Kickoff, from the Watt's notes.

Lit up and seen for miles...Winterfest is the kickoff of our Christmas sessions. Northside Park, 12/5/2019.

   Two weeks passed since our last session. Thanksgiving has come and gone, and that means that the Christmas season is officially upon us. To misquote Dave Barry, "once again we come to our holiday celebration, a deeply religious time that the Crew observes, in our own way, by making our annual pilgrimage to the OC's Winterfest of Lights." However prior to our self guided tour, we met at Alley Oops, the beach's answer to Dave and Buster's.

Bright lights and big games ...duckpins, swimming black tipped sharks, virtual reality, and the latest video/arcade games...were the framework of the bar at which we sat. The menu had plenty to chose from. Primarily sports bar type food, the more upscale entrees featured local favorites such as Crab Cakes and Chicken Chesapeake which we did not partake, nor were we there for. Let's face it, the appetizers are the first impressions, and the ones of which our choice locations are judged. We put in for the Reda Rockfish and Tuna Tacos, the Epic BBQ Wings, and the Bavarian Pretzel Twists.

Our bartender was quick with the drinks. LWatt ordered her signature Grapefruit Crush which was well made, and a note here: served in a glass tumbler. Target and I pulled in a couple of beers. Very nice selection, however we were inside, yet the brews were still served in plastic. And, Stella in plastic is just wrong. Food took some time to come out which might explain that most of it was warm, not hot. The Rockfish Tacos were a bit fishy, probably frozen stock. The Tuna was pretty good...shoulda, woulda, coulda ordered three. The wings had a very good taste and were meaty.

The pretzel was average; just didn't wow us. There were plenty of TVs to catch the game (da Bears playin!). The music was a great selection of  classic "Big Hair" rock. We gave props to the manager as he gave me a free game on the virtual reality system...very cool. Got to save the world from zombies. Prices were reasonable for both the gaming and the menu which meant the place qualified for a return visit. It turned out to be a perfect kickoff for the evening. Prior to leaving the parking lot, Target was found to have come bearing gifts. Not quite gold, frankincense, or myrrh, but just as valued and appreciated. Plants, housewares, and toys- Target was getting as good as Santa at covering all the bases.

THE RATINGS-

Bavarian Pretzel Twists: C

Rockfish Tacos: C

Tuna Tacos: B-

Epic BBQ Wings: B-

Beer: C+

Atmosphere: B+

Value: B+

Overall Score = 2.61

   We moved on to the Winterfest of Lights. We look forward to this session each year. Despite the fact this set-up looks like it's run by a big Eastern Syndicate, we still did the walk through, took the photo ops at several Instagram locations, and made our donations to corporate tourism with additional purchases at the Village Pavilion.

 Overall, a seasonally cool night, in the upper 30's, lower 40's. Good food, an atmosphere full of stoke, great friends. T'was another memorable holiday sesh for the Crew.

Mau la Hau'oli from the Crew!