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