Not Quite Primetime, notes from the Target.

Not quite a primetime showing, 66th and Holiday's. 6/14/2018

   We thought it would never come. Regardless, somehow, some way, the tide had turned in our favor. For the first time in a long while it was a quintessential beach night. A slight off-shore at our backs. The sun filled the beach with a warmth we have not felt in more than six months. No need for coats. No blankets. LWatt and I could just kick back, relax, and enjoy the evening whilst Watt and company hit the shortstack, knee-high rollers. Speaking of company, this evening we were joined by Watt's nephew, Cam. An intrepid young man, he was paying his respects and getting in a surf with his Uncle Wattman prior to moving out to California to find his fame and fortune.

Well I worked real hard and bought myself a rock 'n roll guitar

I got to be on top some day, I wanna be a star    -AC/DC, Rock 'n Roll Singer

A near dead low tide, clean, but passive swell, both were showing impatience going after any type of wave action. But with the warm air and rising water temps up to the 68 degree mark, they were in no rush. Finally a few grabs here and there, one of the best snagged by the Watt near the end of the session...a frontsider that took him all the way near to shore. Not really a big slice this time around, but a center filled with stoke that made the night for him.  

   With the sunset so late this time of year we didn't leave the beach till almost 9 pm. Watt had chosen Lenny's Beach Bar at the Clarion Hotel for the Patrol's scrutiny. Now from the outset, I was not sure about this place. The Clarion is one of the more expensive hotels in OC. I felt this was not going to be a cheap night. However, being a team player I make no mention of my concerns and agreed to the choice. Upon arrival, the bar's band was packing up and we were informed there was no food service outside. It had appeared that Wattman had not done his homework, failing to take into account that while the weather has improved it was still not quite primetime summer season in the restaurant/bar biz. Both LWatt and I immediately brought this error to his attention because that is what friends do. However to his credit, there was a Plan B.

Thus, we headed inside to Breakers Pub poolside. Food service was still available here so we proclaimed our seats at the small, almost empty bar. Upon review of the menu, LWatt conveyed her dismay at the high prices. (I just nodded in agreement). But, the tab would tell the tale. With a limited selection of draft beverages both Wattman and I made our choices. Brews were served in room temp glassware, but the beer was cold and satisfied for the moment. LWatt ordered up the Grilled Chicken and Veggies while Watt and I ordered the BBQ Wings and Shrimp Tacos.

At this point I will mention that Cam the Man joined us for dinner, and ordered himself a burger. But he did not share, and we did not share, so not part of the ratings. But he finished it off and appeared satiated. The chicken was fair tasting, but dry. Though they had a nice flavor, the wings were breaded and small. No breaded wing can ever really be acceptable. The high point of the meal were the tacos. Served in a "build your own" style, the tacos were nicely presented. The shrimp were perfectly cooked and plentiful on the plate.

 As to the fixings, only the shredded cheese was missing to make them top notch. barkeep did do a nice job taking care of any issues (nice job on the veggie substitute). The Hotel was hosting at least three conventions and by evening's close it showed. The bar quickly filled up with chatty transients. So, we closed our tab as we finished our conversations, and headed back out into the summer-fever night air. Would we go back. Not really. It may be a fine hotel, but it did not fit our parameters and we scored as such. The Patrol continues on its mission.

THE RATINGS-

Grilled Chicken: C+

BBQ Wings: C-

Shrimp Tacos: B-

Beer: B-

Atmosphere: C

Value: C

Overall Score = 2.25