Summer?