A tale of two, er, one lunch...

Believe it or not, I actually give these things a lot of thought before I sit down and touch fingers to key board.  I kind of turn things over and get the concept in mind, and then have at it.   

Recently, a friend sent me some pictures from a lunch she and her husband had at a Michelin two star (the Modern) in NYC.   And even more recently the “just right” team hit another local place for lunch.   So, I had crafted in my mind a blog about “a tale of two lunches” since “just right” and “two stars” are kind at opposite ends of the spectrum;  it would be devilishly clever.   But, after selecting some images, and writer: know thyself, I would expect it would get ponderous and beyond your patience.   Besides, I wanted to give a report on my recent medical adventures (thank you all for the positive force thoughts).  Hence this will be “a tale of one lunch”, plus a bonus medical note…  Let’s see…  food or medical first..?   maybe food since the preponderance of the readership is on the foodie side, and they can exit before the general hospital tales…

Most folks know that the “just right” team meets occasionally at places that may be eligible for the “just right” list.   After some consideration, I think we got one.  Meets most of the criteria.   Old timers around here might remember that there were a couple of places on the Solomons near Spring Cove Marina.  There was the “Naughty Gull” and a less trendy place called the “Captain’s Table” a waterside restaurant.   I had not been there for years, and now the place is called “Angler’s”

And although it has changed names, it does qualify for the first criteria of a JR place, it's been there a long time.

This time the complete JR team was assembled, usually it’s just the male half bur for this occasion the distaff side joined us so we were a party of six, and given the lovely weather (10/21) we opted for the al fresco experience on the covered porch.

So with the check in the Longevity box, conversation and the informal evaluation began…Surrounded by boats?  Check

Little condiment caddy on table?  Check.  Bud Light? Check.

Only caveat would be that there was no Malt Vinegar, which is a common addition.

Multi page laminated plastic menu?  You bet

We might pause a moment here  to consider said menu… it had the regular entries for appetizers, sandwiches, entrees, the always difficult list of "sides".  A bit unusual, they also offer breakfast.  In looking over the menu, I did notice a couple of things that kind of gave me a chuckle, like the Po’ Boy that featured something called “single fried oysters”

Not exactly sure what that means.  Sometimes Fries are double fried, but was unaware that there might be something like that for the bivalves.

Requisite burgers got their own section, typical stuff, but didnotice they gave a nod to the mania of putting a fried egg on everything and gave that as a two dollar option

And across from the burgers,  I’ve never seen a "Fried Basket",  would think it might be kind of crunchy.   “grouper fingers”? .  Unusual, but okay..

while everybody joins in the "just right" evaluation, the occasion is largely social   We ordered drinks and some appetizers, so we could have more time to chat.  We opted for the spiced shrimp, Rockfish (NOT grouper) bites, and cheese fries..  typical stuff at these places.

And as for drinks we had

Angry Orchard disguised as Miller Lite, and Yuengling disguised as Sam Adams, Lemonade, and although I didn’t see the wine list, the server offered a Chardonnay choice of Sandals, or the more "upscale" Beaulieu Coastal Vineyards..  took that.  The appetizers arrived and didn't last long. 

Meanwhile uninterested  local residents were perched on their own personal piling, ignoring us (thank goodness, no begging)

We sort of confounded our poor server, who was somewhat taken aback that we didn’t want food immediately (with a well meaning over and over: are you ready to order?)  but finally after finishing the appetizers, we did order.  Oddly enough I steered away from seafood, and also my benchmark hot ham and cheese, although I didn’t stray far away, ordering their version of a club sandwich, with a side of fries.

It would qualify as just right food, meaning it was just as expected, not necessarily wonderful, but good.  The “non seafood” member of the team got the hamburger, WITH the optional ($2) fried egg, and put it on display for the camera

Although the yolk kind of escaped it was a good enough burger.   MFO got the cold plate, and there was a basket of oysters…(served in a basket that was not fried)..

All in all it was a fun and delightful day, we had great conversation, catching up as we don’t often gather as a whole bunch…  I would put Anglers on the Just Right list (I’m sure they’re thrilled), all the elements were there, the food was exactly what you would expect, service was friendly, and you can’t beat eating next to the gulls..Courntey's still sits atop the (waterfront) list, but this qualifies to be include.  Will return for an evening meal sometime...

Plus you don’t worry too much about having to be

DFD

Quick Medical Note:  I survived the heart catheter procedure and no blockage was found.  Given the length to date I’ll spare you the experience which stretched over 6 hours, mostly in a hospital bed biding my time for the maybe 30 minutes of action.  Thanks to one and all who sent good karma my way