Christmastide Whisper, cuts from the Target

Winter vacancies. Deserted piers on the St. Martin, somewhere north of Rt. 90. 12/16/2021.

     Since it was December, we found that checking schedules had been crucial. Like checking the winds, tides, and water temps when the surf was open, Wattman had found that verifying tavern schedules ahead of time made for a smoother evening. He still made the occasional faux pas. This evening I had slipped, did not pay enough attention to the Watt's updated text, and arrived at the wrong establishment. A quick phone call, a course correction, and I made it to the destination; Just Hooked in Fenwick Island, DE. Though I am sure he was not intentional with his early week change of venue, the Watt was late nevertheless. The Crew had dropped in during a season past and we were hoping that their standards had been held to point. There was a nice crowd for a Wednesday night. Turned out they were running a 20% discount special, yet seats at the bar were open. Flat-screens in abundance, the deco, and music to further the festive atmosphere of December all tailor-made for the Christmas Spirit.

Our barkeep was clearly in the weeds with orders and our service was a bit slow. 

So, after being served a 'round (excellent seasonal brews by the way), we jumped in with Flash Fried Brussel Sprouts, House Fish Tacos, Boom Boom Shrimp, and their famous Veal and Lobster Meatballs as our choices for the night. Brussels done right...gave a nice intro crunch to our meal. The tacos were a slight disappointment with the fish being small portions. The shrimp did not disappoint being large and well-seasoned. But the stars of the night were the meatballs. Sometimes a simple thing done right can steal the show...chunks of lobster snooped around the ground veal. Our only wish was we could've had more to eat. With the discounted tab, our value rating jumped. Just Hooked has been an upper tier establishment that should never be missed. It may be our top rated of the year. At this point, we exchanged banter and gifts before heading out to our next stop of the night.

Just Hooked, 12/15/2021

THE RATINGS-

Flash Fried Brussels: B

Beer: B+

Fish Tacos: C+

Boom Boom Shrimp: A-

Veal and Lobster Meatballs: A

Value: B+

Atmosphere: B

Overall Score = 3.21

   Traditions mean everything to most people. We have our own traditions here at the Crew.  Wattman rarely being on time. Christmas presents unrealized, like a bad Santa. However, we have good traditions too- like the undeniably good  baking of LWatt who made decadent cookies and provided to people who are the cookie poor, such as myself, in this holiday season. Then there's our camaraderie and friendship...most valued all the year. 

Target back in position, in the Zone. Northside Park, 12/15/2021.

We've had one particular tradition that has always carried us through the ages this time of year. It doesn't matter the weather. It can be freezing cold, wet, windy, crowded, or otherwise. Somehow, some way, a Crew member makes it to the Winterfest Of Lights in north OC. This year the three of us made the trip once again. With decent weather we walked the entire display and enjoyed the light with only a small crowd in attendance. This was the second year that the route was opened up as a walking trail and I can honestly say I can never imagine going back to using the Boardwalk Tram.

Sparkling sights while getting our steps in. Soon, the night of Christmas lights came to an end, the mark of the close of our year. We said our goodbyes hoping for yet another stoked year of good times, for while the voice may be only a whisper I can hear the ocean calling our names. With the rise and fall of the tide, the crash of each wave on the beachhead, it is a call that only the lucky few can ever hear, and I am blessed to say I am one.

"Mele Kalikimaka and a Happy New Year!"
-the Crew