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