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