KIRBY’S PUB – ‘Best sunblock at the beach…’
At least that’s how they term themselves!
It’s true though…as we quickly learned during our impromptu visit the other day. As we entered through the single door from stark sunshine into a dimly lit interior we were immediately taken to another place; another time. A time when the neighborhood tavern was just that – an integral part of the neighborhood; serving good measure drinks and offering ‘superior’ bar food. And, you notice a man at the bar (nice selections on tap!), eating while reading a paper; the one beside him watching TV – one of many, and then a couple of guys in for a table-side lunch having a rousing conversation – politically oriented no doubt! It’s what a ‘locals’ bar’ should be!
Kirby’s Pub has been around for ten years now – taking the place of the old Mug and Mallet. Sandwiched between Liquid Assets and Candy Kitchen in the 94th Street Center, bayside, off Coastal Highway with off-street parking, it boasts a prime, uptown location.
Again citing those ten years, no doubt one reason for Kirby’s success is the waitress 
named Lisa; the best waitress that we’ve ever had good luck to ever encounter! Immediately upon seating (perching) oneself either barside or at one of the tables aligned along the wall opposite, this waitress is greeting you – heartily, menus in hand and with a genuine smile. Then giving you enough time (but not too much) to decide, she’s back, still smiling, taking your order! The food takes a bit of time (but not too long) – it’s cooked to order!
And, oh the food – of course I had to try the Pub special (listed back of the menu in a blue box)…Kirby’s Seafood Club! Served in a wrap or layered between your choice of rye/wheat or white, the jumbo-lump crab cake and generous scoop of house made, jumbo shrimp salad, crispy bacon, choice of cheese, lettuce, FRESH tomato and mayo- SING!!! Fresh, spicy, just what you’ve been craving. It’s huge, and accompanied by Kirby’s fresh chips, weighs in as a ‘real meal’! In my opinion, at $12.00 it’s a bargain! My companion opted for the house-made, jumbo-shrimp salad on wheat. Again, a more than satisfying portion of ‘real tasty’.
Feeling more than full, we asked for our check and after leaving a nice tip for our excellent service, departed.
We will return again to this wonderful ‘locals’ bar’ very soon, noting the special homemade soups on the menu. And, if you find yourself visiting in Ocean City MD, looking for the real deal, we hope to see you there!
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CATCH 54 – Lunch, a whole new way!
Several weeks ago we happened upon the CATCH 54 Restaurant located just off Rt. 54 in Fenwick Island. It was a serendipitous experience…we had been looking for another place – close in name but I believe offering a far different experience. After negotiating a somewhat hazardous (don’t try crossing against traffic on a holiday weekend) entrance we landed in a generous parking lot out side this true dockside eatery. The building itself is rambling but the doorways are well marked. In summertime some tables are truly located just steps from the water. Inside, a long, narrow room open to the dock with sliding doors presented our choice of inviting tables and stools. Upstairs, windows offering 
water view more tables were available. Our arrival right at opening time for lunch (11:30 am) gave us first pick. Our table view included pontoon boats bobbing as many gleeful, end-of-summer seafarers were boarding. Menus were presented promptly and after a quick view, presented a dilemma – what to select! Although abbreviated for lunch service the choice descriptions were out of the ordinary. Finally asking the server for a recommendation we chose to share an order of the fried oysters as an appetizer. OK, we love oysters and living here seaside we have them 
as often as possible. Frankly, this is the first time in our experience the beloved bivalve became a vehicle for three excellent sauces. The perfectly prepared nuggets were lightly sauced with new but complimentary flavors. It was hard to determine the exact sauce origins; I can only say they were terrific! Our sandwiches arrived shortly thereafter – although somewhat pricey the lobster roll accompanied by homemade potato chips was top notch – large chunks of lobster claw (the most flavorful) lightly bound together with FRESH mayo on a grilled, buttered roll! A generous serving! My companion had ordered the ‘fish of the day’ sandwich. Again, 
two thick fillets of lightly breaded, perfectly cooked fish made the sandwich more than just ‘lunch’. Amazingly, my companion claimed he had the courage to attempt dessert after this already luscious feast. The ‘three chocolate’ cake seemed to fill the bill. Although forgoing more than a bite I can attest that it was one of the best ever tasted – tender, bitter, rich, but with the exact degree of sweetness to end this wholly delightful luncheon experience.
It was learned that Catch 54 is also open for dinner year round and is but one of a series of five local eateries owned by the same folks. Visit http://www.sodelconcepts.com to learn more.
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WEST 54 CAFE – Worth the search!
Marked with a small black and white sign roadside along Route 54, next door to ‘Catch 54’, across the bridge from Harpoon Hannah’s, in that long yellow building that formerly housed a furniture store resides a new café – West 54 Café! It is worth the search! To begin with, once discovered, we found the off street parking lot very accommodating! And, once entered, one finds the offerings herein pleasurable. After looking over the tempting variety of fresh baked goods (including lovely scones and flaky elephant ears) and studying the somewhat smallish menu my companion decided, being late morning, to try one of the breakfast items listed – French toast with fresh fruit. 
Out came a lovely and generous rendition of this tried and true favorite. He loved it! And too, remarkably – being a life-long coffee maven – commented that the coffee was very, very good! My selection, being almost lunchtime, was the jerk chicken salad wrap. Again generous, the herb seasoned wrap was delightful – filled with large chunks of jerk-roasted chicken and dried cranberries held together with a fresh tasting mayo!
We dined in a pleasant little room just off of the main bakery counter area and there met with other diners enjoying the 
day. We found that, although somewhat new, West Café 54 is already building a regular following; it’s a most congenial place. There is also a well-windowed lounge area with comfortable seating where customers, not wanting the more formal table seating, may enjoy one of the many inviting beverages offered and chat or read. The entire environment is low-pressure and seems a perfect place to quietly enjoy oneself while in the Ocean City MD – Fenwick Island DE area. A traditional café and again, worth the search!
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Rainy, but FUN – more to see and do!
It does happen occasionally – that gray and cool-ish rainy day! However, a rainy day during the summertime while in Ocean City Maryland can be a welcome respite – offering that opportunity to see and do something other than lie in the sun or frolic in the surf! Our resort town and surrounds are filled with interesting and informative indoor activities to delight visitors of every age. First, there are the many local, small town museums, beginning with the famed and historic, Coast Guard Life-Saving Maritime Museum located at the inlet – south end of the Boardwalk, offering history. It’s a real ‘don’t miss’ for any visitor. And, then there’s the shopping…with the 
plethora of shops and stores on and surrounding the island, including the Ocean City Factory Outlets (including the White Marlin Mall), one may run out of time (or funds) very quickly. Also, combining history and shopping – there are the antiques shops, throughout southern Delaware (listed in the ‘Stormy Weather’ brochure available most anywhere) and over the bridge in Berlin – filled to overflowing with great-granny’s goodies, these shops elicit pleasant memories as well as curiosity of times past. Finally, there is dining, inclement weather seems to bring a more comfortable and leisurely pace while dining – more time to explore the fresh and diverse offerings from our local restaurants. Actually, any and all of the aforementioned activities may provide that more than welcome diversion until the sun shines again (as it ALWAYS does) here at the beach!
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CACTUS CAFE…Ole!
Our destination last Saturday evening was the Cactus Café located in a small strip mall on Rt. 54 in Fenwick Island – really just a few short miles beyond the MD – DE line from Ocean City, Maryland. It is conveniently located just a block before the new Harris Teeter market traveling west. While there we discovered that this a father-son venture, father owns the other, sister Cactus Café restaurant located on Rt. 113 in Selbyville.
No matter, having previously tried the other, we found the Fenwick location superior in both color, style – and flavor!
This place is fun – once inside it is colorful and cozy yet strangely one didn’t feel 
crowded although it was a busy evening with a cheerful crowd. To begin, there is a tiny bar from which we were offered the almost Mexican national drink – a Margarita! And, although we declined the offer our other beverage selections appeared almost instantly. Throughout our visit the service was excellent.
For our meal, we began with the ubiquitous basket of tasty tortilla chips and freshly prepared salsa – no jarred version here! Bits of bright green fresh cilantro and minced onion showed throughout a spicy but mild tomato rough purée. We discovered an extensive menu – with many seafood-based choices however I was looking forward to the beef. Soon our entrees arrived and I was confronted with that ‘beef’ – a huge mound of tender steak, sautéed onion and green bell pepper…my fajita base! The traditional accompaniments consisted of warm, soft flour tortillas, sour cream, 
lettuce, and refried beans with a superior tasting, and large portion of fresh guacamole! My companion had chosen the lightly sauced, bacon-wrapped, grilled shrimp – there were 10 large and tender beauties! It was served with black beans and rice. Be warned – the portions are very generous! To finish our ‘south of the border’ feast and although they offer “fried ice cream”, we settled for sharing a nice serving of Chambord (raspberry) liqueur flavored cheesecake. Very nice! Choosing to dine early this night it was only when we were leaving that the evenings live entertainment began and so our exit was accompanied by the soft strumming of a guitar. We’ll be back – with a larger appetite and a plan to stay later! The exact address is 4 West Fenwick Station, Fenwick Island, DE 19944. For further information you may phone 302-436-4492.
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RIPPONS SEAFOOD MARKET & CARRY-OUT
As a long time (since 1985) fixture of the Ocean City Maryland scene, RIPPONS Seafood Market & Carry-out has always stood for dependable quality and freshness in carryout seafood. This day was no different… Stopping by for lunch, we selected the shrimp salad sandwich. It was very good – actually better than that! Served on a soft, potato roll the large, whole shrimp contained within were de-veined, expertly cooked and dead-on fresh! With only chopped celery and a bit of mayonnaise – the real flavor of the shrimp was allowed to shine. No other seasoning was necessary! It’s seldom that happens – this from a shrimp salad eater of many years!!! While waiting for the sandwich to be prepared we perused the menu and the large cold case containing 
an extensive variety of fresh seafood. The rockfish fillets were exceptionally appealing – large, plump and very shiny – which tells me again, fresh! It was the same for the nice tuna loin and salmon. Other fish varieties and soft crabs were also available along with a long list of shellfish including mussels, sea scallops, oysters (in season) and clams. Whole Maine lobsters sat in a live tank ready to be steamed for just $1.00 additional. And, of course there is the famous Rippons Bros. Crabmeat – all varieties including Cocktail Fingers in one-pound containers. With such a large menu of fresh seafood one would think the cooked offerings would be slight…not so! Platters, sandwiches, baskets, soups and sides – even large party platters compete for menu space. 
And, I suspect that if the shrimp salad is any indication – its all-pretty tasty stuff! If we have any complaint, it is the location of this shop – officially listed as being on 120th Street, bayside, it is actually on the north facing side of a large square building housing a 7-11 and a real estate office – adequate parking available. It does face 120th, not Coastal Highway. RIPPONS opens at 10 am each morning and is open weekends until 11pm. Carryout only. Nationwide shipping is available. Visit the RIPPONS website at www.ripponsseafood.com for more information or telephone 410-723-0056.
MARLIN MOON GRILLE…all promises kept!
Word of mouth had promised an outstanding meal and on a recent Saturday evening we found that all promises were kept! Located on the eastbound lane of Ocean Gateway (Rt. 50) just before the bridge into Ocean City MD sits the Marlin Moon Grille. It’s not hard to find with the large highway sign marking the entrance to the Francis Scott Key Motel…follow the lane until you see the large converted mansion house ahead. Upon entering the front door from the large parking area which surrounds the house we were immediately taken to one of the two generous dining areas both of 
which also offer a sit down bar. The décor reflects the name – marlin flags adorn the ceilings throughout. Our server promptly appeared offering menus while reciting the evening specials. We selected two special appetizers – the gumbo – deep and rich with flavor and spice and the Scallops Beau Ville – three perfectly cooked scallops temptingly sauced and cooked in their own shell. For our 
entrées we chose the seafood combo from the recited specials and the Chicken Rockefeller from the regular menu. The combo, along with the jumbo grilled shrimp and PERFECT fried oysters contained a crab cake of excellent quality and flavor and revealed a ping-pong ball sized lump of fresh crabmeat – the largest I have ever encountered! Delicious! Sadly, as frequently happens the 
chicken breast was on the dry side – although it was generous and wonderfully wrapped, stuffed and seasoned. Both however were generously accompanied by the signature REAL mashed potatoes – fabulous! Again, too full to enjoy dessert we shared a slice of cake – chocolate with vanilla buttercream frosting – very nice. Although we arrived 
somewhat early, the restaurant quickly filled and there was an overall air of conviviality yet table conversation remained easy. Most noticed though was the overall low level of lighting which was finally confirmed when the check was presented…the pen had a built-in flashlight! As a side note – at a nearby table a martini was ordered…with extra olives. Please see the photo…Marlin Moon Grille is definitely a restaurant where all promises are kept!!! For more information including a view of the tempting menu visit the website at www.marlinmoongrille.com. Reservations recommended!
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FRESCO’S of Ocean City MD – “the celebration kind”!
On a long, narrow Atlantic coastal barrier island it’s not difficult to find “waterfront” dining at every level. However for really fine dining – the celebration kind, FRESCO’S holds a special place. Situated bay side at 82nd Street and Coastal Highway the entrance to this restaurant is easy to find and having entered the large private parking area one knows they have arrived. The restaurant is large yet a feeling of 
intimacy is maintained by area table placement. Nearby and a few steps up there is a large comfortable bar area. Classical décor in tones of ivory is the theme, a perfect foil for the magnificent bayside views enjoyed through the large windows walls on two sides. Also available is outdoor dining service adjacent to the water during the warmer 
months. Of the recited specials we ordered the crab lump and ham sauté on toast for two as an appetizer. For entrees the horseradish-encrusted rack of lamb along with the regular menu item entrée of two crab cakes served us well with enough remaining to “take along”. For dessert – again a 
tempting list recited by our waiter – we selected a luscious cannoli to share. The food is fresh and well prepared with a creative flair. Worth mentioning too is the bread course…the generous bowl of flavorful olive oil with cloves of roasted garlic is served alongside the warm, golden crusted yet soft centered, yeasty scented rolls can spell trouble…we all know that we must 
leave room for the meal ahead however sometimes the temptation overwhelms us! So, be warned!
Fresco’s has a delightful website where the restaurant history may be read along with a regular menu…this may be seen at www.ocfrescos.com. Reservations are recommended and may be made by phoning 410.524.02002. We were also told that on weeknight’s including Sunday there is a three-course dining special available at the fixed price of $35.00, Saturday’s not included.
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ASSATEAGUE ISLAND OASIS TAP HOUSE – a favorite!
Situated nearly at the crossroads of Rt. 611 and Rt. 376, directly across from the well known, always-popular Frontier Town Campgrounds a new incarnation of an earlier restaurant has emerged. (Leaving OC use Rt. 50 and continue south on Rt. 611 about 4 miles towards Assateague Island Parks). Known as the Assateague Island Oasis Tap House, it now offers the largest selection of beers (308) on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Seven on tap! If you 
can’t find your favorite here – it can’t be found! In addition this eatery offers some great food in a casual and pleasurable atmosphere, either indoors year round or outdoors under an umbrella during good weather. We stopped here on a recent Friday evening and were shown our seats by a friendly staff member. Menus were provided and 
that’s where a problem arose…between the recited specials for the evening and the menu it was hard to choose – all sounded good. There does seem to be a strong leaning toward Caribbean inspired or jerk flavoring but as later proven Island Oasis does just fine with classic cuisine. My companion had a “loaded” cup of the Maryland Crab soup – as fine as can be – 
loaded with flavor from the crab, vegetables and seasoned broth. I had the Roasted Red Pepper soup – a flavorful and creamy blend with lots of “bits”. Served, as a side “dipper” was a whole grilled cheese Quesada. Our entrees were then served – a Jerked pork chop topped with a Jerked crab cake (solid fresh lump) and a small fillet topped with lobster lumps in an Imperial sauce. All was very well prepared and very tasty. 
Worth mentioning were the perfectly cooked fresh green beans.
The Assateague Island Oasis Tap House is not a large place but it has large aspirations…that so far seem to be well met. With a perfect location – to offer refreshment to the over one million folks who come to Ocean City MD each year and drive a few minutes south to visit the State and Federal Parks of Assateague this eatery should do very well indeed. For more information visit the website at www.assateagueislandoasismd.com or phone 410-629-1492.
*** Stopped back again for lunch – mini angus burgers and fries…it must be said – the best double dipped fries we’ve ever had!
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LITTLE HOUSE OF PANCAKES, and much more!
Upon reading the large, bright, blue-bordered sign along Coastal Highway at 73rd Street one immediately envisions a steaming stack of pancakes dripping with butter and smothered in syrup. However, the Little House of Pancakes, long known as one of Ocean City Maryland’s best breakfast places offers much more. First, it must be mentioned that this eatery is handicapped accessible and open year round. Open hours in the winter are limited to breakfast 
and lunch until 3 pm; summertime service continues through the dinner hour. Although not a large facility (seating approx. 60) there is a patio offering additional table service during warm weather. No matter where, once you are seated you are given a huge menu and if that steaming stack is what you want they may be found with many variations…but if your eye 
wanders further you will come across the filled omelets – and the tension begins. On a recent visit we solved this problem by ordering several different omelets with a couple of pancakes in place of the accompanying toast or biscuit – it’s your choice. Our choices, which included the Fiesta Omelet with chicken, salsa and sour cream and a Southeastern with 
ham, peppers and onions, were overstuffed, generous and delicious! Service was speedy and courteous. Although our selections came from the first two of the nearly five-page menu we saw that many wonderful sounding luncheon and dinner selections are available including homemade ribs and pizza. All may be ordered as carryout. A family style restaurant – with really good food! For more information, phone 410-520-0407.
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