the CREW's LAST WRITES: Return To B-Town, cuts from the Target's notebook.

Monday, December 11, 2017

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.