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