Midtown Bantams, the Target's notes.

Power for nothin' and your waves for free. Getting the most juice out of each pressed set. Rodeways, 8/23/2018.

Now look at them yo-yos, that's the way you do it                  -Dire Straits

 

   Midtown and Rodeways again, hoping the natural point of this break would make the most of the projected bantam sized surf. I dropped by Chauncey's Surf Shop while I waited for the Watts to arrive. It was apparent from the get go that the shop did not match my memories. Mostly boards and shop logo apparel. Less commercial, but also less for me. A surf shop that did not cater to my expectations; I left quickly before the bad vibes set in. Heading up to the dune pass to do a wave check, five young guns hopped out of Mom's SUV with boards in hand. At this point Wattman arrived and I mentioned to him that while he had no pressure, I believed these guys would own the lineup. As LWatt and I settled into our beach chairs we were attacked by the local militia. This time of year when the winds are right, sand flies rule the beach. But, a late day onshore breeze came to the rescue and provided relief. Wattman was having his own trouble. The pocket combers may have been great for those 50-plus pound young dudes, however they did not generate the power or speed Watt needed to slice into them. The mid-tide did not help. As dusk approached Wattman finally caught a small right that seemed like it might be the only ride of the night. Then it happened once again. Not one, not two, not three, but five backside juicers in a row were hitched and nearly ridden to the shore. Watt would pull into each starting to the right, and almost in slo-mo slide left until finishing almost parallel to the beach only a few feet away. Thus, the night ended on a high note as we headed off for West Ocean City's commercial docks and our appointed reward.  
   Tonight we were surveying Mad Fish Bar & Grill on the water situated on the south side of the harbor. We made our way to the lower level outside bar. Right off the bat (pun intended) LWatt was happy to find the Cubs game on TV. A round of drinks were ordered as Wattman got his craft beer, I was in my glory with my Summer Shandy draft, and LWatt sipped on an Orange Crush. Menu choices included Flounder Tacos, Steamed Shrimp, and a Cajun Shrimp Po' Boy.

While imbibing said beverages I revealed my alias...Sinjin (the Shandy did that). Many associated adventures never revealed. Before we proceeded I just let it sink in. But, I digress. The peel 'n eat shrimp were an instant hit. They were hot, spicy, and well cooked. The meal started out well. The Po'Boy had a fair mount of popcorn shrimp but that was it. Not real spicy nor special about it. just a big bun that was more bread than needed. The real blunder occurred with the two tacos...the meager size of the fish in each. If you were to only glance you would miss what was supposedly the main element of the dish.

While we finished our beverages in plastic cups, we listened to an unwelcome club music mix as we watched the end of the Cubbies game. The final downfall came with the bill. One of the highest of the year despite decent service. Although the view was excellent, the food and prices were no match. Thus, I believe it will be a long time before the Patrol stops by here again especially with Harborside right next door.

THE RATINGS-

Flounder Fish Tacos: C+

Steamed Shrimp: B+

Cajun Shrimp Po'Boy: C

Beer: B-

Atmosphere: B+

Value: C-

Overall Score = 2.54