Change Up, from the Target's notebook.

Wouldn't take much for me to up and run,
To another life somewhere in the sun.    -K. Chesney

1st snow, Atlantic Avenue- the Boardwalk, OCMD. 1/13/2019                  -C. Parypa Pic

   Cold has set in. Winter was finally making itself known. First snow, though only three or so inches combined with freezing rain. Our nights now keeping below the icy mark. The Atlantic's waters in the balmy, lower 40s. Time to head out again. In years past we have always started at our original haunt, Smitty McGees. It was a rite of passage that was passed down for years. This year however, we decided to change up tradition and start the year at an alternate location. That being Tall Tales. Wattman's idea.

He claims it was done for my benefit. Closer to me, I must admit. But, it is a brewery. Hence, I must wonder. It is hard to feel the Watt's sincerity where beer is involved. As usual I arrived on time and had to wait...another Christmas wish unanswered. It had been some time since we last had seen the inside of this establishment, and some favorable improvements had been made. The back of the place that use to be outdoors has now been enclosed and serves as one of two bars. With two open wood-fired ovens and a gas heater the place was very comfortable, even on a cold windy night. It'd been over a month since having the Crew together, thus catching up on our doings from Christmas and New Years was priority as was the liquid refreshment which was soon ordered. This being a brewery there was a broad selection of beer, improved according to the Wattman's palate.

Another noticeable improvement was the menu. Little more bistro-like. We began with a Deconstructed Tuna Bowl...kinda like a seafood salad without the lettuce. The tuna was good but there was so little of it was hard to really judge. The cold crab was very bland but it did have several large crab chunks. Watt and I were hoping for more out of this item as the menu write up was better than what we had. LWatt went with the Southwest Cobb Salad which was large and abundantly presented. Finally the wings, specifically Moroccan Wings, with a BBQ, brown sugar, and cinnamon dry rub.I did not care for the resulting flavors, but Watt enjoyed the mix.

 The big problem here was, a couple of the wings were not completely cooked through. Uncooked chicken wings get penalty points in my book...automatically. However, with this being winter we did not spend the entire night at the bar debating proper wing prep techniques. We finished off our brew and cuisine, paid the robust tab, then said our good byes as we headed our respective ways into the cold night. Lot of improvements at Tall Tales. Decent music, plenty of TVs, good beer, and a comfortable atmosphere, we would definitely schedule a return visit. For the time being, at least until the spring thaw sets in...think I'll let Wattman handle the notes.Til then, bring on the next dive!

 Tall Tales Brewing, 1/17/2019.                                    THE RATINGS-

Deconstructed Tuna Bowl: C+

Southwest Chicken Salad: B

Moroccan Wings: C

Beer: B

Atmosphere: B

Value: C+

Overall Score = 2.58