Tourist Draw, the Target's notes.

"I just enjoy the ride while I have it." - Jorge Garcia
Fast ride through Castles, 38th street.  8/2/2018.

   A return to Castles. The site of the Castle in the Sand hotel; it was a hair crowded. While I waited for my cohorts I had the opportunity to visit one of our local surf shops. It wasn't long however, when the realization set in that the surf shop of my youth was now just another tourist draw. It became all too clear, an excuse for a clothing shop that does not have locals in mind. Soon enough Wattman and LWatt arrived and I focused on a more positive outlook as we marched towards the surf. Along the route it became apparent that Watt needed a 'tude adjustment as well. The workday had gotten in the way of his normal pleasant demeanor and he was craving a release. Tonight he needed a surf. As LWatt and I sat on the beach watching, we continued solving the world's problems. The problem we couldn't provide an answer to was the fact that the wave conditions were blown out, with heavy south by southeast winds knocking down the walls each time a decent set seemed to jack up. The tide coming in did not help Wattman in his endeavors. Due to the state of the Atlantic, the lineup was certainly not drawing any out-of town drop-ins, just a handful of core riders. Despite a strong northern current, Watt finally drifted into position to capture a small, thigh-high right hander. Not much, but enough that now he wanted another. We knew we were in for a wait. About a half hour and a couple short rides later, Watt caught the elusive last wave of the night and we were able to head back over the dune.

Castle on the dune, 8/2/2018.

   Each summer we have made it a point to try and make a stop or two on the Boards to graciously disburse our criticisms. Seems we always forget the amount of trouble it is to park and the hassle of the traffic just getting to our assigned task. We were returning to Hammerheads on 10th Street. Previously reviewed several years ago, this place had tourist attraction plastered all over it. Sell out as much booze as possible in the  original "Shark Tank" decanter was the allure.

The small inside bar at which we sat, had two TVs on opposite sides.  No music except for the boardwalk white noise. At least LWatt had her Bears game. Our barkeep was not the most attentive, but eventually took our order. I ordered the newest in the Budweiser arsonal, Bud Light Orange which came in an ice cold bottle. I have to admit it was quite refreshing and may have been even better if I could had a plastic cup from which to drink it from, as in Wattman's "brewed on premises" IPA from Backshore Brewing next door. The torment here was that Watt had to go next door to get said beer, and he couldn't bring over a flight. Not convenient at all. Although, looking around the place I saw most people drinking, and almost no one eating which I took as a bad sign yet we ordered grub anyhow.

We got the Trio of Sliders all three of which we enjoyed. Our second choice (actually my choice) were the Crabby Tots...tater tots with crab dip on top which were both good and bad at the same time. Tasted fair, but rich and expensive. So, I must take the blame here. However, it was the Shrimp Tacos with "boom boom sauce" that we enjoyed the most. The blackened shrimp were well cooked, not too spicy, but slightly over sauced...had a good taste overall. I believe our impression of the food was a surprise to all of us. A drive-by return for some Patrol members would definitely be possible. Slow service, few TVs, beer transport requirements...I doubted that I would return anytime soon. Bring on the next dark horse.

THE RATINGS - 

Trio of Sliders: C+

Crabby Tots: C+

Blackened Shrimp Tacos: B+

Beer: B-

Atmosphere: C+

Value: B-

Overall Score = 2.58