Seasonal Closeout, cuts from the Target.

 

Fast end to a fast right. Holidays and 66th, 10/21/2021.

    We have but 3 surf sessions left at most. A seasonal closeout that was blowing thru just as certain as the evening's high winds. Daylight Savings Time was coming to a close. The Watt had insisted on a 6pm meeting time. Though I had my doubts, I arrived with time to spare, but Wattman is nowhere to be found. So, I waited in the fading daylight, my punctuality jilted once again, while buffeted by the gusting winds, some that exceeded 30 mph. When the Watts' do arrive, LWatt is in shorts, an error in judgement she worked to overcome with a towel. No easy task, considering the Watt's determination to salvage what was left of the surf session. The air temps were in the lower 60s. The ocean was in the upper 60s. However, October is not known for clean surf and with the southwest winds whipping up the Atlantic, it was an accomplishment just to find a space in the lineup. The sun had set by the time the Watt hit the water, so LWatt, with her legs wrapped in a towel, and myself stood on the beach instead of our normal recliner beach chairs. Wattman did his best to ride the chaotic chop while he could still see an outline of a break. The night quickly took over. After several failed attempts, and one fast right, we all wrapped up and headed back over the dune.

     This evening we had chosen an upscale location inside the Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront. Over the years we had tried several hotel bars with varying results. The 32 Palm was an odd name considering we saw no palms, palm plants, or palm trees of any kind. No matter, this establishment was more a lounge than a bar. Seating next door met the accommodations of a full scale restaurant. Being this was off season, our barkeep was in charge of the entire lounge. Thus, at times service was a bit slow as she worked to cover the tables and bar. The beer selection was small but with large cold glasses Watt and I were quickly satisfied with our brews of choice. As we reviewed the menu the two large TVs and classic rock music provided a nice backdrop for dinner. I like steamed shrimp, so that was the first of our choices and the biggest disappointment of the night.

I am not sure what fall flavor they were trying to produce, but they missed completely. Maybe cinnamon, maybe not, but it definitely wasn't Old Bay. Our next choice was a Blue Cheese Steak Flatbread Pizza. Fair, with the blue cheese complimenting the steak, but it was not outstanding. Our last choice was the BBQ Bacon Burger... angus beef topped with pulled pork and bacon. Yes! Three of my favor foods all  joined together. The only thing missing was there was no mustard to be found on the bun or the bar, however we all agreed it was the best pick of the night.  Upon leaving the lounge we did  a quick tour of the hotel, and in the process realized there were only two more surf sessions left. The real question was: will the Watt survive the close of the season's Journey and make the most of the daylight left?  Time will be the judge.

THE RATINGS -

Beer: C+

Steamed Shrimp: C-

Blue Cheese Steak Flatbread: B-

BBQ Bacon Burger: A-

Atmosphere: C+

Value: C

Overall Score = 2.46