Eve Of Dorian, tales from the Watt.

Twas the eve before Dorian, no one dared take a shot. Not a surfer was stirring, except bonehead Watt.

Paying the price and getting stirred, 67th and Holidays. 9/5/2019

   Not a good night for the Maytag Repairman. Nor was it a good night to surf. Hurricane Dorian was off the coast of the Carolinas and headed our way. Yet we made the trek. I had to take a shot. Needless to say, I did not fair well. In between sections and an agitated lineup  every attempt to take-off put me in the spin cycle. It was a major exercise to even look for position. The clean-up would occur over the weekend, as Dorian headed north. However, this evening was made up of shattered swell, hard blowing wind, stinging sand, and burning salt...just miserable. Target and LWatt were forced by the conditions to abdicate their usual seated positions. Making an appearance just beyond the dunes, LWatt did a safety check as Target walked across the beach, despite his reluctance, and stood in there to fire a few pics. Give him credit, although I think he was just a little disappointed when I climbed out of the ocean's grasp. "What? Done already?" he asked. Yep, time to grab some supper.

   We headed northward, as in Dorian's track, up to Fenwick Island and Mancini's Brick Oven Pizzeria and Restaurant. Since LWatt (of Italian heritage) joined our Crew we've had good luck with Italian eateries, and upon Target's suggestion we were all in. Nothing like a little Old World comfort food to soothe the soul after a few 'Cane thrashings. With limited seating, we found ourselves waiting a few for the bar to clear, prior to snagging our seats and ordering a couple brews. Ah, our first pinch...no taps, only bottles. But, an okay selection and the glasses were cold as Target had a Stella and I latched on to a Sam's Octoberfest (Hurricane season's here, Fall's 'a comin').

Perusing the menu and after minor debate, we resolved ourselves to the Crabmeat Bruschetta and the Meatball Pizza. Highlighted with big chunks of backfin, the bruschetta was mounded with fragrant marinated diced tomatoes and fresh basil on thick slices of crostini. All agreed it was among the best appetizers we've had all year. The pizza was small, albeit crispy.

Very good crust and the combination of meatball slices and cheese with the smoke of the wood fire oven made for a savory pie. The joint was small, although the rounded shape of our bar allowed for easy conversation without talking over or across each other. Two flatscreens were well situated, much to LWatt's delight, as we had NFL opening day with her beloved Bears teeing off against the hated Packers. Music was low, which I suppose was acceptable considering the game. Tab was a little high...but that seems to be the trend as of late. All in all, an enjoyable experience on the eve of our first major tropical storm. The next day was expected to be rained out. At this point, as spoiler note: Dorian kept heading farther out, and other than expected beach erosion, we were fortunate to be spared any major damage. All were safe for another round.

THE RATINGS-
Crab Bruschetta: A
Meatball Pizza: B+
Beer: C
Atmosphere: B
Value: B-
Overall Score = 3.00

You WILL return!