18's Final, from the Target's notebook.

"It's not a Christmas party. It's a non-denominational holiday mixer, more inclusive."  -Office Christmas Party
The town's tree lights up the Atlantic. Streets of Berlin, 12/19/2018.

    This was to be our last hurrah of 2018, our final Christmas celebration. We headed to Drummer's Café, a repeat stopover to the Atlantic Hotel's bistro. A joint decision to finish in Berlin, MD for the second straight year. An upscale establishment with linen table cloths and a more refined atmosphere than most of the places in Berlin, the lineup at Drummer's was pretty crowded.

Lit up Atlantic.

Fortunately, the opportunity arose and we were able to snag three seats in a row. Though a woman came back for a half empty drink in our spot at the bar, there did not appear to be any dropping in on position. The room was full of small groups of locals enjoying the holiday season. Being such a small bar there was a very limited selection of beverages and brews on tap. Still, the lone barkeep was friendly and active, and he soon set our beverages of choice in front of us. The Island Mahi Tacos- Cuban Style, and Crispy Fish and Chips came highly recommended by our Man behind the Stand.

While myself and LWatt were a bit hesitant, Wattman made the decision on the fish and chips in addition to the tacos. Of course, our holiday festivities would not be complete without the Twin Kabobs of Filet Mignon. The Tacos, served on homemade soft shells, were very good, however just missing being top of the line.

They needed something, though I was not sure what. While the Kabobs met our expectations as for being cooked medium-well, they seemed to be better on our visit last year. The Fish and Chips were very crispy, but there were no fireworks. Like our average knee to thigh high surf sessions no thrill ride here, but Wattman still dove in and they disappeared in no time flat anyway.

 A single screen graced the bar for our viewing pleasure, and while conditions were tight when we first arrived, the lineup cleared out when Happy Hour ended. No music, just the drone of the surrounding chit-chat. Clearly, this was not a sports bar...more of a social scene for those networking or drumming up tomorrow's contacts. As our evening drew to a close, we paid our rather hefty tab. In addition, the Watts finished up the holiday gift exchange giving me a new ornament. I planned to place it in prime location, mid-tree at home. Christmas is a time to reflect and enjoy friendship. For the month of December, we left no doubt. The Crew is built on friendship, caring, and good times. This tri-fecta has always been something we have made a point to share at all times. Mele Kalikimaka from The Crew!

THE RATINGS-
Island Mahi Tacos: B
Crispy Fish and Chips: B-
Steak Filet Kabobs: B-
Beer: C+
Atmosphere: B-
Value: C
Overall Score = 2.58

"Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hau'oli Makahiki Hou"
(Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!)

Lost 'n Found, from the Target's notebook.

Chest plus swell with a west wind clean-up graced the lineup this week. Dusk along the OC's coast, 12/14/2018.

  -T. Layton photo 

   Its week two December, a return to cool-town Berlin, and we had voted this week to do a repeat of the Globe Theater. My early arrival Thursday evening, afforded me primo parking directly in front of the restaurant.  The Watts were on their way, and as I waited I considered the Shore's mild start to the season. Air has been in the 40's and 50's. A couple dips below freezing at night put the Atlantic's waters into the upper 40s. The Watt had lost his opportunity for any more surf. Speaking of, much to his chagrin, conditions had improved with surf in the chest to head range over the next couple of days. Ah, but this is the fate of our sessions this time of year.

   Watt's late arrival forced him to park down the dark recesses of the city's backstreets, but not before dropping off LWatt in front loaded with fresh homemade chocolate-chip cookies. Upon their arrival we entered the Globe and hooked us three seats at the copper laden bar. This establishment has a special ambience any time of year, however during Christmastide the place really shines. It had been four-plus years since the three of us have been to the Globe. That night we found what had become one of the gold standards on which we measured all other food offerings for some time. I had to wonder if a repeat performance was possible. As the season dictated, I went with a Stella which arrived in its signature glass. If only it had been iced it would have been perfect. Wattman had decided to drink local from the ample selection on tap. The Globe has quite a following, so even a mid-week crowd was not unusual, however the single barkeep was able to keep everyone happy. We placed our orders for the famous Tuna Taco, the Cowboy Burger special, and a Filet and Smoked Gouda Hash combo on the suggestion of the Barkeep.

Said Tuna Tacos, that we had considered the best we have ever had in our many travels, did not disappoint. True sushi grade tuna, properly prepared, with a nice backing of fixings made these tacos something special. The Cowboy Burger, hand pattied, was above average which we all enjoyed. But, it was the steak filet and hash combo that was the eye opener. The beef filet was only slightly over cooked yet the hash itself was great.

We stayed for a while just enjoying the atmosphere... well placed flatscreens and piped in music that was not overpowering... then moved out of doors. I for one am not a big Christmas present person. I have found the investment in time and effort you show someone throughout the year is the best present you can give or ever receive. This year I made an exception. A token for LWatt... a plant to brighten her kitchen window this winter as she had brightened the Crew with her addition to our membership. To Wattman I gave several replacements of my picture that had mysteriously disappeared during the move back from Chicago. He could hardly contain himself. I could tell. Speaking of difficult containment, it would be very difficult for me to contain myself on the trip home with those cookies the Watts had given me. With a successful critique in the books, the delivery of gifts, and the evening temps dropping, we said our goodbyes and headed out into the night. Next week was set as our final session of the year.

THE RATINGS-

Tuna Tacos: A-

Cowboy Burger: B-

Filet & Smoked Gouda Hash: B+

Beer: B

Atmosphere: B+

Value: C+

Overall Score = 3.04

Epiphany, from the Target's notebook.

Early December low rollers, 60th Street. 12/4/2018    

Santa don't bring me any toys,

Just bring my baby and a bottle of joy.

Maybe just a taste for Uncle Roy,

We all know Santa is a good ole boy.

       -Brian Setzer Orchestra, "Hey Santa"

   December had brought the flatties out on the water. November chest-plus conditions had now given way to thigh or less. For those sitting out in the line-up and waiting, even the lightest winds would be brutal. It was raw cold. Wednesday, and it was the day before the Berlin Christmas Parade. The streets were pretty much empty, which is why we were in town the day BEFORE the parade. As I waited for the Watts I had a bit of a yuletide epiphany. What I felt would be a real tribulation for the big Man in Red. I planned on soliciting for Wattman to be punctual at least 50 percent of the time in the upcoming year. I realized this would be somewhat of a miracle performance for Mr. Claus, but tis the season for delusionary petitions to come to fruition. But, once again, I digress. Continuing our Berlin circuit, we were headed into a small Italian restaurant where none of us had previously been. A newbie for the Crew, and that was an achievement considering small town America. Watt insisted it would be a first rate joint. I got to say, I had my doubts. One of three locations on the Shore, DiFebo's was actually larger than it looked with a second floor for parties and a bar that seated twelve along with booths and tables. The place was decked out nicely for the season but not overly done. As we grabbed our spots at the end of the near loaded bar I was initially worried about the level of service we'd be receiving as the barkeep didn't seem too attentive to our arrival or needs. However, as the night wore on his friendliness overshadowed his one speed, and his seasonal courtesy led to all at the bar enjoying his company.  

   With Christmas music spinning in the background, I found my perfect opportunity to order the perfect holiday brew... Stella. Served in it's perfect Stella glass, Wattman went for the local brew served in it's standard shaker glass. Both could have only been more perfect if the glasses would have been iced. This was when our barkeep stepped up his game and talked LWatt into a Pear Martini. This thing was dangerous with a sugar-candied, house vodka-infused pear that must have been 100 proof all by itself. The restaurant featured Italian dishes with a wood fired pizza oven as the dining area's anchor. You can watch it from any seat in the place. The evening's chow started with a trio of Veal Meatballs that were fantastic. Covered in just the perfect amount of sauce, they were garnished with smoked mozzarella and ricotta cheese.

As the Wood Fired Pizza was one of DiFebo's stars, we ordered the Margarita with Basil and Chicken. At first glance the chicken looked overcooked but it had a great flavor that added to an already good pizza. Less pub and more upscale, so there was just one TV over the bar. The crowd dropped off exponentially as the hour passed. Typical for a weeknight anywhere on the Shore, probably more so for Berliners. Before long it was just us, two old timers at the opposite end of the bar. and a couple at one of the tables. It was our queue to head out into the night. Finalized with dessert at Island Creamery. Difebos was a definite epiphany for the Watt in his job of determining our destinations. I am sure it will be on tap for another Crew patrol.

THE RATINGS - 

Veal Meatballs: A-

Wood Fired Margherita Pizza: B+

Beer: C+

Atmosphere: B+

Value: B

Overall Score = 3.10

Always watching...

Frosted Again, from the Target's notebook.

"All right, you're a reindeer. Here's your motivation: Your name is Rudolf, you're a freak with a red nose, and no one
likes you. Then, one day, Santa picks you and you save Christmas. No, forget that part. We'll improvise... just keep it
kind of loosey-goosey. You HATE Christmas. You're gonna steal it. Saving Christmas is a lousy ending, way too commercial. ACTION!"     -Jim Carrey, the Grinch

   Its been a tradition  for Watt and myself to visit the OC Winterfest for these many years. But, our tradition has had a serious down side. It seems no matter what day Wattman chooses it has always been sooooo f*#^ing cold we have limited enjoyment of the magic before frostbite sets in. Last year was the rare exception; a milder stint. That being said, I must confess the year I had to attend by myself while the Watt was still in Chicago it was a freezing cold day and I went during the afternoon. As I climbed into my car to start the journey to OC I made sure I had an extra layer of clothing in anticipation of the night's chill. The evening's plan was to start at Harpoon Hanna's on the Ditch in Fenwick, DE. Arriving just in time to see several emergency vehicles head over the small bridge...it was Wattman's luck that an accident had closed Rt. 54 in sight of the restaurant. Now Watt claims he should have gotten credit for being on time since he had no control over the road being closed. But, since he had a choice of routes (and chose unwisely), and I had to wait 30 minutes while he backtracked to Rt. 90, I thought otherwise. There was a saving grace. The extra time allowed the restaurant to slowly clear out. A 1/2 Price Lobster special had the place packed through Happy Hour. Thankfully, by the time the Watts arrived HH was done, and the bar area had opened up.

   First order of business was to put drinks in hand. Our barkeep read off a list of beer on tap and as none appealed I went with a Miller Lite. It wasn't until after that we discovered that my Summer Shandy was still available. This was just the beginning of the lack of attention we received from any of the three barkeeps. By now there were only eleven patrons (including us) in the bar area. We repeatedly had to ask for menus, refills, condiments, even the bar tab took forever in the end. But I digress. We ordered from a pretty decent menu choosing the Sweet & Spicy Wings, the Seafood Skins, and of course, the 1 lb. Lobster Special. The special included fresh homemade muffins which were enjoyed by the three of us. The lobster was disappointing; not real meaty and a bit tough, but it was nice to try something different.

It would have been even better if our barkeep had any tips on getting the most out of a lobster. Instead she commented on how she didn't like seafood and left us to  shredding the shell, like so many of the thigh high waves of this season. The wings looked good but lacked punch. Neither spicy nor hot, the best we could say was that they were meaty and well cooked. The surprise of the night were the seafood potato skins.

 All three potatoes were large and over flowing with crab, shrimp and even some lobster in an imperial cheese sauce. Very rich, to the point that a single skin was almost a meal in itself. As LWatt finished the last skin, we had become the leftovers of the bar. Our only entertainment for the night was watching the bar staff determine if the village drunk had paid his tab or not. After 10 minutes trying to get someones attention to pay the bill, we caught the end of a college basketball game and listened to unforgettable on-hit classic rock. It had been a number of years since the Crew's last visit to Harpoon Hannas, and it may be several more before the Patrol passes by again. For the balance of our evening, we were off to the lights...

THE RATINGS-

Lobster Special w/Muffins: B-

Sweet & Spicy Wings: C+

Seafood Skins: B

Beer: C+

Atmosphere: C

Value: C

Overall Score = 2.38

Welcome to OC's 2018 Winterfest of Lights

   As mentioned earlier, we were were frosted again, resuming what now seems the requisite frigid tour of Ocean City's Winterfest of Lights. This year seemed to have more indoor displays than in the past.

The tent was a good thing, as we were able to extend our stay by splitting time between a heated tent and the exterior tundra. Even caught up with the Big Man in the Red Suit. Speaking of suits, did I mention how cold it was? If I had been thinking far enough ahead I may have borrowed the Watt's rubber suit. Surprised he wasn't wearing it. I could only imagine trekking into the Atlantic this time of year. If there had been any type of precipitation at all, it would have been called for.

As it was, a clear night and the Patrol made the most of our rounds no matter how brief the conditions made 'em. Another tour in the books. So as the song says:

Good master and good mistress,
As you sit beside the fire,
Pray think of us poor children
Who wander in the mire...

...Love and joy come to you
 And to you your Wassail, too,
And God bless you, and send you
A Happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year