Trippin', the Watt's notebook.

The trip begins, truckin' past the 50 ft. tall psychedelic Christmas tree strobing different colors with each holiday tune.
 Winterfest reflections, Northside & 125th Street. 12/10/2020

Sometimes the light's all shinin' on me

Other times I can barely see

Lately it occurs to me

What a long, strange trip it's been.

-Truckin', Grateful Dead

 Not really a Christmas song, but it kinda fit the evening, which kinda fit the season, which kinda fit the year. Our seasonal tradition, the OC's Winterfest of Lights was converted from a train ride to a walking path. Guess they decided, wiping down the trains after each ride was a bit much. Regardless, temps in the mid-40s made it was a pleasant night for a walk. Especially while being caroled by a howling toddler. I can say he was doing a fine job setting LWatt, Target, and myself on that Christmas ledge. No worries, I had my trusty new Canon Rebel to slow us down and let him lead his family away. Course, LWatt had her cell camera, and Target was left to wander, gawk, or whatever he does when not being watched. 

Checking for keys?

Keeping an eye out!

I must say, this time around gave the displays a unique perspective that on a train, tended to pass by before you could really appreciate what you were looking at. Our roughly mile long stroll took us past the majority of displays that were up in the past, although to our disappointment, the lighted candle gateway was absent from the list this year. Nevertheless, we had Christmas music that could be discerned pretty much throughout Northside Park replete with words perceptible enough to sing along to while walking. Overall, the town did a nice job creating an enjoyable and safe experience. And for the Crew, it was a trip that kept us on our feet and our mood in tune with the holiday celebration. Much needed considering this was our last meeting until 2021.

   As per our tradition we had plans doing a few appetizer critiques, although post Winterfest. Unfortunately the T-Man was not going to be able to attend. Not one to leave without an impression, he came bearing gifts...toys, restaurant gift cards, and kitchenware. And of course, we presented him with imported and homemade cookies. It was like the Grinch upon his return to Whoville with all the gifts that we exchanged. Wishing each other a Merry Christmas, we parted ways as LWatt and I headed over to Albertino's for some celebratory Italiano chow. We'd been before so we had an idea as to expectations.

Upon entrance, I checked out the limited selection (scaled down due to current conditions) and had a draft set up in front of me while we perused the menu. LWatt had a taste for the House Meatballs in a Red Sauce with Garlic Bread, and the Lump Crab Ravioli jumped out at us as well. The meatballs were a three count combo of veal, pork, and beef slow simmered in the sauce. Very tender, juicy, and well seasoned. The ravioli was plump with lump crab, with bits of crab in a little bit of a rich Chesapeake White Sauce.

Still. we pretty much finished off every scrap. We agreed, Albertino's does Italian well. Although without specials, the tab was a little hefty for just the two of us. So, there it was... the close of our season... LWatt and I sitting up at the bar, catching a Thursday Night NFL game, and enjoying the last Crew meal of the year. Here's looking towards a safe end to December, 2020, and an improved 2021.

THE RATINGS-

House Meatballs: A-

Lump Crab Ravioli: B

Beer: C

Atmosphere: B

Value: C+

Overall Score = 2.80

"Christmas is the day that holds all time together." -Alexander Smith
A snap in time, Mele Kalikimaka from The Crew.

In The Air, the Watt's notebook.

Morning wood at sunrise. Bare farmlands, Berlin, MD. 11/17/2020.

    Next week is Thanksgiving. Then the Christmas season begins. Then New Years. Our night temperatures have fallen into the 40s, days have cooled off, the culmination leading to the Atlantic temps having slipped into the 50's. You can smell the cooler salt..it's in the air. Has left no doubt for the need of a full suit, boots, gloves even. With work, weekends are now the only option. Speaking of work, for those of us who live and work (or in the T-Man's case, carouse) on the 'Shore, October's harvest had left the once dense fields of corn and soybean stripped bare one by one. Another sign. Cruising Route 50, we are left keeping a side-eye out for the local Whitetail that now occupy the barren farmland as feeding grounds and take-off points for "the rut." It's in the air...the mood to headbutt your car whilst high on a testosterone high, chasing the doe of their children. And our weekly dining? Indoors have become the necessity. Yeah, it's in the air. Season's passing. I don't think any of us Crew members would argue even the slightest satisfaction to see 2020 make an exit. A strenuous season to be sure. Yet, we're still doin' what we do. We have stuck it out...together. The Crew.

   New locations in need of our good judgement have been hard to find this year. We've been to the Globe. Now the Globe Gastro Theatre, bought out by the owners of Burley Oak, it now features Broad Street BBQ at The Globe. The interior was gutted to have an industrial warehouse look. They took the walls down to the brick. A huge lighted stage took up the center floor. Open Wednesday through Sunday, there's live music every night. This past Thursday, we finally got our first live music fix of the year... classic rock covers by Jack Bannon. Did a nice job. Enjoyed while havin' a couple of craft beers, a Miller Lite, and some decent BBQ. The spread we ordered included a house made Kielbasa with Cornbread and Alabama Sauce, a pound of Smoked BBQ Chicken Wings, and Creekstone Angus Brisket both served with additional BBQ sauce. The aromas were mouthwatering, but we are a hard Crew to completely satisfy.

The 'Basa was a little better than average, but smaller and lacked the zesty flavour and the snap in the bite. The cornbread was the biggest disappointment for LWatt- very dry. The wings had a good smoke and the sauce was tasty, but the meat was very tough, a tad overcooked. The brisket was the best of the three. Hot, juicy, and well prepared, but the portion could have been more generous. Our beers were served in chilled (refrigerated) glasses, and they had a good selection...not just Burley, but some guest taps as well. This is definitely a live entertainment venue. No TVs, and because of the pandemic, no waitstaff. We sat at a table, and walked over to the bar as we ordered directly from the bartender, who to his credit, was attentive.

Jack Bannon

In addition, the manger made his rounds of the tables collecting the dishes and glasses, so kudos to him as well. Our bill was not overly painful at all, and our bartender included a free beer. Hard to complain about that. We hung out for a bit, enjoying the music, and finally called it a night. Jointly agreed to, we determined due to Thanksgiving festivities with our respective families, a two week sabbatical would be in order. Upon leaving we noted Main Street Berlin was starting to get lit up...even the tree at the Atlantic Hotel was up, though dark. It's in the air. Until December then...

The Globe Gastro Theatre, 11/19/2020.

THE RATINGS-

Beer: B

Atmosphere: A-

House Kielbasa: C+

Cornbread: C-

Smoked BBQ Wings: C-

Angus Brisket: B+

Value: B

Overall Score = 2.68

   

Safety First, the Watt's notebook.

Post Eta clean up sets. 18th Street, OCMD. 11/14/2020.

Well, all I can do in the end

Is bury it in the cellar
And only a fool would pretend
To blame it on the weather

-Seether, Dangerous

   We begin the official Crew-time 2nd Season, again. It's been a long year. After watching March through May slice by us due to the pandemic, we tested the waters. We started off kinda one foot in one foot out. Managed to squeeze a few rides from the slow June surf, but we were already into the third week before restarting our epicurean Quest. Across the summer months we played it safe. Distancing on the beach was not too difficult, but we chose our foodie destinations cautiously. On our stretch of the Right Coast, we were fortunate that many of the taverns, bars, and tiki dives we patronized were designed with both indoor and outdoor dining. And, in our comprehensive search for new locations we had a fairly decent mix of old and new. I know it was unusual for the Crew of the past, but we have kept all about safety first.

    The colder weather had set in. The week's heavy rainfall, brought on by the remnants of former hurricane, now Tropical Storm Eta creeping along the coast from the southwest, finally drying up as we drove up to the evening's layover. The latest challenge has been to continue to find a location that provides the comfort in safety that current times demand. Bad Monkey West (OC) was one of those bar & grills that met the criteria. Visited in June of '19, Bad Monkey has developed a firm hold of West OC. After taking a right at the last light before the Harry Kelley Bridge, there were three folks at the bar and only a couple of tables occupied, including ours in the corner with a view of the southern end of Ocean City and the Sinepuxent Bay. Course, it's Standard Time, so it was dark.

We scanned the beer and food menus within our view of the lights. A couple of brews for the Target and I and a few moments later, and we had our requests in. Old Bay Wings, The Country Boy- an 8 oz. burger, pork BBQ, and cole slaw, and a couple of Blackened Mahi Tacos.

I will begin by saying that it was a lot of food...not that we don't usually handle it, but it just seemed like a whole lot more than our usual spread. Maybe they were trying to get rid of the rest of the food as it was near closing (places closed by 9pm-10pm these days). Either way, the wings were hot, fat and juicy, nicely dusted (although we'd have taken more), and we got ten. The burger-BBQ combo was loaded and tangy...very tasty with plenty of chips. Lastly the tacos, also loaded with fish and trimming, but only warm and very dry

...the disappointment of the trio. Our waiter was eager to please, bringing our drink order out followed by the food both in short order. And, he was very good with the follow up. TVs were well located no matter where you sat, with a variety of sports. Music played included our classic rock favorites. All in all, in the current atmosphere of exposure, Bad Monkey served up good comfort food in a safe environment. It is why we came back. 

Bad Monkey West, 11/12/2020

THE RATINGS-

Old Bay Wings: B+

The Country Boy, Burger/BBQ: A-

Blackened Mahi Tacos: C

Beer: B

Atmosphere: B

Value: C+

Overall Score = 2.88

Curtain Call, the Watt's notebook.

"Foam is your friend. Don't be scared of it. A little bit of extra foam here and there is good for the soul,
and your surfing."  -Rob Machado
Season's curtain call on a foamy. Every last ride, full of stoke. 66th & Holidays, 10/28/2020.

   It's always a struggle for me during the closing sessions of the season. We had to get to the beach earlier. The sun dropped quicker. The darkness spread faster. The thigh to waist waves faded into the night more rapidly. Like ghosts racing towards month end, the sets would literally close on me just as I turned to paddle into 'em. Yeah, that was the most frustrating part of the last of the October sessions. Yet, I still managed to take advantage of a few frontside runs. And, that is always a stoked way to carry out the last curtain call. I was out in the lineup until I had disappeared from LWatt and Target's sight. I'm thinking that Target was tallying up his entitlements, even while LWatt began using her cell phone light to get my attention and wave me in. Guess it was pretty dark. I was doing all I could to snag that last ride. Not to be. For now, my last rides will be relegated to the weekends. A sectioned swell washed me in, and wrapping the leash around the tail, I walked up to LWatt and Target. They just shook their heads as we headed across the dune.

   A location that the Crew had visited when LWatt and I had first moved to the Pines in 2017 was Southgate Grill. Sitting at the south entrance to Ocean Pines, including a gazebo with a water and fountain view (yes, a pond). The bar seating was well spaced out, and we found our spot at a hi-top table waterside. Our bartender/waiter was quick to take our drink orders. The beer selection out on the gazebo was very limited, pretty much all domestic. And, while cold, they were served in, that's right, plastic. A couple TVs with sports highlights and classic rock piped through their sound system made our cold beers a bit more enjoyable.

We debated on the wings then settled for the Old Bay. We also put in an order for the Seafood Skins- potato skins loaded with shrimp, crab imperial, and topped with melted cheese, and the Steak Quesadillas stuffed with steak, cheese and pico de gallo. The Old Bay Wings were well dusted with seasoning and hot, but smaller than we'd been used to. The skins were ok- a little bland, no oomph in the flavor...not memorable. The Quesadillas won the night: cheesy, the right amount of pico, chunks of tender steak. Good service, decent bar food (and that's what it was, bar food- not great, but decent), and great conversation. Another bonus was the tab...very reasonable. That's what we got at Southgate, consistent food at reasonable prices. Overall, a definite consideration for another return trip. The curtain has dropped on our weekday Crew surf; we're entering the season of goodwill and festivity. West O, and Berlin on deck to face the Crew's appraisal, again. Stay safe.

THE RATINGS-
Old Bay Wings: C+
Seafood Skins: C
Steak Quesadillas: B
Beer: C-
Atmosphere: B-
Value: B+
Overall Score = 2.50

Tapped Out, the Watt's notebook.

Taking advantage of the balmy October evenings. Food, friends, and beer- Taphouse Bar & Grille, 10/22/2020.

   What can I say. Poor performance. LWatt was right: I didn't need to don the full suit for the first time since Spring. For as little time as the fading light allowed me to stay in the water, I could have dealt with the 65 degree water in a spring suit, or even a rubber top. I would have been warm enough. I was certainly busy enough. Hell, there was a guy out their catching rides wearing a t-shirt for shit's sake. I spent my time getting caught inside, half duck diving wearing a full suit (which is quite buoyant by the way), spending more time getting pummelled by set after set, trying to stay in the lineup much less catching jack. Chest-plus high, semi- clean lefts rolling in sets of three to four...Wow! Finally done, catching a mushie to shore, in the dark, tumbled in the end, I was disappointed and tapped out for the night. Like I said, it was dark, Target and LWatt were most certainly relieved.

Didn't wear it well. 66th and Holidays, 10/22/2020.

   The cure to forget the disappointment; good food, good friends, good beer. I had the Crew, and the Taphouse Bar & Grille on 45th and the Bay had the food and plenty of beer selections. It was a short ride from the surf at Holidays. This was kinda new, kinda not. We've been to the 45th Street Taphouse (as it is also known) a couple times before, last time- about six years ago. But, never the outdoor gazebo bar. Air was still in the upper sixties, so we were comfortable ordering our drinks. Outside dining means we expect to get our brews in plastic, but the Taphouse served them in pretty sturdy cups...like the kind some may chose to keep. No, not us. Target and I still prefer our beer in a glass...iced glass. However, they were classy for the open air dining atmosphere.

Orders were put in for the Taphouse Pretzels with spicy stout mustard and house made beer cheese, the House BBQ Wings, and the 1/2 pound Baconlicious Burger. To start this critique, one of the other variables we have come to expect (although not accept) in dining outside is semi-warm food. This evening we were pleasantly surprised.

All dishes were served very warm to hot. The pretzels came out in a foursome, were freshly baked and hot, salted well, and with very good dipping sauces. The wings were fat, juicy, and evenly coated with a sticky sweet BBQ. The burger was a well cooked, 1/2 pound, hand pressed patty with tons of bacon (as the menu promised), cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion on a buttery brioche bun with a pile of tasty waffle fries on the side. Gotta say, our bartender served us one of the most consistent meals we've had all season. And, the tab was very reasonable (including a free beer!) for what we ordered. We had golf, and then football on the TV. We had a mix of top 40 pop and rock on the radio. We had a very good bartender who provided very good service. We had good friends with great conversation. All were conducive to putting frustration behind, and feeling stoked about our Quest for the next session. 'Til then...

THE RATINGS-

Taphouse Pretzels: B+

House BBQ Wings: B+

Baconlicious Burger: B+

Beer: B

Atmosphere: B

Value: B

Overall Score = 3.13

Instant Gratification, the Watt's notebook.

"Here's an all too familiar scenario: The clock strikes five, you scramble from your cube to the car, gunning it out of the parking lot, hoping to make it to the beach before sundown, itching to catch a couple waves while the last flickers of daylight dance across the horizon."  -Dashel Pierson, Night Surf
That first sweet ride, usually the only ride before darkness falls. Holidays 'n 66th, 10/14/2020.

    It's the feeling of being rushed that drives me batty. We leave the house late, knowing that the T-Man will be there before us. Yet, worse is the sight of the sun setting as we round the exit onto the Rt. 90 bridge. It's the 2nd week of October; after this bout, only two weeks left before we are done with our weekday surf sessions. Of course, LWatt and I got behind the slowest vehicle on the east coast...that was headed east...towards the Ocean...well, at least Ocean City. The skylight continued to dim as dusk settled around us, the sun now extinguished for the evening. I came careening off Coastal Highway onto 65th, roared up the alley, and swung into a parking space on 66th being guarded by Target himself as we came to an unsettling stop just centimeters from the Target's knees. Okay, a bit dramatic, but we were late. And, the sun was down. And, it was getting to be zero-dark-thirty fast. I slipped into the shortie suit to handle the 68 degree Atlantic temps. LWatt and Target needed only light jackets as they walked to the beach and set their chairs. I darted up to the water's edge, strapped on the leash, and paddled out into the thigh or less semi-chopped surf that was beginning to become a metallic grey, almost fading into the muted horizon like the end of a bad movie. I didn't pay it no mind. I was looking for the next contender that I could carve into...just one decent wave...before it became too dark to discern the next sets. That's what I had found happening the last couple times in the water. And tonight, not only was the light fading, but so were the conditions. Regardless, I got it. It might have been thigh-high, or even a knee scraper- I didn't care. Afterwards I latched onto a couple of "almost were's" before calling it a night. I was in 30 minutes. Maybe? Didn't matter as I was stoked. Got that quick buzz...the instant gratification that comes from that first ride of the evening. Even if it's the only ride.

    This week's session was on a Wednesday, as it was a little warmer, and less windy. 'Course lately the middle of the week has also meant less options as our dining conditions have been fading like the surf. Our heading was to Pizza Tugos Taphouse, a stalwart in West OC., located on Rt. 50 East. We've been there, done that and never had a bad meal. Good pizza (it's in their name!), decent wings, and 78 beers on tap! And...that's just what we ordered...a Chicken and Bacon Pizza, and jumbo Old Bay Wings.

T-Man and I got a couple beers from the many tap options. Now there's instant gratification...beer served in chilled glass, the perfect complement to our meal. The wings were fat, hot, and juicy. They were also very salty from being excessively coated in Old Bay. The biggest issue with using Old Bay is while it is lightly spiced, it can be very salty if overworked. The pizza was loaded with chicken and bacon, although the bacon was a tad underdone for Target and LWatt. The crust was very crispy. Overall, good quality. Tugos sported plenty of flat screens with a variety of action including snowboarding, watersports, baseball, and FHV...Funniest Home Videos. Nothing like the action of a few unscripted faceplants. Great classic rock playing in the background. All were conducive to our discussion of off-season joints to be considered in the current social atmosphere. The bill, not so much. One thing about COVIDINA, she has certainly raised our costs (good thing we don't have Crew dues, although I am sure the Target has been working on it). Tugos, like many of the other places we have recently been to, was not very crowded. Just like us, they gotta pay their bills too. All in all, another good session in our Quest for the ultimate. What's the stoke about the Quest? We are always looking for the next one up. Countdown: 2 weeks of surf left. Let's hit it!

THE RATINGS-

Chicken 'N Bacon Pizza: B+

Old Bay Wings: C+

Beer: B+

Atmosphere: B

Value: C

Overall Score = 2.75

The Coast Is Cleared, the Watt's notebook.

They're closin' down the hangouts

The air is turnin' cool
They'r shuttin' off the superslide
The kids are back in school

Barren beach...you can tell the close of our season is near. Ankle high shore-slappers, Holidays break. 10/8/2020

The tourist traps are empty
Vacancy abounds
Almost like it used to be
Before the circus came to town.

-J.Buffett

   LWatt made the comment as we walked up to the dune crossing that she couldn't hear the waves crashing. It became obvious as to why when we caught the Ocean's horizon...next to nuthin' minuscule waves slapping the shore. Like that ankle-biter pooch that comes running up to you on your daily jog (weekly for me), and nip at your legs- small, clean, rollers that would do little more than snap the skegs (again!) off my board. The relentless creeping swell was literally washing all remnants of the summer circus away, clearing the coast for an off-season that seemed ions away a couple months ago. It was a cooler evening, about 68F, with the water also measuring 68F. I had psyched myself for the chill bringing only trunks and a rubber top. LWatt and Target had blankets, jackets...hell...they were probably ready to start a bonfire. Much to their delight, and my vexation, the surf was near non-existent as described above, but that didn't stop me from walking out about knee deep to get the feel of it all. After the all too brief survey, I hung my head and headed back over the sand following T-Man and LWatt to the vehicles and our post surf-Check meal.

   Tonight's epicurean critique would take place at Hooked on 80th and Ocean Highway. Previously rated by the crew five years ago, we were looking forward to our experience as they had rated fairly well at the time. To my delight, a row of taps, all active and ready for choice. Target chose the ever classic Stella Artois, while I chose an Southern Tier's Imperial Pumpkin Ale...both served in ice cold glasses. To ward off the nip of the beach, an Irish Coffee for LWatt. A not-so-quick scan of the menu led us to decide on tacos, wings, and a hamburger.

The Blackened Cod Tacos with cabbage, pickled red onion, lime and pico on soft shells, came only two in the group. They were satisfying, albeit a bit much on the red onions. The Tri-Tip Jerk Wings came in a four count. Brined in apple cider, coated in a dry-rub jerk seasoning that had a bite but was not overly spicy, the tri-tips were the whole wing, hot and meaty... very tasty. The Hooked Burger was the stand-out. Juicy, medium-well angus, lettuce, tomato, onions, cheddar, on a brioche bun. Needless to say, we made it disappear quickly. Plenty of TVs with LWatt's team, da Bears! on Thursday Night Football. Classic rock music played over the speaker system. Overall, a very pleasant dining experience. The tab was about average...seems these days we average about $25 per person with tip. Sign of the times I suppose. 

The Ratings-

Blackened Cod Tacos: B-

Tri-Tip Jerk Wings: B

Hooked Burger: B+

Beer: B+

Atmosphere: B

Value: C+

Overall Score = 2.92

   Speaking of signs, "special event zone" signs marked the start of the last side-show of the shoulder season, our last gasp,  Endless Summer Cruisin'. Hot Rods, Tricked-out Trucks, Muscle Cars, and Classics dominated the streets and main drag of Ocean City this week. The Crew made it a point to check 'em out as we have each season; Target as he waited for LWatt and I to arrive, and me and LWatt as we headed out into the night. Just another perk of our weekly Quest. Three weeks left in the surf season. The countdown is on.

'67 Chevrolet Camero

'55 Chevy Low-Rider

Blame Game, the Watt's notebook.

Some men go crazy. Some men go slow. Some men go just where they want. Some men never go.
-Bob Seger, Shame On The Moon
Appreciate the opportunity. Atlantic Harvest Moon, 66th and Holidays. 10/1/2020
 

   We crossed the duneline (how many times have one of our posts stated this way?). Seriously, no other way to get to the water. Gotta cross that duneline. The sun was doing a quick fade to the west. While Target and LWatt set up their respective perches, I walked a few yards south and timed my entry. Small surf, mush, but the tide was coming in and moving the chopped sets in four and five at a time. So with more effort than I thought would be necessary from shore, I got into the lineup. Grabbing a wave was just as frustrating. If you didn't take off at the peak your weren't getting any kind of ride. I tried left, I tried right. Closest I came was a near straight takeoff...and the ride died off. Yeah, choppy surf, fading light, lack of power...it was the blame game. I can say, the Harvest Moon was exploding this night, extending the session. I still wasn't able to take advantage, but more time in the water was always better. Not necessarily for the people in the stands. Light winds led to temperatures dropping into the lower 60s. LWatt had no problem convincing Target to pack up as I walked up from the water.

   Our post-surf foodie tour has been somewhat curtailed by safety concerns on both the local businesses side as well as the Crew's. We've done a fair job of mixing in a few newbies, but it's pretty risky to open a new restaurant in the current atmosphere. We blamed COVID. This evening's destination was another repeat, although not that recent. We last visited Teasers approximately four years ago, just prior to LWatt and myself moving back to the 'Shore. Not a lot change over the years, but the food remains somewhat consistent as bar food goes. Draft beer was limited to one handle (COVID!)... Corona Premier which Target took advantage of... I got me a canned IPA, and LWatt wrangled a Grapefruit Crush - all served in plastic.

After putting in our orders, the food arrived relatively quickly. Served hot and ready to judge- a Caribbean Chicken Quesadilla, Hawaiian BBQ Shrimp, and Sweet Asian Sesame Wings. Maybe we were hungry, I dunno, but this grub was tasty! The Quesadilla was the star, well stocked with grilled chicken and plenty cheesy with sour cream and salsa on the side. Three slices, not a whole quesadilla but very good. Only four shrimp, but they were large, butterflied, wrapped in pastrami bacon, well seasoned with a tangy chipotle BBQ sauce and a pineapple corn pico.

Could have been warmer. The wings were breaded...which is a no no...but only lightly, with a back end spiced, very flavorful, sticky-sweet asian glaze sprinkled with sesame. Not what I'd call a cold night, however an open air bar can sometimes be subjected to crosswinds...or fans. Either way a bit of a breezy chill. Regardless, we enjoyed Teaser's island tiki style sports bar theme with access to plenty of widescreens, and an excellent 70s/80s pop-rock music selection courtesy XM. Service was good, our bartender was very attentive. A hair pricey on the tab as we were still exposed to in-season pricing even with an off season crowd (more COVID). Always room to improve, but an overall enjoyable meal. We closed our tab, and judgement was passed. The Crew will continue to adapt while our Quest moves on.

THE RATINGS-
Caribbean Chicken Quesadilla: B+
Hawaiian BBQ Shrimp: B-
Asian Sesame Wings: B
Beer: C-
Atmosphere: B+
Value: C
Overall Score = 2.67

Oh, blame it on midnight
Oooh, shame on the moon...

Autumn Shut-Down, the Watt's notebook.

Slicing 'em thin to make 'em last. Crumbling knee-highs in the September clouds.
Holidays and 66th, North OC. 9/24/2020

   The Autumnal shut-down is upon us. The summer season, now in it's death throes, has been fading quickly with fast advancing sunsets closing out the evenings by 7pm. As difficult as it is for LWatt and I to get to the beach any sooner because of work (much to Target's chagrin), this ain't been good. Add in a dreary, cloud filled evening, and I had enough time to squeeze a few quick rides before dusk firmly took over. The ocean temps were still tolerable at a level 69 degrees-F with a rubber top. I stayed pretty warm and active as I spent most of the rest of the session getting caught inside, in the dark, time and again. It was a fast closing jammed session, and though it was a mild night (and by this time it was night) on the sand, LWatt and Target were relieved when I wrapped up, I am sure.

Fresh seafood available, but get there early!

 

   We headed to the Talbot Street Pier for our post surf meal which was expected to be at MR Ducks, but to our dismay and annoyance the "covidian syndrome" rules they had in place for their 2nd Season shut the kitchen down way earlier than our arrival. Their loss. We had the Angler Restaurant right next door. More history with the Crew than Ducks, it had been five years since our last foray into the Angler. And while we were catching their kitchen staff at clean-up as well, they still earned bonus Crew points by hooking us up with some decent, fast-patched together apps.

Home-fried chips and dip, a dozen steamed littleneck clams, and a pound of medium to large sized, steamed shrimp. The chips were crispy, but had the beginnings of becoming stale, like they had been sitting...maybe the last batch? The clams...I mean they were clams... tender, hot butter on the side, but nothing fancy. The shrimp were the best of the three- spicy, plump, well seasoned, cooked hot and tender without drying out.

In contrast, our beers came out very cold; to make LWatt's case, a Burley sour, one of her personal favorites, Target's Miller Lite was icy which always puts a smile on his face (even without a glass or cup), and my IPA was a post surf refresher. The perfect libations to enjoy in front of the Angler's exceptional bay and bridge view. Put the classic rock in the background and add very good service and we etched out a clean finish to another enjoyable session. Our challenge for the next few weeks will be getting in a surf before nightfall, and catching those few establishments that avoid the early Autumn shut-down to brave the next Crew judgement call. That is their test. That is our Quest.

THE RATINGS-

Home-fried Chips n Dip: C-

Steamed Littleneck Clams: C+

Spiced Steamed Shrimp: B

Beer: B-

Atmosphere: B

Value: B

Overall Score = 2.63

Lost And Found, the Watt's notebook.

The evening's lineup...O.C. Fishing Center's fleet lies in wait. West Ocean City, 9/16/2020.

May love and laughter light your days,

and warm your heart and home.

May good and faithful friends be

yours, wherever you may roam.

May peace and plenty bless your

world with joy that long endures.

May all life's passing seasons bring

the best to you and yours!

-An Old Irish Blessing

 

  It's been a lost month. We've been adrift in travel, engrossed with kinfolk, absorbed in the daily grind, and perplexed with the weather. In short, the Crew has not been to the shore, raided a tavern, nor gotten a surf in the entire month so far. This evening had been the best chance up till now, and I got caught up with a project at work. A calm night with winds out of the southeast. Air temps in the upper 60s on the beach. The Atlantic was still hovering in the mid-70s. Right breaking, thigh to waist, semi-clean swell about 20 yards off-shore. The water was somewhat clear considering the generator, Hurricane Paulette, had just passed by off Bermuda. Regardless, a lost session. 

Monday, 9/14/2020.

   It's hard for me to describe just how bummed I was at the proposition of missing such a prime opportunity. Frustrated that my commitment to said project would force the Crew out of a potentially inspired night of waves. Yet, this is what a Tribe is all about. Not just friends, they are family and they certainly came through in this instance. Our post-surf saloon was set to be Micky Fins in West 'O. We had a good friend staying with us and both she and LWatt were still interested in going to Fins. LWatt immediately went into salvage mode. She reached out to Target who was hungry himself, and then called me to find a stopping point and get my ass home to change. With the darkness setting in earlier as we've closed in on the equinox, we arrived at the Ocean City Fishing Center, the home of Micky Fins. Winds had shifted to the east and coming off the ocean they were enough to force jackets on as we found our way to the outdoor dining venue. A round of drinks, and we put our orders in.

A skewer of Bacon Wrapped Scallops, Blue Crab Flatbread, and a couple of Red's Cheddar Burgers. I'll start by saying that the draft equipment was shut down. And while I didn't quite get that, Target's beer came out without a glass. Not an auspicious start.

Yet, the food amended the slow start. The burgers were nothing fancy, however with plenty of melted cheddar cheese they were hot, juicy, and filling. Both LWatt and our friend Bethel enjoyed 'em. The crab flatbread was crispy, but lacking on the volume of crab in Target's book.

I felt the scallops tasted pretty good, but they were only warm. No music or TV as they were inside the open air bar. Our service was a bit slow considering it was not a full house by far. But, such are the times we are in. We've been here before. The view and atmosphere this time of year has always been hard to beat. A much needed attitude adjustment (my two martinis helped). We sat at a circular table, the four of us, going round and round about the day to day. We had found the Stoke. As the blessing says, good and faithful friends. Family really. Our Crew. Our Tribe. That's what it's all about.

THE RATINGS-

Bacon Wrapped Scallops: B-

Blue Crab Flatbread: C+

Red's Cheddar Burger: B

Beer: D

Atmosphere: B

Value: C

Overall Score = 2.33