Local Farmers Market

Myrtle's Market

(outdoor Farmer's Market)

Mr. Joe White Ave. @ Oak Street

Myrtle Beach

9:00-5:00

Wednes., Friday & Saturday

Hey, I'm all into supporting local farmers/growers.  
I really am.
But there was something odd about the day I visited this particular Farmer's Market.
And who knows...maybe I have unrealistic expectations.


There weren't many vendors at all...maybe a handful.  
It reminded me of a scene you might see in a communist driven society on the Twilight Zone.
Everyone seemed to be selling the same handful of items.  
From a quick glance around the yard; I was able to ascertain that most prices were in the same range as well.  
So, how does one choose which farmer to buy from in this sort of scenario?
Your guess is as good as mine. 
Do you go for the person who has the stand with the least amount of items and visitors...you know...to sort of level the playing field? (sarcasm)
Do you eenie meenie minie moe it?
I didn't want to offend anyone.
Should I buy one item from each stall?
For a moment I felt very awkward...like everyone was watching me grapple with this decision. 
I was only one of a few visitors at the time.
I eventually chose the stand which was within arms reach.


I bought some Muscadine grapes as I'd never tried them.   One basket of dark and one green.  No one in the house liked the green ones and so they were pitched almost immediately.(I really hate waste)  There was a dirt taste which no amount of washing did away with it.   
The darker grapes were decent, but had the same dirt essence about them.  Maybe they're the sort of grapes which are used more for cooking than eating?


I got a few other items which were not too bad, but honestly, I felt very blasé about the whole experience. 
I know going to a local Farmer's Market isn't supposed to be an amusement park ride or a paid attraction, but......

Hungry?...Stay or Live in the South Strand? and Don't Want to Fetch the Food Yourself?

Or, Maybe Your Favorite Local Restaurant Doesn't Deliver?

I've Got a Spectacular Solution For You:.


It's called Myrtle Beach Restaurant Delivery Service
{Jeff Heit is the Owner }


Just remember this simple number:


843-234-EATS {3287}
Hours are 11a.m. to 10 p.m. Everyday


Becky over @ Myrtle Beach Restaurant News has written about this  awesome service.


I want to be clear about one thing and that one thing is...
...I've never personally used Myrtle Beach Restaurant Delivery Service myself.  At least not yet.  
I've included it here because I had a great time getting acquainted with Jeff Heit on the phone and my gut tells me (yes, it speaks) that you will not be disappointed if you take me up on my recommendation and give Jeff and his team a try.


I have friends coming to town in a few weeks and as we will be hanging out in the delivery area; I am saving up my "experience" until then.  


Let me paraphrase a bit for you on how Mr. Heit described his service.   Let's say you're sitting around with some friends and you're all hungry, but all don't want food from the same restaurant.  You don't want to go out and do all sorts of driving because maybe you're hanging out watching a game or a good movie. 


So, you call 843-234-EATS and the good folks on the other end will take care of everything for you.   They will place the order and then go about picking up the food at all of the locations and bring them to your door.  You pay a very small delivery fee, which I want to say was only $4 or $5 and then gratuity.  


Your time is worth something and it's nice to have someone else do the dirty work now and then.  Isn't it?
I'll answer for you:  It Is !!! 


The delivery area right now is Murrells Inlet, Garden City, Surfside Beach and Socastee (along the 707 corridor) which goes up to the back gate on 17 Bypass. 


I asked Jeff if they deliver to the Myrtle Beach Resort and he stated they do a decent amount of business in there and if he hasn't already, he mentioned opening up delivery to sections of Carolina Forest as well.  


I initially learned about this service when I visited Surfside Beach Pizza and Italian Restaurant when it first opened and I was told that they deliver, but that they utilized the services of Myrtle Beach Restaurant and Delivery Service.  
I wanted to get the skinny and so I called to speak to the horses mouth directly.


Jeff is a very nice man who seems passionate about providing a service that is more upscale than the type of restaurant delivery that we've all grown accustomed to.


In another week or two I'll be putting this service to the test by ordering from a few different places for me and my guests and I'll then report to you how that goes down.


In the meantime though, please tell Jeff when you call that the nice lady from the Word of Mouth blog sent you.  (He knows me by my first name, but I'm not divulging )
I am absolutely sure that you won't be disappointed, but I'll tell you this...if for any reason you feel that you've gotten some sort of raw deal......call and ask to speak to Jeff and I am confident that he'll make it right.


I'm shooting in the dark on this one, but I think I won't regret it and neither will you.  


One more thing...when you get a hold of Jeff and the Gang...be sure to ask them about all of their delivery services as there might be other ways in which he can help you or someone you know.


Love to hear from you if you utilize the delivery services.


Thanks!

Surfside Car Wash

Surfside Car Wash
@ Corner of Business 17 & Hwy. 544
{next to gas station}


I recently moved from a house into a condo.  
And where there is a condo, there is usually no garage.
And where there is no garage, there is usually no driveway.
And where there is no driveway, there is usually no accommodation for car washing.

So...

...while cruising down the road one evening I noticed the Surfside Car Wash not five minutes after I noticed that my car was in desperate need of a cleaning.  I pulled in to check it out.  I probably would have had it cleaned sooner but those thoughtful citizens who usually drag their thoughtful little fingers through the dirt on cars as a gentle reminder to "Wash Me!"...were neglectful in their duties.
It's not my fault!

I wasn't sure if the machinery in this place would damage my radio antenna, but I took a chance and everything turned out fine.   Good thing.  It seems I've retained my ability to bypass those morning FM radio shows populated by airheads chatting about nothing when I'd rather hear the music. (yes, I get that dig in whenever I can).

I digress.

I was presented with a choice of Washes which ranged in price from $4 on up.  I chose the $5 package and it beat the pants off of another car wash I went to recently over on Mr. Joe White which uses the Touchless technology.  It was lame and very un-thorough. It was like driving through one of those very light misty rainy days. 
This one at least made enough passes over the car to psychologically make me think it was actually cleaning something.

Seriously though...it did a bang up job.  It cleaned, rinsed and then heat dried the whole car.   It looked so spiffy that I drove around town a little longer than I'd planned just to show off the sparkle and shine.


I think you won't be disappointed with this Car Wash experience, but I'll tell you this...do not try to insert any dollar bills into the payment box which have even the hint of a crease in them, as the machine will reject them.

Please Resist the Urge to Give Money to These People

click for larger view

The person you see in the picture is sitting at the main entrance into the Surfside Beach Walmart.

Five minutes earlier there was another woman sitting in that same spot, but then the 5 o'clock whistle blew and the second shift took her place on the stool.

When I lived in the Seattle area years ago, pseudo beggar people on the side of the road were a HUGE industry.  Articles in newspapers and magazines were constantly exposing the fact that these were individuals making more money, wearing nicer clothes and whizzing around town in a much nicer set of wheels than most of those who "gave" them an offering.

When I was much younger, I was in a situation where all I had was a giant Hefty bag filled with a few belongings.  I am speaking right now from a place of compassion and understanding for those who truly are in an unfortunate situation.   For my part; I was raised by a family who espoused that old-fashioned philosophy that if you want something...you work for it.  And so even though I've never taken advantage of any public assistance programs in my life; I am well aware of what is offered in this country.   And so in my mind it makes no damn sense to stand on the side of the road with a cardboard box lid sign and looking all fake humble by never meeting the eyes of those in the cars passing by....UNLESS....it yielded some sort of awesome benefit or return.

I can't tell you how many times while living out West that I sat at a traffic light or pulled up to a Stop sign only to be privy to the obvious passing of the cardboard sign from one "worker" to another.  

On one rare occasion...while sitting in a parking lot I took notice of a woman walking towards my car.  She was walking with a normal stride.  As she neared the main intersection (which was directly behind me); she all of a sudden took on a limp, hunched herself over and donned her best "woe is me" face.

She then, with fallen countenance... took up her spot which five minutes earlier had been occupied by a "former Vietnam Vet". 

Everyone I knew out in Washington State seemed to understand that this was a total sham and none of us who spoke about it to one another knew anyone who gave them money and yet...I don't know how many times I saw people handing over wads of cash.  Lots of "someones" had to be keeping these people rolling in the dough or they would not do it!
That's just plain and simple economics.

In my opinion those who have a lot of discretionary funds at their disposal give to these side-of-the-road beggars out of guilt.   People with money are oftentimes made to feel bad for having it.  It's really no ones business, but politics has made it everyone else's business and so they hand over their "pocket change" as a sort of healing balm for their "seared conscience".

The other kind of person who gives are those who feel it is the Good Samaritan thing to do.  To give of yourself...even if you don't have it to give.  To just go ahead and give anyway.

I hung out in that Camp for the greater part of my life.  I was a sucker for those who seemed to be down and out as I was once there myself.  The thing that always nagged at me was why I never had the inclination to stand on the side of the road.   My thoughts were to make sure I held onto my job and to get a second or a third.  

As in all things, you have to follow the money.  The money trail tells the tale.  (I'm a poet and didn't even know it).  

I've seen motorists hand food and drink to the "beggars" only to have it taken begrudgingly or rebuffed altogether.  They don't want food.  They want your money. 

Like the woman in the picture above who wants you to sit at the intersection and HAVE to look at her...as you look "left-right-left again" before making your turn......Look at Her...sitting outside...in the heat and humidity...while YOU!....sit in your nice air conditioned car with a load of goodies that you just scored at Walmart...and what?  you can't spare a few bucks?  a five'r? a Ten Spot? You'll never miss it.  You'll blow it on something frivolous and unnecessary  anyway...just give it to this person.....go on....do it...and you'll feel good about yourself.  

And when you do give in...those sitting in the cars behind you are wagging their heads in disbelief that you "fell" for the charade.  And later on, when you think about it...you will realize that you were just caught up in the moment and you'll probably make a vow to never do it again!
But you probably will.

I'm here as the Voice of Reason to encourage you not to do it.

If you're in town visiting or, if like me, you live here... and you really want to be of some sort of financial help to your fellow man...then tip your waiter or waitress real good the next time you get superior service.  Stop in for a bite to eat at a local restaurant. Make a donation to a local charity. If you genuinely want to spread the wealth, then do it in a way which makes sense and goes to real people.  


In other words, just keep doing what you normally do and don't hand it over to people who are endeavoring to shame you out of your hard earned cash.  

Enjoy your vacation...you worked hard for it.  

Enjoy living at the Beach and don't let anyone take advantage of your compassionate and Southern hospitable spirit.

Every dollar that you hand over is one more reason for these people to come back and take up their post.

Vehicle Rear Windows Starting 2 Look Like Facebook Profile Pages

And mind you...this car is empty compared to some I've seen.
I've seen vehicles plastered with team affiliations, political quips and "vote for" stickers, stickers boasting of a child making the elementary school honor roll, car windows covered in Just Married and Just Graduated proclamations, license plates on front of vehicle with name and logo of the neighborhood they live in, ribbons supporting every cause known to man, stickers warning other drivers to back off, alumni association stickers, work association stickers, church association stickers, stickers with environmental messages, military signage and everything inbetween.  


I pulled up into a gas station the other day and I noticed that the woman driving the car in front of me was out pumping her gas donned in medical scrubs.  I looked at the back of her vehicle and gathered that she is a single mom who lives in Prestwick.  She has two children...one plays soccer and the other tennis.  The one child was on the honor roll in her elementary school.  She has a dog and a cat and she works at such and such a hosptial.  She voted for Obama and appears to be of the Christian persuasion.  


I would think that in this day and age those of us with children {especially} would want to keep our business and who we are and where we live and information about our children as private as possible.  
And not only that, but all of those stickers really make a nice car look like crap!


I just think people tell too much about themselves. Why give the unlawful among us any more information than they need to stalk us or to steal our identity? 


Just me...thinking out loud. 

Kidd Kraddick in the Morning Radio Show

I hate to find myself in the position of being a woman in her 40's commenting on how I just "don't get" a particular young and hip (subject to your own opinion of course) radio program.  

But, here I am, and I don't.

Recently I saw an episode of Family Guy which had a parody of FM stations that play those annoying audio montages.  

While scanning local radio stations this morning I heard just such a compilation on 97.7 FM on the Kidd Kraddick Radio Show(syndicated).  I lingered to see if maybe they too were doing their own FM radio show parody, but it went on too long.  I had no desire to hang around and find out.   I already know the show is annoying and I figure it must be geared towards teeny boppers, but all the "tb's" should be in school at that time so I'm not sure who tunes in to listen.

Kidd and the Gang sound like the cool kids in High School who sit around the table in the Cafeteria at lunchtime talking about stuff they think everyone else wants to overhear them saying. 

I've been operating under the assumption that an FM music radio station which bills itself as "the #1 hit music station in Myrtle Beach" should be playing music and all the air-headed chatter should be a side dish and not the main course.   

I guess I'm wondering if there are really people out there who prefer to listen to that drivel  vs. listening to music.

If you have no idea what I'm talking about, then I suggest you tune in on a weekday and tell me what you think.

Here's what it boils down to for me:

If a radio station is playing basically the same songs as another radio station, but without all the blather...then I'm going to listen to the station without all the blather.

Tips for Driving in Myrtle Beach, Part 2

{continuation of Part 1}

Let me say that just because the flow of traffic, as a rule, moves slow around Myrtle Beach does not mean that there are never fast drivers or moments when the flow is moving at a decent clip.

For me the jury is still out as to whether those who drive too fast cause more problems than those who drive too slow.  I'm leaning toward the "too slow" crowd.   I mention this because it's getting on toward the end of the month and I feel I would be remiss if I didn't warn you that the police here, as in most cities across the U.S., are out to rake in some revenue for the City coffers.  
Typically the men and women in uniform hide out and try to catch us doing something unseemly, such as speeding.


You will probably notice here and there around the city what looks like an unmanned cop car. You might be correct as this is the first place I've ever lived where I've noticed this tactic being employed. 
I guess the idea is to place static vehicles in areas where motorists are known to drive with their pedal to the metal.  
Us humans tend to react to the sight of a police car by tapping or jamming on our brakes. It's involuntary.  We do it even if we're going the speed limit.
Of course, we also know that us humans tend to go right back to what we were doing as soon as we're a "safe" distance from the car...static or otherwise. 


I doubt the City of Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach are placing unmanned vehicles out there to get slow drivers to step a little more lively, as that's not our natural reaction.  I've seen people who are already driving ten or more miles under the speed limit slow down even further when they see a cop car.
It's a basic instinct.  


I'm not psychic.  I have no idea why the police pull individual drivers over when I see them on the side of the road at the end of the month.  I am not saying that no one deserves to be pulled over, but the Myrtle Beach police force is known by everyone I speak to for being a bit aggressive in going after motorists.  I've seen police on motorcycles along Seaboard St. near the mall lined up four in a row just picking off cars one by one like fish in a barrel.    

I respect the Police for the incredible and thankless job they have to do day after day.  I guess I would like to believe that they are being pressured to go after motorists by those further up their food chain.  


When I worked in a local retail chain as an associate a few years ago; I had a quota of credit card applications that I was ordered to pressure customers into signing up for on every single shift I worked.  The Corporate office via the Store Manger placed an obscene amount of emphasis on how important it was that we sign people up or be in danger of losing our job.  
I think Policemen and women are under the same sort of duress when it comes to bringing in a certain amount of tickets each month.  If this is an old wive's tale or a myth, then why is it the same all over the country and why is there such a "show of force" at the end of every month? 


If the State of South Carolina DMV allows Mopeds to be driven on major roadways and yet caps their speed @ 25 mph....then I highly doubt that it matters a whole lot if motorists poke along at 25 mph or slightly faster.  If there was a concern for slow drivers out there then there should be a buzz or a chatter about it, but there doesn't seem to be.   There are no hushed whispers around the water cooler about how that the Myrtle Beach Police or Horry County Sheriff's Officers are cracking down on drivers who move along so slow they're almost driving backwards.  
I've quipped to my friends that I might start dressing in black every time I get in my car because I always feel like I've gotten caught up in a funeral procession.  
  
I'm giving you the heads up:


If you're a driver who finds a certain kinship with Mario Andretti (Who?) (Google it!)...then it would behoove you to be careful.   
I cannot stress enough the unique nature of moving about Myrtle Beach due to so many out-of-town drivers and the inability of most to get the hang of maneuvering the turnabouts in the medians. Sometimes people come to an almost complete stop before finally moving into the left turn lane.  
If you want to arrive alive, then assume everyone on the road is going to pull some dumb ass last minute antic.  If you do this you'll increase your chances of survival and keep your insurance rates low.


Like it or not...the slow drivers set the pace and those who are fast add fuel to an already smoldering fire by aggressively moving in and out of lanes and stopping short on the brakes without warning.


And now, may I dispense a little friendly and what might sound like motherly and painfully obvious advice?  


If it's within your power to do so...give yourself plenty of time to get where you are going.   
If you do that, then you won't have to ride my rear end cursing and flailing your arms to get me to move.  I can't move anywhere.  I'm getting ready to make a left turn!

Crane @ Lake in Market Common

Tips for Driving in Myrtle Beach, Part I

Myrtle Beach, as with every other tourist town, has it's own little quirks when it comes to navigating the local roadways.

If you arrive here expecting to drive the same way you do "back home", then you will not only spend your whole vacation frustrated, but road rage might ensue, and then heavy drinking and then possibly a night or two in the pokey and very likely you'll have to fork over a large portion of your travel budget to the local police authorities in fines.   

That's not a pretty picture, is it?

I'm here to hopefully help you avoid that fate.

Same-same for locals.  If you take to the roadways each day expecting those from out of town to drive "like we do"...then you're setting yourself up to be stressed every single time you get behind the wheel.  

And here's another thing that is just a fact of life here in Myrtle Beach......there are tons of older citizens driving which even though we know that many of them shouldn't be....they are.   It's just the way it is. No amount of griping or whining or yelling will change that.  I know.  I've tried.  It doesn't work.  It just gave me agida. (as we say back home) 

There are a number of folks driving around town with Alzheimer's and Dementia. It's a natural by-product of living in a town where a large portion of the population are over a certain age.  And trust me on this point:  if you're under 50...then they think you're the problem.  

What are my qualifications to lend advice on driving?  Well, I've lived here for 3 1/2 years and never once been involved in any sort of traffic-related incident.  And to hopefully further impress you (she says with tongue firmly pressed into cheek) I have never once received a ticket in all of my 32 years of driving and I have never hit anyone and I have never been pulled over.  I have driven all over the United States and Overseas.  Sadly, my only claim to fame...a stellar driving record! 
 I think that's because I don't hit the road everyday in a casual manner.  I drive as if I am heading into battle.  I've studied my enemy...{which is everyone else}...and I drive to be victorious against all ya'll.

So, after a very long winded introduction...I would like to now present you with my Tips For Driving in Myrtle Beach...{in no particular order}:


1.  There is no fast lane.  Even though we learned to drive right and pass left in Driver's Ed.  That doesn't apply here.  People rarely drive the speed limit and I think that's because they are always gearing up to make left turns in the middle turnabouts.  


You'll avoid "rear-ending" if you keep your distance and drive with the assumption that the person in front of you or in front of them is going to make a left turn soon and they won't turn on their blinker (turn signal) until the last moment (if at all) and they will slow down in preparation about a mile in advance.


Tailing them to get them to move to the right doesn't work in this town.   They won't move to the right.  Get over it.




...to be continued in Part 2...

If You're Hungry------Eat Your Underwear Before You Eat @ WOK EXPRESS

And that's putting it mildly!

WOK EXPRESS located at 1110 So. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach is the quintessential hole in the wall dive of a nasty restaurant. 

======================================

My first big job in life required me to commute into New York City. At the time; I was not long out of high school and majorly short on currency and always scouting out cheap eats.  Many of the hole in the wall greasy spoon joints served up the best grub. Not all, but most.   There always seem to be a few great places in any city I've lived in which aren't much to look at, but they serve great food at a great price.  

In my quest to find some tasty Asian fare in Myrtle Beach; I decided to check out Wok Express the other night.  It looked to me like it might fit the bill as a dive...{aesthetically speaking}...but possibly make up for it with a quality food product.

Cue wrong answer buzzer.

Without going into a long winded explanation (what? who? me?)...suffice it to say I was terribly wrong.

I was very hungry after my Zumba class on Tues. and as I had to head directly into Myrtle Beach afterwards, I thought I would stop in and sample the General Tso's Chicken.  I was in a major hurry and really had no business stopping at all so I ran in...placed my order...and informed the lady that I would be outside making a few phone calls and would be back in for my food.

In less than 10 minutes, she burst happily through the door...personally delivering my dinner.

For seven bucks I got my entree, lo mein, an egg roll, egg drop soup, a bag of baked(?)won tons, a can of soda (included in price) and the customary fortune cookie. 
I asked if there was some sort of menu I could take with me.  I wanted to get back inside the restaurant and have a look around for a moment and I used the old "I need a menu" ruse.


Let me tell you in no uncertain terms...this place is Filthy.   


There was a man who may or may not have been the owner...sitting at a big round table in the middle of the room, smoking and watching a Chinese show on a huge flat screen TV.  


Next to him on the floor was a plastic container which was not only a repository for the water leaking from the ceiling, but I noticed other items floating around in there as well...some pieces of cardboard and a rag or two.


The whole interior has that "haven't been washed in ages" feeling about it.   Dusty.  Grimy.  There was actually a beautiful Asian ornamental light fixture on the ceiling, but its beauty was diminished by the hundreds of dead bugs littering the bottom.


To the left of the counter area is an interesting array of random items...an old book shelf with what else on it?  Encyclopedias. They  looked to me like they were from the 60s or 70s.  The era when all good parents purchased a set so their children would be well equipped to plagiarize entries for book reports and essays. (guilty as charged your Honor).  


There were old desk chairs ripped and torn and a printer and all kinds of crap...way too numerous to list.   
I was not encouraged by what I could see into the kitchen area either.  The place is badly in need of some TLC!


I was confused at this point.  I had read on the Myrtle Beach Restaurant News website...{which provides a service by posting the South Carolina Dept. of Health and Environmental Control restaurant inspections}...that WOK EXPRESS scored an 89 which puts it in Grade "A" territory.
This appalled me.
It made me question all of the grades and I sent along a note to the DHEC asking them how they came to this conclusion.

Egg Roll = Soggy
Chicken = Not Spicy, which is what General Tso's should be!
Lo mein tasted old
Afraid to eat Egg Drop soup & didn't
Leery of fortune cookie though it comes wrapped
{Fried? baked?}won tons lacked appeal as well.

The whole experience...in a word (a short delay while you remove small children from the room)......sucked!

I'll keep you posted as to whether or not I receive a response from the Health Dept., but if I don't...I will be hounding their butts to find out how in the name of common sense this restaurant scored so high.

My Verdict in the Case Against Wok Express:

Guilty of  3 Counts of Assault on the Eyes, the Palates and the Digestive Systems of its customers.

sidenote:  it's one thing for a restaurant to be filthy.  If I don't like that sort of environment...then I just won't eat there ever again.  But...when the local Health Department goes in and gives it an "A" grade then it makes me mighty suspicious of what the heck they are looking at when they go in there.  It throws a light on all of DHEC inspections which makes me question the overall reliability of the program.

I Have a Lot of Catching Up To Do

Finally getting over whatever this sickness crud is that I've been suffering from and hoping to catch up on the many items I need to post.  

I'm backlogged big time and looking forward to sharing my recent experiences with you.

Thanks!

Down For the Count w/a Close Relative of the E. Coli Clan

There are some illnesses in life in which you learn there is really no need for a Doctor's visit, but instead you have to let it run its course.

I'm in such a predicament and will rejoin the human race shortly.

Enjoy this beautiful day as we all can't help but remember where we were on that fateful day!

I Have a Different Take on the Moped Problem in Myrtle Beach

Wednesday night, while driving home from Myrtle Beach; I went to turn onto Oak St. @ Mr. Joe White, but found I was rerouted due to what looked like a police investigation of some sort of accident.

I noticed a Moped behind the police tape, but I didn't see any other vehicle.  

This morning I finally found the story of what went down.
{you can read the story here}
Apparently an older woman in a car hit two people on a Moped and one died as a result.  Ridiculously tragic.


On Thursday night, while driving home from Myrtle Beach towards Surfside; I took 17 Ave. So. and along the way came upon two Moped accidents.  I commented to my passenger that even though I have no idea what happened in each of those circumstances; I do know that Mopeds tend to be difficult to see.  


On some of the really dark side streets it's almost impossible to see a Moped in enough time to react...but most especially up on the Bypass and on Business 17...they tend to be going much slower than traffic...most times up to 20 miles per hour slower.  That's significant and I think if I were to be travelling 20 mph slower than the flow of traffic or than the speed limit; I'd be required to at least have my Hazards flashing or be ticketed for impeding safety.


Driving the stretch of Business 17 between Farrow Pkway and Hwy. 544, heading South, tends to be very dark, as is the road South of the Back Gate area on the Bypass.  I travel these two roadways everyday (well, duh, who doesn't?...that's how you get anywhere around here) and my opinion is that the problem is the fact that Mopeds are able to be on a roadway going at least 20 miles slower than everyone else.   I do not agree that the main problem is that they are going too fast.  In fact, most of the cars around town drive slower than the posted limits.   
Driving around here most days makes me think of backed up bowels and I'd love to haul an Enema grenade and get things moving!

I can't even enumerate the times a vehicle in front of me has passed into another lane, only to scarily reveal a slow moving Moped in front of me...causing me to swerve or jam on my brakes.  And I count it a small miracle that I've even noticed their tiny little lights. 
   
My advice to those driving Myrtle Beach roadways:

Not only should you be a defensive driver and watch for folks making left turns into the median which is the main reason for the slow moving left lane traffic around here...but be it known unto thee that you will come across all sorts of interesting vehicles besides cars and trucks and motorcycles, and they drive as slow as molasses.
There are Mopeds, Scooters, Golf Carts, Scooters pulling ice cream carts, dune buggies, motorized wheelchairs and everything inbetween...and they creep and crawl...most of the time!

I always take to the streets assuming the worst and so far...knock on wood...I've never been involved in a moving vehicular altercation.....


...I said "so far"!!!



  

Oriental Food & Gift Market in Socastee

Oriental Food Market
4670 Socastee Blvd.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
(843)293-6377

A few doors up from Socastee High School is a tiny Oriental Food and Gift Market.   Aside from World Market up on Seaboard St. next to Target, I've not really found a place where I can go to get a more wide array of Asian spices, foods and condiments....UNTIL...

...I stumbled upon this store.

Inside you'll find somewhat cramped quarters, but they've found a way to jam it full of merchandise.   Aside from the dry goods, they have an adequate freezer and refrigerator section.  

I love to make my own Korean Kimchee and various other Asian dishes and here I find some of the items that aren't available to me in the local grocery store.

If you'd like to break out from your normal routine and experiment with a more International menu; I'm quite confident you'll have fun exploring the isles as you glean ideas.

I come here often to buy Bulgogi meat.  It's frozen, but I don't care, as I'm just happy not to have to cut meat that thin all on my own.

Here is one of my favorite Bulgogi recipes.  It's super duper quick and easy. 


Bulgogi (Korean Meat Dish)

3-4 lbs. boneless beef or pork, very thinly sliced
(you can use both meats or just one.  I prefer beef)
2-celery stalks, thinly sliced, diagonally
2-green onion stalks, diced
1-sm. white onion, diced
1-sm. green pepper, thinly sliced, diagonally
1-sm. red pepper, thinly sliced, diagonally
2 T. Soy Sauce
1-t. Sesame oil
1 T. roasted sesame seeds
¼ t. MSG (optional, esp. those w/heart trouble)
2 T.  white sugar
½-t. salt (to taste)
½-t. black pepper

Mix all ingredients in glass bowl.  Cover w/plastic wrap.  Set in refrigerator overnight or at least one hour.  
Heat frying pan or wok (med. to high heat.  Meat shld. sizzle like bacon).
Add Bulgogi mixture, turning or stirring constantly.  
Add a little cold water to prevent the meat from burning.  There should be juice in pan at all times.
The meat should not stick to pan.  
Servie with rice.
Basmati or Jasmine rice complements the dish nicely.

If You Openly Mock the Way Locals Pronounce "DeBordieu"...

...then call me and I'll help you remove your foot from your mouth!
But if you openly mock the local pronunciation of designer Etienne Aigner, then I'll so be there to back you up. (see bottom of post)

Hey, I'm just trying to help you...to keep you from making a bona fide ass of yourself in public.  

Here's the thing about visiting or moving to a part of the Country with vastly different cultural roots than your own:

They Are Not Like You!!!

and really...

Why would you want them to be?

Why would you want everyone else to sort of  look like you? talk like you? eat like you? drive like you? dress like you? and heaven forbid...think like you?

We could get into the psychology of it all and come up with a myriad of reasons why people behave that way...and most of it is probably based in their insecurities. (IMHO)   Most people are uncomfortable interacting socially outside of their own environment and they cover this by mocking those who are different. 
Remember the playground in grade school?  Same-same. 

I'm not one of those people who has ever been socially awkward, but I have found myself irritated when visiting or living in other states and other countries.  I think that's normal.  Years ago my Anthropology teacher told me it's perfectly normal and I believe it.  


I entered the Air Force in my mid-20's and was stationed in the Philippines for just over three years.   While there I was able to travel all around Asia.  Also while there, I found that I moved through three distinct phases:


At first I was totally enamored with the idea of being overseas and living among those of a vastly different culture.


At second I was totally irritated with being overseas and living among those of a vastly different culture. I hated just about everything...the corruption, the immaturity, the nasty food, the humidity, their inability to speak MY language...etc.


At third...I fell in love with the Philippines and the people and immersed myself in the culture and loved everything about being overseas and living among those of a vastly different culture.


I've come through the same evolution since moving to Myrtle Beach.


At first I loved the place...
...the year-round temperate climate, the ocean being a stone's throw away, the niceness of the people, etc.


At second, I wondered what the hell I was doing in such a two-bit hick town which has nothing going for it but the ocean and a temperate climate.  I hated the humidity, the driving, the politics, the way there seems to be no urgency in getting things done, etc.


At third...the phase in which I now find myself...I've come to love being here.   Will I remain here the rest of my life?  Very doubtful, but while I'm here, I'm going to immerse myself in the Myrtle Beach way of life and experience all it has to offer...the good, the bad and the ugly.  
For me, this is my home and I refuse to live as so many transplants do...as an annoyed visitor who happens to live here all year...every year.


I balked when I first heard my sister-in-law (native S.Carolinian) utter the word...DeBordieu...especially when I saw how it was written.  Um...Hello? it's a French word.


She said "debbydoo" in her charming accent and I had to ask her to repeat it three times.  It sounded so ridiculous.


Rather than mock; I Googled DeBordeiu and if you click on the link you'll see that it's believed this is the Gullah dialect pronunciation.
Ever heard of Uncle Remus and his stories of Brer Rabbit and Brer Fox?   They speak Gullah.

South Carolinians get a pass on DeBordieu, but... 

...if you openly mock the local pronunciation of designer Etienne Aigner, then I'll so be there to back you up.  It's not "Agner".  It's Et-tea-en On-yay.  My mom used to wear this brand in the 70s and that's the only reason I know. 

I used to sell shoes in a local department store here in Myrtle Beach and I cringed everytime a woman came into my department all haughty asking to see whatever "Agner" I had available.  I had to bite my tongue in order to keep from correcting a customer.  I don't think that one can be blamed on the Gullah dialect!!!

So, lesson here is to be sure you know what the heck you're talking about before you openly mock and deride local pronunciation of words. 

Class dismissed...

Make Me SMILE Real Big & I'll Drink Your Beer !

FLYING DOG BREWERY

Frederick, MD

Ever since coming across New South Beer brewed here in Myrtle Beach; I do my best to purchase their White Ale whenever I indulge in beer drinking.

Every now and then though I will stray from my usual and sample something new.   While in my local Piggly Wiggly the other day; I found myself meandering down the beer isle. I had a hankering for something cold and something new.

  

Sometimes my blind purchases work out quite well, as in the case with New South Beer and sometimes it's not at all what I was expecting.   Like the time I saw cans of Guinness on the shelf and the midnight black cans looked so classy; I was drawn to them.   Brought it home, took a swig, and spit it into the sink.  It tasted like a melted down Cuban cigar.  I've never tasted a Cuban cigar, but it's what I imagined one would taste like were it liquefied.  

I actually chose the beer because I have a friend in England who brags on stout beers and I wanted to see what all the hoopla was about.

As a result...I'm a little skittish these days when it comes to tasting new beer, but I'm not a fan of predictability and so I venture into the uncharted beer waters now and then.

The packaging of the Flying Dog beers are what caught my eye.  They made me chuckle and I love that they prominently display the percentage of alcohol. (doesn't take much to please this gal)

I went with the Doggie Style brew first.

All I can say is that if you enjoy great craft beers...you'll love this.  It's not wimpy, sweet and watered down, but is robust and hearty. 

Bottoms Up!

What Would Jesus Drive Has Finally Been Answered......

Add caption

{click photo to see proof in larger format}

I thought to alert the Media that Jesus was in town, but sometimes you just have to leave celebrities 

alone when you know they're very likely in town on vacation.
I was a bit taken aback that He chose a Honda over an American made model...unless He has one of those in  His garage?

Round # 1 of the Great Sub-Off Goes to...

Surfside Beach Pizza & Italian Restaurant
...takes this round, but it was very close.

Here lies the Benjamin's Bakery Sub
{Surfside Subs & Deli)
The name of the sub is a Central Park East
Salami, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onions, roasted red peppers and Oil & Vinegar.
$7.50

I ordered an ordinary cold cut sub on white bread.

I wasn't very pleased to find when I got home that the white bread had all sorts of accouterments adorning the top.  I don't mind it for myself, but my daughter wasn't crazy about it, especially when she asked for white and I ordered white.   The topping was flavorful and I take no issue with the flavors as they even held up well after lying in the fridge overnight, but it's not plain white.  It's a very lovely topping...just not what I asked for.


The taste of the sub was very nice, but one more gripe I had was with the onions.  I'm not sure what the deal was with that and I will go back and ask or make a call.   There seemed to be some sort of diced onion mixture applied to the bread.  Not quite as thick as a compote, as it was vinegar based...I think?  That part and the bread are the only two things which separated this sub from beating out a comparable sub at Surfside Beach Pizza.

The Round #1 Sub-Off Winner & Reigning Champion
I know my camera skills rot to high heaven, but what you're looking at here is a Cold Cut Hero
$6.25


The high points of the Surfside Beach Pizza sub were the price, the white bread and the thinly sliced onions.  The lettuce and tomato were extremely fresh and this sandwich, while great when I first brought it home...didn't hold up as well...tastewise, as the Benjamin's Bakery sub after it sat in the refrigerator for a few hours.  Still great, just slightly edged out by BB's.

In my opinion, the Surfside Beach Pizza sub was much larger and much more traditional and much more fresh tasting than the Benjamin's Bakery sandwich.  I dare say you would not be disappointed with either, but here's something else I think is at play here:

Benjamin's Bakery is somewhat of a local institution.  They seem to have built a reputation for their bread and that's what they're known for. The Sub and Deli "thing"...is sort of an afterthought and it will by no means be what keeps them in business.  It's just a nice way to go in and experience their friendliness and I have to say that the gentleman who served me on Wednesday was super duper friendly in the wonderful laid back Southern way.  And even though BB's threw in a bag of chips and a thin slice of deli pickle (my fave)...I wasn't interested in the frou frou...I would've just liked some plain white bread instead.  The nice store clerk gentleman gave me $1 off for being a "local".   He didn't even ask to see my I.D.....must've known I lived in town by the way I "tawk".

I remember when I lived out in the Pacific Northwest and there was an outbreak of E. coli in the early 90's @ a local Jack in the Box fast food restaurant.  After the dust settled and Jack remarketed himself as a little white ball in a suit...a friend suggested to me that it was probably one of the safest places to eat fast food, as they were not only being carefully watched and scrutinized, but they were probably going to be on their best behavior and their food would likely be at its very peak in quality.

I sort of feel that way about Surfside Beach Pizza.  Yes, it's great now because they just opened and it's crucial that they make a name for themselves locally and that they stand out as far as the freshness and quality of their food...but will that philosophy remain in tact as the months and years go by?
As we are fond of saying:  Time will tell.

Not sure who I'll pit the Surfside Beach Pizza sub up against next.  I'll have some time to chew on it (of course the pun is intended) as I won't be buying a sub anytime soon.  I'm sort of "subbed" and pizza'd out for now.

I think the HOA-run pool in my neighborhood means for there to be no pets in the pool area.
Talk about over-reiteration!