By Request, from the Watt's notes.

"Aaah! Fra-GEE-lay! It must be Italian!"  -Old Man Parker
Lighted holiday display welcomes all to Berlin, MD to come collect their major award. 12/12/2019

   This week's destination was by request. LWatt had been wanting to return to Blacksmith Bar & Restaurant since last fall.  The entire basis of our continued Journey has always been good friends on the hunt for ridable surf, supplemented with thirst quenching drink, and tasty food. The means to the end was half the adventure. Surf always played the principal part, but refueling was a closing requirement. Bad surf or bad food, or perish the thought, both in the same session meant someone would pay the price. Hopefully not physically nor gastrically, but rather verbally. Many times I was on the receiving end, so LWatt's request took the pressure off. A Berlin, MD favorite since 2014, Blacksmith did not disappoint this evening. Our attentive bartender was quick to get our drink orders, a couple of brews for Target and I, and an Assateague Ass (sage vodka, mint syrup, and ginger beer) for LWatt. The glass for our beer was not cold, but the selection helped make up for it. I'm not sure who says warmer temps improve the flavor profile of beer, but we would strongly debate that fact with any beer geek. LWatt's drink would have been worth another on any weekend.

We set ourselves up with their Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, the Nashville Chicken (crispy fried chicken on white bread with spicy "Nashville Sauce"), and the House Bacon Burger. The crab cake had big chunks of backfin lump meat. Seasoned with just the right amount of old bay, mustard, and pepper, we only wished it had been bigger. The chicken was thigh meat, bone out and plenty crispy. The sauce seemed little more than a Louisiana Hot Sauce. Good taste, but not the greatest presentation. The burger we've had before. Actually a double-pattied sandwich layered with crispy bacon, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, and home-made pickles, it was served with homestyle fries. Juicy, medium-well cooked, it went down the fastest (and messiest) of all three. We didn't wait long for the food, and our bar service was excellent. The decor, like the menu, was eclectic... almost funky. As was the music... classic rock one second, pop club the next. No TV, this place was about the social vibe they were advocating. The tab kinda took a little air out out of the night, but we overcame and came up with the dough. The three of us are rarely without banter, comments, or opinions. This week was Target's turn to open gifts, receiving a rare MD Terrapin ornament for the tree, and a tin of cookies. Good times. We enjoyed each others company and the food, and Blacksmith is always worth a trip back. At least after payday.

   The week has been quiet on the beach, although cooler temperatures have definitely moved in. Our ocean waters have dropped into the upper 40s, so even weekender surf has been out of the question. Our next destination will have big expectations as 2019 comes to a celebrated end. The Christmas Session is on the horizon, and I for one, am looking forward to it like the next carvable wave rolling in.

THE RATINGS-

Beer: B-

Lump Crab Cake: B+

Nashville Chicken: B-

House Burger: B+

Atmosphere: B-

Value: C

Overall Score = 2.79