Barren End, notes from the Watt

Looking for incentive...walking the barren shore towards the session's disheveled end.
67th and Holidays, 11/4/2021.

Dark clouds, just another day.

No sunshine, I don't care if it rains.

-BTO, "It's Over"

     Water was in the lower 60's so I had to be nuts to do it in a rubber top and trunks, but this was the last call of the mid-weak surf sessions. I had no interest in suiting up in full rubber for what might be a few short rides. By the looks of the empty lineup, the chopped surf, and the deserted shoreline, a barren end to our beach season. Getting into the ocean was co-ooold. I did my best to grab a ride, but the current and lack of power in the swell made positioning difficult. After paddling and missing a few, and drifting about 2 blocks south, the cold finally convinced me to call it. Target had been keeping an eye out, however LWatt was having nothing to do with the chilled 15mph northeast winds choosing to wait at the vehicles. Coming up to Target, I commented on the conditions. His response was succinct- we've seen worse and did better. It was cold...no excuse... a waste of the last surf.

     The evenings dining was a bit better. We were hanging in one of the newest West O taverns- Coastal Smokehouse. A Matt Ortt Company (O. Pines Yacht Club, Coastal Salt), Coastal Smokehouse specialized in  barbeque, steaks, and a variety of bourbons, whiskeys, and scotches in an atmosphere of dark wood and leather chairs. Target ordered himself a beer...myself, a Bulleit Bourbon to warm the bones. No drafts here, all bottles. We scanned the menu and put in for Signature Q Wings, Sticky Bits, a mix of fried pork belly bits, brussel sprouts, and candied pecans in a bourbon glaze, Smokehouse Roasted Vegetables, and the Pulled Pork Sandwich.

The wings were pretty damn good. Very good taste, although they could've been bigger. The Sticky Bits were a surprise...very addictive. The veggies were an LWatt pick, but we all found ourselves digging into 'em. The pulled pork was tasty, yet didn't have that wow factor to win bragging rights. At the end of the night, we were satisfied, but missing the draft list. When the tab came, the cost had us missing the draft list even more. The acoustics in the restaurant were poor, as every conversation seemed amplified. If there was music, we couldn't hear it. Still, Coastal Smokehouse was comfortable with plenty of flatscreens to watch over sports. It would be worth another visit later in the Journey to check what, if any improvements get made. For now, surf is done for the year, and we have the winter season to schedule. Hopefully, we will all stay healthy and safe as we move toward the holidays. 

THE RATINGS-

Beer: C

Signature Q Wings: B

Sticky Bits: B+

Roasted Vegetables: B-

Smokehouse Pulled Pork: C+

Atmosphere: C

Value: C-

Overall Score = 2.43

One 'N Done, notes from the Watt.

 

"I'm gonna bust you up!" -Clubber Lang
Paddling into the one and only round. 66th and Holiday's, 10/28/2021.

     Our sky was cloudy, which meant the dark was coming fast. Like that punch you don't see coming, the swell had chest to overhead waves rising instantly from different directions. A "Bomb Cyclone" nor'easter was closing in on the Delmarva Peninsula, with high winds rocking the Atlantic and blasting sand across the beach. It was a wise choice to bring the bodyboard and fins instead of breaking a board. 

Sunset storm clouds moving in, 10/28/2021.

LWatt chose to wait in our SUV, while Target joined me out on the beach head. Taking a look at the growing rage, he just shook his head as I headed out into the churn. I was fairly sure he was counting on some kind of inheritance. Once in the lineup, trying to gain some semblance of position was near impossible. It felt like as soon as I would turn to grab on to a shoulder the entire wall was closing out and I was fighting to keep from taking it directly on the head. Before I knew it I was exhausted, winded, and it was getting really pitchy. I quit looking for epic, and settled on getting back in one piece. Kicking into the next swell, I felt myself lifted and then dropped hard into the whitewater boil. No carving here, just hung on as I was driven all the way up onto the sand, where I stayed for a moment, catching my breath...thinking "stupid move," no intent to re-enter for "one last ride"...a one and done session... down, but at least not out. Target was still shaking his head as we headed back, certain he had been dealt a near miss once again. 

     It was an easy locale for our turf call tonight. Directly across from Holidays, Sky Bar and Grille, a rooftop tavern with open air views of both the oceanside and bayside. A bit chilly for that this evening, however we had plenty of room at the oval bar in the center. Our bartender was prompt with our drink orders while we looked over the promising menu. Up for judgement were the Cheesesteak Nachos, Fish Tacos, and Barbeque Wings. The nachos were made with roasted rib-eye, cheese sauce,

pico de gallo, and topped with guacamole. This would have been a much better blend if the rib-eye was not so dry. The tacos were served with soft shells and plenty of fixings, yet the fish, which was both salmon and tuna, was also very dry and overcooked. 

Unfortunately the wings followed suit. We were not sure if they were burnt to a crisp, or just twice fried to a hard texture...so much so that the tasty sauce could not hide the poor preparation. During the course of our meal, we had Thursday Night Football on the ample number of screens, and live music by the popular Lauren Glick duo both of which helped us to get over the disappointing food, but not forget. After all, that is part of the Crew's Journey- to determine how our local establishments stack up. We had no qualms determining that the Sky Bar had some major work to do, starting with the cook. Or, this bar will have it's lights knocked out sooner rather than later.

THE RATINGS-
Beer: B-
Cheesesteak Nachos: C
Fish Tacos: C-
BBQ Wings: D
Atmosphere: A-
Value: C-
Overall Score = 2.17

66th & Holidays