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| "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.
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| 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.
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.
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| 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.
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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
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Caribbean Pool Bar RATINGS-
BBQ Wings: C-
Jerk Chicken: C+
Chicken Cheese Steak: B-
Beer: C+
Atmosphere: B
Value: B
Overall Score = 2.50
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| Hittin' the Boards each week, we couldn't help but catch the latest Randy Hofman sculptures. |
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