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| 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.
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| Checking for keys? |
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| 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.
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THE RATINGS- House Meatballs: A- Lump Crab Ravioli: B Beer: C Atmosphere: B Value: C+ Overall Score = 2.80 |
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| "Christmas is the day that holds all time together." -Alexander Smith A snap in time, Mele Kalikimaka from The Crew. |
