And Heeeeeere They Come!, tales from the Watt

"So many horses - I don't know who to vote for."   -Marge Simpson
Last race of the night..."pacers" round turn two of the final lap. Ocean Downs Raceway, 6/19/2019.

      Everyone's a critic and sometimes, I take it to heart. The last few posts have lacked "soul." Or, so I have been told. Wednesday's session provided the ingredients for a soulful post. Ocean temps finally allowed me to strip off most of the rubber while surf conditions afforded a few decent rides (to my satisfaction) and a little header here and there (to Target's satisfaction). Felt like I had a handicap removed, so a better temperament in the water. The waves were small...thigh high at the most. In addition, position was again a struggle. Recent storms contributed to the shifting sandbar off Castles beach. At times I was caught inside, or too far out and the waves just passed me by. But, I enjoyed myself. Summer's just starting, so it'll pick up. Excuses, they kinda work for me. Not for LWatt or Target though. I will give Target credit...his attention span improved. He kept the shutter snapping this time 'round.

Squeezing every drop out of the knee to thigh skinners. Castles, 6/19/2019.

   The evening's post sesh destination was, without a doubt, a balancing act. We headed out to Ocean Downs Casino. The Journey's terminus was Poseidon's Pub and a night at the races. The pub greeted us from the trackside of the Casino with an open concept that featured an octagonal bar providing a 360 degree view of the Casino, dining area, and the Harness Racing. With the bells and whistles of the "one armed bandits" to the left of us and the track to the right it was no wonder there was no music. However, there were plenty of flatscreens including a few closed circuits of the race action. Our barkeep, Andy, was on the spot with our drink order including waters. At this point a question came to mind: why serve our brews in plastic cups and our water in glass? Did not compute for us. Andy said people are allowed to travel through the Casino and to the track, thus the plastic. Still, we were not completely convinced. Regardless, decisions were made and we put in for the groceries. The Signature Crab Dip with lemon, Old Bay, and horseradish served with a sliced baguette. The Pineapple Jerk Wings having a combination wet-dry rub. And, the Miami Style Cuban made with pork shoulder, tavern ham, a house pickle, and dijon mustard on a pressed Ciabatta. I'm going worst to best here...the Crab Dip was not impressive. Very fishy tasting and too much cheese. LWatt was the most disappointed and ate very little, so myself and Target did our best to get through it. It was rich. The Wings were okay. Well cooked and meaty, they lacked strong flavor. Just hints of jerk and little pineapple. The first winner of the evening was the Cuban. I thought it was very well put together. Target liked the textures and the meats melded well even though he was not a ham fan. The tab was a little surprising...a bit more expensive than we had figured on. Apart from that, the bustle of the Casino and Track made for a stimulating meal experience.

Upon finishing our chow, we headed on out to the track. Keep in mind, a casino in Berlin, MD is a far cry from Vegas, and in these small towns, what happens in the casino could very well be the next day's front page news. Thus we kept a low profile, keeping our wagers, and corresponding winnings, below the IRS radar. Harness Racing involved Trotters and Pacers. These horses were no where near the level of Thoroughbred racers, but the harness sulky will do 30 mph plus. Like racing down a back road in a car without doors or a roof, and ropes for steering, 30 mph probably seems faster that you'd think, and I would imagine they are no fun to fall from. But they are fun to bet on. We dropped down to the track area just in time for the last two races. True to his nature, Target chose Explosive Drama in Race 11 to show and sure enough, he won. His horse came in a strong 2nd. I swear the guy keeps a clover in his pocket. In Race 12, the last race, LWatt suggested the show horse...Win Or Lose Drink Da Booze...yeah, she knew the name spoke to me...19-1 odds and he came in 3rd. Such huge winnings I could buy another beer! Maybe a six. LWatt was as surprised as Target (hope the Treasury Agents don't read this post). Like I said, we kept a low profile...as I went dancing off with my winnings. The wealth and soul of a summer evening with friends; finding stoke on the water, and luck at the track. We look forward to our continued Journey.

THE RATINGS-
Signature Crab Dip: C-
Pineapple Jerk Wings: C+
Miami Style Cuban: B
Beer (why all the plastic?): C+
Atmosphere: B
Value: C
Overall Score = 2.38

Always Another Wave, tales from the Watt.

This round couldn't end soon enough. Looking for that last punch, Holidays break. 6/13/2019.

   We're usually checking the surf report for conditions, or the surf cams. The month of May kinda put the spook in us as to the disturbing preview it had given the coming surf season. Sloppy and small was no way to head into summer. However, June started to build in size. Waist or so and clean last week provided the first decent rides. But this week, while the size held the organization did not. A cold front had moved through dropping the water temps back into the mid-60s. Crazy...forced into the the fullsuit again. Needless to say, I was not happy. On shore, east by southeast winds sectioned the break into long fast breaking or surging, close-out swell at Holidays. I found it difficult to get position. Too far out and I couldn't catch Jack. Edge myself closer to shore, and I'd get caught inside. I didn't care that it wasn't clean, it was a bad session that was all on me. As I was rolled more than bowled, I think the Target's frustration was that he couldn't snap that crushing wipeout...or any wipeout. With storm clouds moving up I called it, and we headed in. One thing about the Atlantic, and our piece of the Right Coast fronting it, they'll still be there when we cross the dunes for our next session...always another wave.

Cold front slicing in from the northwest, 6/13/2019

   Unlike the ocean, the taverns, dives, and pubs that we visit aren't necessarily there the next time 'round. However, Three Anchors on 78th and Coastal Highway impressed us enough that if the Vegas bookies were taking odds, we'd placed our bets that they'd be around for at least the next year. When we arrived we were a bit undecided as to taking a table outside on the upper deck, or sitting at either the upstairs or downstairs bar. That being said, I personally like the camaraderie of a good bar, but at Three Anchors their placement was obscure and limiting so I conceded to LWatt and Target and we took the outdoor table. Our waitress was prompt and had taken and returned with our drink orders in minimal time. With an above average beer selection, ours were served in chilled glasses, and LWatt's "on special" Grapefruit Crush was well mixed.

At this point we placed our orders for the Jerk Honey Mustard Wings (after much deliberation), the Short Rib Tacos, and a 1/2 pound of Steamed Shrimp. Tender but not hot, the shrimp were average sized, maybe a little bigger, and seemed to be less than the 1/2 pound advertised. In addition, they seemed to skimp a little on the Old Bay. The wings were big, meaty, and well cooked. The jerk spice was not overwhelming, nor was the honey mustard messy. Actually, the entire coating mix was more of a dry rub that had a nice taste. Even Target, who was iffy about the jerk seasoning, was pleasantly surprised. The tacos were the most debated. The short rib meat in the tacos were prepared in a southern style barbecue. I felt they were juicy, but had a bit too much vinegar. LWatt thought they were pretty good, and Target liked them as well, but felt a bit less juice would have meant the shells would not have gotten as soggy. The dining atmosphere itself was very coastal, and we did not detect any of the usual bugs we've seen with past new businesses as service met expectations. As mentioned earlier, the bars were confining, but had all the screens needed for catching up on the sports scene. The music was light, and up and down in volume. No TVs at all in the dining areas. The place had a feel of a little more upscale than your average tavern, however the tab was not as painful as we may have expected. This place definitely earned the right to remain on our radar. But as they say, there's always another tavern, dive, bar, pub, etc. to visit as we continue the Journey.

THE RATINGS-

Atmosphere: C+

Beer: B

Jerk Honey Mustard Wings: B

Short Rib Tacos: B-

Steamed Shrimp: C+

Value: B-
Overall Score = 2.67

First One, tales from the Watt.

"Wiping out is an underappreciated skill."  -Laird Hamilton
Honing the skills, facing the break...quick release into the wash. Castles, 6/6/2019.

   Been a slow start. I'll be the first one to admit it. Target would be the first one to remind me. LWatt would be the first one to put up with it (i.e. my 'tude). The evening brought the first decent conditions we've had for the '19 season. All would agree with that. Not necessarily the first rides, but the evening produced the first decent waves to charge since we hit the water last month. Atlantic temps had hit the 70F mark early on in the week, but by Thursday were back down to 68...my feet felt it. Swell was about waist...maybe, and semi-clean. Some disorganized bump here and there. I did not do well in the execution category. More time in the water needed. That's okay. For every spin, there was the the desire for the next, regardless of the pending thumping. A nice session though. The first one in a while. And I anticipate, the first one of many this season.

Smoothed out late in the evening. Castles, 6/6/2019.

   The post sesh foodie search led us to John Fager's second opening of Bad Monkey; West Ocean City, off Route 50 eastbound. Riding up on it, the place was almost an identical twin to the in-town location. It has been our experience that new openings experience first year jitters, but Bad Monkey West seemed to have come out of labor without much pain.

Food service was a little slow, but the food and drink offerings were on point. Case in point, the Blackened Mahi Tacos. Plenty of slaw, nice avocado ranch sauce. Only the rock hard, less than ripe avocado garnish scarred the dish.We also had the Spinach Salad...or rather LWatt did.

Though it had to be changed out for onions that were requested to be forgotten (quick turnaround in this case), with hard boiled egg, bacon, gourmet tomatoes, and organic chicken, the disappearing bowl spoke for itself. Finally we finished up with the BBQ Wings. Big, meaty, hot, and not too much sauce.Turns out they were lightly breaded. Not our recipe of choice, but it did little to hinder a pretty decent wing. Nice views tableside, though I chose the bar. This did not go unnoticed by LWatt and Target as they pointed the fact out several times during the course of our meal. Beer was cold, glasses chilled, with a good draft and bottle/can selection. TVs were well placed, piped music was our style, and our barkeep was plenty attentive. Tab was a little elevated, however it turned out there was a backside unchecked deck as well, thus the Westside Monkey would definitely be worth another look. 'Til then, the dives await...this season's Journey continues.

THE RATINGS-
Atmosphere: B+
Beer: B+
Blackened Mahi Tacos: B
BBQ Wings: B
Spinach Salad: B
Value: C+
Overall Score = 2.96

   

Powerless, tales from the Watt.

Pushing through the mini-grinders. More Rodeway slushies, 30th street break. 5/30/2019

   Third time out and we've gotten to the point where we dread the conditions being reported. Powerless to invoke any change, we must accept what is given. Less than knee high chop. Impotent swell making it a struggle to reach any kind of speed to grab the next ride. Light winds outta the northeast. Reflected from shore, even with the lack of power, the swells' echo broke up what few sets managed to roll in with potential. Gotta say, I was frustrated out there, 'bout as much as I have been with the surf reports. I am glad to get wet. We are thankful for the beach...the calm from the week, the break in the tension. Does us good. But, we will continue to watch and hope for improving conditions on the next report. Powerless as it may feel. 'Til then...
   Food is the second half of this show, and due to the OC's slow launch into the summer season we visited two facilities this evening, both of whom should have met our minimum expectation, but only one of which came through for us. Like the surf, blame the weather...shifting winds, more clouds than sun, although Memorial Day weekend was spectacular! Schools let out the 2nd week in June.

Unlucky Anchor.

Whatever. The June bugs, tourons, beach baggers; they'll all be upon us soon enough. Once again I digress. Bar one...the Lucky Anchor. No props for this place yet. We show up and the only other patron leaves. Order beers, and then find that the kitchen closed early. Keep in mind, it was only 8:30 p.m. Disappointing to say the least. The menu looked promising, but would they be deserving of another chance? Only our inestimable summer time would tell. We found ourselves at boardwalk's end in the Frog Bar...what we have considered one of the best views on the water. Ordered up our drinks (good beer selection, but served in plastic...why?) and threw in some of their famous wings...Old Bay style, and the Cheese Steak Egg Rolls with Marinara.

The wings were big, hot, crispy, but lacked any real Old Bay seasoning...almost bland. The egg rolls looked good and had nice texture. Personally, I liked 'em, but LWatt and Target felt these were also very bland. Only the sauce gave any real taste. Nice vibe with a good music system that comes complete with front row seats to the inlet, although is was zero dark thirty. In addition, it may be getting time for a little renovation. Pricing's decent, so this place has always been worth a return visit. But none too soon. Moving into the upcoming weeks we can only hope the future sites from my updated post surf foodie session list begin to show improvement. Patience may be wearing thin.

THE RATINGS-

Atmosphere: B

Beer (more plastic): B-

Old Bay Wings: C+

Cheese Steak Egg Rolls: C

Value: B-

Overall Score = 2.55

Another poor performance?
 The "Taxman" waiteth!