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