Good Mojo, the Target's notes.

Salted crush. Squeezing the mojo, 30th and Rodeways. 9/7/2017

    We began the second season hopeful good fortune would return. After last week's dismal outing we were looking for some good mojo in both weather and surf. A beautiful day, but not the warm summer start to September we had hoped for. The sun had been shining, however it was jeans and jackets for both Lisa and I as we took our seats on the beach. The crowds tend to thin out this time of year and tonight... no exception. Just a small group flying kites. Small kids dashing in and out of the water. Atlantic is still warm (lower 70s). DWatt spent every second of the remaining light trying to squeeze out one decent ride. Semi-clean, albeit sectioning conditions, and a hard breeze.

Offseason thinning, 9/7/2017.

 













Hurricane Irma's subdued effects provided the swell and current. Thus, it was once again two attempts, then a long walk back up the beach. There was a level of pleasure Lisa and I derived from watching her husband having to walk by time and again although we did give him credit for his positive attitude. The rides may have been short and infrequent, but they were memorable. Really, that's all that mattered.

Irma's path, 9/6/2017.

    As the last rays of light faded into deep shades of purples and blues, we cruised over to the Embers on 23rd and Blu Crabhouse (apropos). Previously rated a few years ago, its outdoor space with palm trees swaying above surrounding tables like so many tropical brooms sweeping the sky clear for the stars. A slightly covered, two sided bar that was just behind the regular dinning space. They had added speakers for music and a couple of large flat TVs since our last visit. Definitely helped the total vibe of the place. 

Gotta say, it is supposed to be an upscale crab house and in the two visits I have never seen anyone picking and eating crabs. Good thing I had dressed warm as the night air quickly cooled. After flagging down our barkeep we ordered our refreshments. Plastic cups...I guessed due to the sand filled yard in keeping with the beach theme... I just called dumb. I understand the case made for concerns over broken glass. Our case has always been beer is better from a glass. And while the beer selection was fair to middlin' I was able to have my Summer Shandy so there was a small bright spot to be had. 

This night we went big in our choices. Clams Casino, Old bay Wings and Blu Crab Dip was our dinner this evening.  Wings were nothing special. Fair sized, however lacking that Old Bay bite and seemed to me to be slightly over-cooked. But, it was the clams that disappointed.  Lisa's first time trying and she was not impressed. To be honest they were small clams in a bland casino mix. The topping held no real appeal or flavor. The Crab Dip surprised. Served with a pretzel roll and flat bread crackers, covered in cheese, it had that nice crab aroma and flavor and a texture that was the highlight of the evening. 

Mirrored view...Blu's Canal.

Our bar keep tonight while pleasant was not the most efficient. We repeatedly had to wave her down to get what we needed. You would think silverware and napkins would be something hard to forget but somehow she did.  A nice atmosphere, decent value, and somewhat cold beer was overshadowed by the end of summer blues brought about by average service and average food. It's been 4 years and Blu is still not my gold standard. That's okay. This is the revival. Next!

THE RATINGS -
Old Bay Wings: C+
Clams Casino: C
Blu Crab Dip: B+
Beer: B-
Atmosphere: B
Value: B-
Overall Score = 2.67