Thirty Minute Window, notes from the Target.

Skidding ahead of the closing roller. Making the mos of the messy stuff, Holidays 66th.  8/24/2017

   We missed a week due to Wattman traveling. Still, we are not about to let summer abandon us. With the Watt's magic stick repaired we were due to find out was there magic in the T&C or his ability finally starting to reflect some light. As Lisa and I get settle in on the beach we soon realized this may have been the best weather the entire summer. With only a slight warm breeze (no sandblasting), low tide, and a warm sun, it was a good night. I came prepared to make it great. With a snack bag (Halloween snack size) of M&M's to share, everything is better. And no, we did not save any for the Watt since only the deserving get rewarded with M&Ms. But Wattman came to surf, and as the action was limited today he was always vigilant for the right opportunity. Waves were small; many in the thigh or less range. Squeezing out the rideable, he took advantage of most. Hate to say it, but all the weeks of being kookified this summer are now fading to black. Persistence seemed to be paying off for the Watt. Some of the best rides of the summer happened in a thirty minute window today. Credit had to be given.

Jeep Week 2017

   As the sun set we headed to the Fenwick Crab House just across the state line.  This was our first visit and there was no doubt this place's main attraction was steamed blue crabs. As we settled in at the bar we learned our barkeep for the night had only been working here for a couple of weeks. The rookie skillset was apparent, but what he lacked in knowledge he made up for with attention and a great attitude.  So we ordered our cold beers and Lisa a margarita that we would later find out was the most expense drink of the whole summer. Since this place is a crab house I requested prices on getting a couple of crabs.  The smallest, cheapest crab was six dollars a pop so we passed on them and headed to the menu. Fenwick Wings, the Crab Pretzel and an original...Tuna Nacho's may have seem odd... but we would try to make it work. The wings were grilled, had a slight peanut aftertaste; maybe slightly burnt. So, while DWatt grabbed his share, Lisa and I had a couple and left the balance for him. The nachos were a major disappointment. The tuna was cut in tiny cubes and lacked flavor. It could have been spam for all we could tell. The seaweed salad base was a typical sushi offering (cubed tuna...no sushi). Tasted green to me. Like the proverbial diamond in the rough or in this case, the crab, the highlight of the meal turned out to be the Crab Pretzel. Soft, lightly salted, with a slight crab favor and yet not overly imperialized in sauce.

Top to bottom: Wings, Nachos, Pretzel

Beer was fair though lacking in variety... couple of crafts, then the standard big guys. Another disappointment as they advertised themselves as craft beer aficionados. Flat screens to go 'round, but a bit bright. The tab, heavy to say the least, considering. Looking for a crab house that is a little more refined? This might be your place. Otherwise, hold on to your wallets. The revival drives on.

THE RATINGS-

Fenwick Wings: C+

Tuna Nachos: C-

Crab Pretzel: B

Beer: C+

Atmosphere: C+

Value: C-

Overall Score = 2.21

Surf's Up, notes from the Target

"White sand, cold can, koozie in my hand...
just a summertime strollin' "     -Jake Owen
30th and Roadways, 8/3/2017

   Over the last couple weeks we have dealt with what have become "classical" summer temps. Water in the mid-70's, in-town temps of low to mid-80s with a humidity "feel-like" of near 90F. Cooler (mid 70s) along the surf's edge. Nice to have on-shores and southerly winds provide a respite as we cross that dune line. We have grown accustomed to preparing for whatever is required.  Beach chairs and heavy towels to wrap up in are part of the every day cargo to be carried from street to coast. With DWatt's primary ride still in the shop, the old reliable 7'6" Town & Country was dusted off and put back into the line up. While I am not sure if it was the change in break locations the past two weeks or the old stick bringing back the good vibes, marked improvement has seen the best surfing of the summer over the past two sessions. The swell may have been small (consistent thigh highs...maybe a waist high here and there), but the morsels were plentiful and just far enough off the shorebreak to make some of the snacks meaningful. DWatt seemed to be getting his timing back and was able to jump multiple rides each evening. Maybe the T&C needs to be the primary stick for the rest of the summer? Just a thought. As we enter August, the sun sets a bit sooner each week and soon we were forced to retreat back to the street.

Curb appeal, Roadways Part Deux. 8/10/2017

   Summer's end may be fast approaching, but the Boardwalk is still plenty hopping. We decided to hit the downtown boards to catch some of the tourist vibe before it faded into the off-season. First session of the month landed us at the 2nd street Bull On the Beach. Located at the Park Place Hotel right in the midst of boardwalk action, we headed upstairs to their outside deck bar to take in the warm night. What we had not taken into account was that smoking was allowed outside and several chain smokers were doing there best to envelop the entire bar in a faded blue-white fog. Plan B put us at a table where the smoke was only slightly less irritating. You would think by this time of year any bar would have the kinks worked out. Service was slow and not that attentive. But, the Bull made its name on its BBQ so we ordered expecting a good meal. We got started up with slightly cold beverages in plastic cups that left all three of us unhappy. A serving of steamed shrimp to start which were a little under spiced. Old Bay Wings were hot and had a nice size but they forgot the blue cheese and by the time the waitress came by again we had finished 'em off.  The BBQ Beef Sandwich was our final choice. Over smoked and slightly dry left us wanting. To be honest, this location was lacking in all catagories as compared to the original Bull On The Beach save for one. As I had prime position next to the rail I did enjoy looking down on all the tourists walking by. And, the prices here were some of the best on the Boardwalk.    

Bull Food

   A week later we were toasting somewhat decent swell at the Caribbean  Pool Bar. In an attempt to erase the disappointment from the previous week we headed to this elevated concrete bungalow, part of the Plim Plaza, as our next stop. Hidden behind the Hotel right off the boardwalk, one would definitely miss it unless known about. Upon arrival live music was playing on stage and we found seats at the bar, near the pool. While the beer selection was small and served in plastic cups it's a pool bar so some slack would be given. We ordered BBQ Wings which were average or less, Jerk Chicken which was fair, and a pretty okay Chicken Cheese Steak.  What is important to note is that all the food was made right at the bar. One dude and a small grill; food was fast and definitely hot. Not sure what we were expecting quality wise but the food was not to shabby for a pool bar.  Don't know what the vibe is during the day when families are at the pool but with the music at night I would stop by for a quick beverage any time at night.

Bull on the Beach RATINGS-

Steamed Shrimp: C
Old Bay Wings: B-

BBQ Beef: C+

Beer: C+

Atmosphere: C- (Smoke Bad)

Value: B-

Overall Score = 2.29

Caribbean Pool Bar RATINGS-

BBQ Wings: C-

Jerk Chicken: C+

Chicken Cheese Steak: B-

Beer: C+

Atmosphere: B

Value: B

Overall Score = 2.50

Hittin' the Boards each week, we couldn't help but catch the latest
Randy Hofman sculptures.