 |
| Joey Doggs 1818 Highway 17 North Surfside Beach, SC 29575 (843)238-5639 I pass by Joey Doggs just about every day of my life, but it wasn't until earlier this week that I finally took notice of this storefront in a tiny strip mall in front of Old Time Pottery. I had a hankering for something and I thought a hot dog might fill the bill as I rarely eat them, but when I entered Joey Doggs the menu board enticed me to try something other than tube steak. The proprietor himself came out to greet me in typical Jersey fashion....outstretched hands and a "how you doin?" (pronounced with a hard, exaggerated "d" sound). I "how you doin'd" him back. He pointed out the fact that one of the Specials that day was a Meatball Parmigiana Sub with freshly made meatballs. He further told me in no uncertain terms that when the meatball supply was exhausted that I'd have to wait until he made them again as they aren't a regular menu item. How could I resist? I added to the order a Sausage, Pepper and Onion hot sub as well. While I sat in a booth waiting for my order, I queried some of the folks sitting around me... I wanted to know if it had been their first time eating there and other chit chat. Everyone I spoke to had been there numerous times and loved it. They also pointed out how that the food was brought out in huge plastic doggie bowls. The dining area is very neat and clean and decorated with interesting paraphernalia, the staff is super friendly and attentive and the food reasonably priced. My order was "to go" as the plan was to split the food with my daughter so that we could both determine if we'd be repeat customers. The Meatball Parm. had three huge meatballs and I could barely finish one...not to mention the cheese and bread which cradled it. I cut off enough of the Sausage, Pepper and Onion sub for a taste and it was delicious as well. The flavors reminded me of Sausage and Pepper subs that I used to get on the Boardwalk at the Shore each Summer. I make my own versions of both of these sandwiches but I have to tell you that food tastes a lot better when all you have to do is eat it and someone else has to prep and clean up. The menu isn't large, but the food seems to be more than substantial with enough variety to appeal to everyone. Items on the list included all sorts of hot dogs including a Dirty Water Dogg which I suppose is meant to be similar to those that are sold from the hot dog carts in N.Y.C.....the kind where the dogs remain submerged in a sort of scummy water all day. Joey's website boasts about their 75-year old chili recipe which they use and that they have a traditional Northeast style red onion sauce for the Dogs, but it goes well with burgers and sausage as well. There are burgers of all kinds, including a Super Duper which is stuffed w/cheese and various daily specials. The french fries and onion rings are hand cut each day and fried in peanut oil. I saw one of the french fry orders come out in a very large red plastic doggie bowl and the portion caused me to do a double take. Joey Doggs opens early for breakfast, but no need to rush in as breakfast is served all day. I can't wait to go back to sample a Taylor Ham (aka pork roll), egg and cheese breakfast sandwich on a freshly baked poppy seed hard roll. Pork roll was a staple in my house growing up. My daughters don't eat it as they didn't grown up in New Jersey and don't know what's good for them and so I rarely buy it. It doesn 't do my waistline any favors either and so it's been relegated to the every-now-and-then-treat category. To get the point across that Joey doesn't reach into a freezer to fetch (pun intended) the daily menu offerings; he claims there isn't a freezer on the premises. I'll scope that claim out on my next visit. I can live out my young girl dreams to be like Nancy Drew and sleuth around. |
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
JOEY DOGGS: Dogs, Burgers and Fries
The Gauntlet Has Been Thrown Down....Let the SUB Games Begin!
While driving through Surfside Beach today; I happened to notice that the sign above Benjamin's Bakery states that they have the "Best Darn Subs...Period".
I had to chuckle.
To say something is the "best" is very subjective.
Who is making the claim?
What is the standard they've used in which to judge their product to be the "best darn"?
It is a heavy duty claim to make and punctuated by a "period"!
It is a heavy duty claim to make and punctuated by a "period"!
If it wasn't for the fact that I wasn't hungry at the time; I would have gone in and bought a sub and then gone around the corner to the new restaurant...Surfside Beach Pizza and Italian Rest. and bought a sub there as well and compared the two. To hold my own personal "sub-off" between two local shops in my neighborhood.
Unfortunately I wasn't the least bit hungry and my daughters weren't home to do my bidding and so......
I've already informed my girls that there will be Submarine sandwiches for Dinner Wednesday night. We'll pick a winner and then that shop will go up against another and we'll keep it up until we are satisfied that we've found the Best Darn Sub in Myrtle Beach.
If Benjamin's prevails then the world will know their claim has been substantiated.
It's going to be a tough job, but someone has to do it. I'll just put in an extra night of Zumba class each week. No biggee.
Stay Tuned...
Unfortunately I wasn't the least bit hungry and my daughters weren't home to do my bidding and so......
I've already informed my girls that there will be Submarine sandwiches for Dinner Wednesday night. We'll pick a winner and then that shop will go up against another and we'll keep it up until we are satisfied that we've found the Best Darn Sub in Myrtle Beach.
If Benjamin's prevails then the world will know their claim has been substantiated.
It's going to be a tough job, but someone has to do it. I'll just put in an extra night of Zumba class each week. No biggee.
Stay Tuned...
I've Become a Fan of FITSNews.Com
Unfair. Imbalanced
I've only been a resident of the Myrtle Beach area for just over three years. Since my arrival I've sort of been on the lookout for a source of information about all things South Carolina and I believe I found that when I stumbled upon FITSNews.Com.
I've not been trailing FITSNews.Com for all that long on Twitter and on the website, but what I've learned in such a short time far exceeds that which I've gleaned from local newscasts and papers and local radio in the time I've lived here.
When you follow radio or TV news, you not only get their slant and agenda, but most of those who comment on stories are in the choir.
The stories aren't meant to be in depth or to contain a huge amount of perspective or context...and they don't. It is what it is.
In the same way it's annoying to me when weather-casters don't include pertinent information, such as the amount of humidity along with the temperature reading, then what they are providing is relatively useless. Why? Because I live in the South and humidity plays a big factor in what it actually feels like outside. It determines how I'll fix my hair that day and what I'll wear and sometimes, what I'll do.
Weather people know this and yet they more times than not...forget to throw in the humidity reading.
Yesterday morning, the humidity punched me in the face as I walked out the door and halted my steps. I was wading through it to get to my car.
But today I was greeted with a much cooler morning. It would be nice to know. If you're going to bother reporting the weather...then give me something useful to go on.
Not including the humidity with the weather is a pet peeve of mine. Can you tell?
It's the same with any news story. Give me perspective. Give me some context. Give me something to chew on. I want to think. I want to be challenged. I want to know and learn something.
The stories aren't meant to be in depth or to contain a huge amount of perspective or context...and they don't. It is what it is.
In the same way it's annoying to me when weather-casters don't include pertinent information, such as the amount of humidity along with the temperature reading, then what they are providing is relatively useless. Why? Because I live in the South and humidity plays a big factor in what it actually feels like outside. It determines how I'll fix my hair that day and what I'll wear and sometimes, what I'll do.
Weather people know this and yet they more times than not...forget to throw in the humidity reading.
Yesterday morning, the humidity punched me in the face as I walked out the door and halted my steps. I was wading through it to get to my car.
But today I was greeted with a much cooler morning. It would be nice to know. If you're going to bother reporting the weather...then give me something useful to go on.
Not including the humidity with the weather is a pet peeve of mine. Can you tell?
It's the same with any news story. Give me perspective. Give me some context. Give me something to chew on. I want to think. I want to be challenged. I want to know and learn something.
Mr. Sic Willie, the FITSNews.Com founder, writes and people respond. The responses provide me with a pulse and a flavor of what people are like here in South Carolina and how they think and what's important to them.
I dig that.
Am I saying Mr. FITS is without an agenda or a point of view?...No. Hell No. But...he doesn't appear to be a paid employee of a radio, tv or newspaper outlet who is required to Sit, Beg and Roll Over when told. I dig that too.
He's a dude with an obvious political background, but politics isn't all he's about and that's what is so enticing to me about his material. It's well rounded. And though it isn't exclusively local news and commentary...it is mostly about South Carolina. At least from what I can tell so far.
Hopefully you'll agree with me once you take to reading FITSNews.Com on a daily basis.
Benjamins Bakery--I Didn't Notice the Word "Wholesale"
Let Me Rephrase That:
Benjamin's "Wholesale" Bakery
810 3rd Ave., South
Surfside Beach
(843)477-1100
I'm a sucker for Bakeries.
Growing up in the Northeast in the days before bakeries became a small little section of the grocery store; I have very pleasant and yes, "sweet" memories of when they were those awesomely awesome stand-alone buildings.
One day recently; I was making a list of places in the South Strand area that I'd like to visit when I came upon the Benjamin's Bakery website. To say I was jazzed would be an understatement. I'm not an eater of sweets except on rare occasions, but I'm a bread freak and anytime I can get a fresh hunk of the flour-y confection...then I'm so there.
I honest to goodness never noticed the word "Wholesale" when I took a look at the B.B. website. Something else which threw me off was the fact that there is a picture of the front of the Bakery and it reads: SUBS and DELI
So, I was majorly surprised when I pulled up to the Bakery this past week and strode up...wallet in hand...eager to walk out with some sort of delivery platform for the block of my favorite cheese at home and did not.
As I entered, I quickly noticed a seating area to the right and to my left, a deli counter. I still feel like an idiot thinking about how enthusiastically I requested a few loaves of bread only to have the young man behind the counter inform me that I would have to go and talk to the gentleman........"in there".
This threw everything off kilter for a moment.
I thought maybe he didn't hear me correctly.
"I would just like a few loaves of bread".
He also reiterated:
"You'll have to go in there".
The "in there" he spoke of was an office with an older gentleman sitting at a desk. A very friendly man.
The very friendly man informed me that Benjamin's Bakery is a wholesale business which delivers bread to local restaurants, grocery stores and the like. I was majorly disappointed as the smell from the fresh loaves was driving me crazy. I had plans for a nice slice of marble rye.
I remarked about how stupid I felt and left empty-handed.
Oh well, if anything, it has now caused me to look over the websites of local businesses with an eye for detail.
You can find limited B.B. offerings at select local Piggly Wiggly and Bi-Lo stores. Besides that, you can check out the website for local eateries which serve B.B. products.
I would have stayed and tried a sub, but felt too odd...like I would've done something embarrassing while ordering.
I'll go back.
Maybe
If you've had one of their subs I would like to hear about it.
Thanks.
I would have stayed and tried a sub, but felt too odd...like I would've done something embarrassing while ordering.
I'll go back.
Maybe
If you've had one of their subs I would like to hear about it.
Thanks.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Random Local Pix
 |
| End of 2010 Season Garden City |
 |
| Waterway in Garden City |
 |
| Garden City |
 |
| Storm @ Nite |
 |
| Break in a Storm @ Myrtle Beach Resort October 2010 |
 |
| Rainbow October 2010 |
 |
| Watching Some Guys Play Cricket While Having a Drink @ 2nd Ave. Pier |
 |
| Bike Week (of course) |
 |
| Folks Getting Ready 2 Hear Last Concert of 2010 Season @ Boardwalk |
 |
| Parma Lee Playing One of Last Concerts of 2010 Season @ Boardwalk |
 |
| Friday Morning Miss Irene Due to Arrive in Myrtle Beach |
Garden City
 |
| Double 'Bow |
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Finally. A Pair
 |
| {click 2 enlarge} |
Most of my life I've only ever seen one shoe on the side of the road.
I was fortunate to be on hand to capture this lost pair of shoes (sandals)...which makes way more sense!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Halloween? Already?
While driving around Surfside Beach yesterday, I noticed that a Spirit Halloween Store has taken up residence for the 2011 Holiday season in the Deerfield Plaza. To be a little more specific...that is in the old Home Accents store back behind the Pizza Hut and in the same parking lot as Old Time Pottery.
Ever since my daughters were little fellas; I've always popped into a Spirit Halloween store each year to pick up some sort of doodad for our costumes. Even though I've worn the same get-up for years and years it's always nice to freshen it up with some new embellishment or accessory.
I love that this company goes in and occupies an otherwise vacant retail space for a few months. I always look around whatever town I'm living in at the time to see where the Spirit store will set up shop and I'm jazzed to find out that this year it's on my turf...in Surfside
Last year Spirit took up residence in the strip mall where H.H. Gregg now lives and the year before they were on Seaboard St.
Whether you're in town for a visit or a local yocal ...at the very least go in and browse the aisles. It's sort of like a mini attraction in and of itself and you'll very likely walk out of there with some cool ideas for a costume or tote home some ghastly decoration for the front stoop.
I love Halloween because it sort of ushers in the whole Holiday season bringing with it cooler weather and a festive atmosphere!
If you have little tikes and want to know a great neighborhood for trick or treating in Pawley's...send me an email and I'll let you in on the secret!
And Speaking of Halloween...
...I dug this out of my bin of pictures recently:
{click on image to enlarge}
Circa 1971
I'm on the Left
The photo is a little worse for the wear as it is one of those
thick old Instant Polaroid stock photo paper.
I love that this company goes in and occupies an otherwise vacant retail space for a few months. I always look around whatever town I'm living in at the time to see where the Spirit store will set up shop and I'm jazzed to find out that this year it's on my turf...in Surfside
Last year Spirit took up residence in the strip mall where H.H. Gregg now lives and the year before they were on Seaboard St.
Whether you're in town for a visit or a local yocal ...at the very least go in and browse the aisles. It's sort of like a mini attraction in and of itself and you'll very likely walk out of there with some cool ideas for a costume or tote home some ghastly decoration for the front stoop.
I love Halloween because it sort of ushers in the whole Holiday season bringing with it cooler weather and a festive atmosphere!
If you have little tikes and want to know a great neighborhood for trick or treating in Pawley's...send me an email and I'll let you in on the secret!
And Speaking of Halloween...
...I dug this out of my bin of pictures recently:
Circa 1971
I'm on the Left
The photo is a little worse for the wear as it is one of those
thick old Instant Polaroid stock photo paper.
My mom smoked Winston and my dad smoked Lucky Strike {for all I know; he still does. Do they still make Lucky Strike?} Mom was a great artist and she spent a lot of time making these costumes for me and my brother. We wore them to school for the little Elementary School parade and everything. Man, times sure have changed. I can't imagine showing this photo within 200' of a public school nowadays.
And for all of that; my brother and I never became smokers...go figure! We actually used to try and throw away cartons of our parents cigarettes because we hated the smoke and smell so much, but the consequences for our actions were dire and after the second attempt...we abandoned our search and destroy missions.
I remember my brother and I marched in the little Halloween parade that our town sponsored each year and we won some sort of prize. The more I think about it; the more I have to laugh. I can't even imagine daring to don children in cigarette boxes these days.
I loved my costume because I remember it was cold the night we went out trick-or-treating and I duct taped a pouch inside where I kept my gloves and candy to munch on while I stumbled door-to-door in the dark. That was also back in the day when you started knocking on doors right after school let out and kept going till what seemed like 9 or 10 o'clock. In fact, it was tradition in our town that the younger kids were done begging for candy by 8 and then the High School kids would show up at our door between 8 and 10. They always seemed to be dressed as witches and hobos
We all celebrated the night before Halloween as Mischief Night, but of course, my mom never let us go out and participate...we just watched the rest of the kids in the neighborhood TP the trees from the big "picture window" in our living room.
The whole week before Halloween...We danced to the Monster Mash and bobbed for apples at parties in the finished basements of friends and neighbors.
The whole week before Halloween...We danced to the Monster Mash and bobbed for apples at parties in the finished basements of friends and neighbors.
Those were the days!!!
Am I totally dating myself or what?
Am I totally dating myself or what?
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Mr. Sub
1011 Broadway Street,
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577-3661
One thing I really enjoy on a hot Summer day is a nice, cold sandwich...especially if I'm out and about running errands and just want something quick to fill the void. My daughter, knowing this about me, recommended that I stop in and check out Mr. Sub. So I did.
The day I went it was just past lunchtime and I was one of three eat-in customers. The moment I walked into the joint {and it does feel like a "joint". It is so reminiscent of the little hole in the wall eateries I used to frequent when I worked in Manhattan in my 20's and I was low on cash. I got great food at a low price because the profits were definitely not being spent on decor or ambiance...which ironically created an ambiance...}there were several odd odors which bombarded my olfactory system. One of them seemed to be the collision of bleach fumes and old musty building smells. Anyway, once I got past that I was fine. The day I visited I was not unpleased with the cleanliness of my booth and I look for things like that.
The guys who work in there can come across as somewhat aloof. They are just older men, serving up decent food and that's that. I did notice several people walk in who seemed to be regulars based on their interaction with the owners. I mention this because I saw a review of Mr. Sub on Urbanspoon which made reference to bad attitudes. If I'm not mistaken, the gentlemen working behind the counter the day I went run the place and if I'm not mistaken, I believe they're from Pittsburgh originally.
I lived in Pittsburgh for three years and I love that city, but at times people can come across very gruff and off-putting, but it's nothing more than just their lovable nature which has been fashioned by their environment. Too many cold, harsh winters followed by long hot, humid summers I suppose and a small dose of irritation if the Steelers are losing.
I ordered a cold Italian sub as I'm partial to anything with salami and cheese. When I lived in Jersey and would go into what we called a Sub Shop to buy a sandwich..the things were monstrous. You had to use two hands to hold just a half of it. It was a LOT of bread because they loaded the thing with meats and cheeses and lettuce and tomato and onions and oil and vinegar. It was more like a delivery platform for an Antipasto salad than anything else. As a result of being spoiled by the Subs of my youth; I tend to compare every other sandwich to those and they rarely make the grade.
Having said that, though the sandwich I ate at Mr. Sub was not huge...for the price it was just right and for my appetite as well. The sub had those great flavors...the fresh bread, the oil and vinegar...all of it was more nostalgic for me than anything else. It was a nice sub.
I'm not sure I'd make it a point to go back there as it was sort of difficult to park in the lot. It's a small, shared space. I'll walk; I don't care, but I'll park far away and walk if what awaits me when I get there is something worth the effort. Is the food at Mr. Sub worth the effort? If I was very, very hungry, yes. Otherwise, I'd probably just wait and eat when I got home.
I might have made a mistake in reading reviews about Mr. Sub before I went there. Reviews are helpful, yes, but I think my expectations were running a little too high. The reviews, along with my daughters recommendation had me thinking I was going to be totally Wow'd and I wasn't. I wasn't disappointed and I don't think you will be either.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
City of Myrtle Beach Community Appearance Board, Part I
I'm not really sure where to begin with this topic.
This past year I had the distinct pleasure of being involved in the launch of a new business within the City Limits of Myrtle Beach.
I use the word "pleasure" quite loosely as it wasn't a pleasure at all and in fact I'm quite incensed by the whole ordeal.
As a result of my involvement with a start-up business which had to obtain permits and have signs approved by an Appearance Board and a load of other caca..........I can now understand why so many proprietors close up shop after one season and search out a location outside of the boundaries of Myrtle Beach...which is exactly what my friend has done by the way.
I guess I'd like to share my experience with you to make you aware of what's going on while you go about living your everyday life... but also, and more so...to caution you to really do your homework if you are going to conduct any sort of business in Myrtle Beach. Go in with your eyes and your wallet and your bottle of Excedrin WIDE open!
Let me say right off that I am familiar with the mindset of those who are involved in local politics. Not just here in Myrtle Beach, but in other States that I've lived in as well. I don't believe I'm reaching when I say that it's all the same....it just comes in varying shades.
Growing up in Jersey, my dad was involved in politics. He was a County Chairman for his party affiliation and I started my involvement as most teenagers did in the 70's...by stuffing envelopes with campaign literature and going door-to-door glad-handing the neighbors into voting the party line.
From there I moved up into the mighty and powerful echelons of the local party headquarters where I was granted permission to help out by making phone calls and handing out literature and answering questions. I worked the Polls once I was able to vote and eventually was groomed to run for an empty and unopposed City Council seat. {and omg I use the term "groomed" so loose it's hangin' by a thread} I wanted nothing to do with any of it. I didn't make a grab for the position, but instead took up residency in a different city which disqualified me as a candidate. Was my dad happy with that? Nope. But I was!
While I lived at home; I saw what went on at the local level and it got a whole lot worse as it fanned out from there into the higher levels of the Federal Government, as my Dad eventually became the State DOT Commissioner. Yes, in that he was a successful business owner. No, in that he knew nothing of the Transportation business. He was in a word...rewarded.
And on a sidenote: I know very little about S.C. politics because to me it's all a game. But, that is my personal opinion and it's not my intention to fill this page with my opinions. So, please forgive me ahead of time if they ooze out at times.
I read a few articles online regarding Nikki Haley and her staff and their salaries, etc. I yawned and took a sip of coffee scratched my belly and thought...."what else is new?". That's been going on since the dawn of politics.
The one party accuses the other of being irresponsible when they are doing the exact same thing.
That's why when we are told that the only way that Papa Government can cut back on the budget is to go immediately for the jugular and sever First Responder services such as Police and Fire and Rescue I want to throw up.
Cut the damn worthless positions, reduce the salaries of overpaid space-taker-uppers, and do away with entities such as the one which is the topic of this post:
The Myrtle Beach Community Appearance Board!
Now where was I before I so rudely interrupted myself?:
Our house was abuzz every weekend with "workers" coming in and out all day long to discuss matters with my dad or to pick up lawn signs or to cop a free breakfast or to bend his ear about getting them or one of their offspring a job working for Uncle Sam.
I'll tell you what I gleaned from the politically based conversations which I constantly overheard:
Favors.
It seemed to be all about Favors.
The giving and receiving of Favors.
Give a man or a woman a modicum of power and some begin setting up their own little Kingdom and Favors become the mode of currency. If you ain't got none to give and if you don't want to "take" so you can be manipulated like a puppet...then you lose!
Once my Dad took on his position as a Commissioner; I spent a lot of time typing (on an old style typewriter) responses back to all of the people who sent in "requests" to my Dad to help them get a job or a favor for a project, etc.
"Hey, remember me? I made a few phone calls to help get so-and-so elected, got any job openings down in Trenton? or can you create one?".
That's not hyperbole speaking. That is truth. That is an ever-so-slight paraphrasing of the junk I had to sift through and read and respond to every week.
The only reason I stayed involved at all was because I enjoyed it and I was a sort of an idealist. I thought I could "make a difference" by not being like everyone else. Here's the thing though: if you don't play the game...you are kicked to the curb...never to be seen or heard from again. Hence the reason I'm a virtual Unknown!
{Well, that's not the only reason}
There were also a lot of negatives or "un-perks" being involved in politics which included......time away from family, dealing with incompetence and fools on an almost daily basis, and sometimes (mostly around November elections)...having to deal with death threats.....(and that from those in your own party).
I wanted to provide you with a bit of introduction to my political background because I do not want to come across as someone who just pops off and says stuff, but rather I want to come across as someone who has a clue.
I realize that involvement in or exposure to politics does not an informed person make, but I believe it has given me a balanced perspective as I've viewed the inner workings of Myrtle Beach government and take to comment on it here.
Who or What the heck is/are the CAB?
From their own website:
This post has already gone longer than intended and so I've split it in pieces. I've delayed the posting of the second part because it was sounding a bit smarmy and extremely sarcastic.
I like sarcasm. Nay, I love it. I had an English teacher in H.S. dub me the Queen of Sarcasm and I've hauled my crown and sceptre with me down through the decades...but I don't want that sarcasm to overshadow the content and so...
Excuse me while I go revamp Part 2!
This past year I had the distinct pleasure of being involved in the launch of a new business within the City Limits of Myrtle Beach.
I use the word "pleasure" quite loosely as it wasn't a pleasure at all and in fact I'm quite incensed by the whole ordeal.
As a result of my involvement with a start-up business which had to obtain permits and have signs approved by an Appearance Board and a load of other caca..........I can now understand why so many proprietors close up shop after one season and search out a location outside of the boundaries of Myrtle Beach...which is exactly what my friend has done by the way.
I guess I'd like to share my experience with you to make you aware of what's going on while you go about living your everyday life... but also, and more so...to caution you to really do your homework if you are going to conduct any sort of business in Myrtle Beach. Go in with your eyes and your wallet and your bottle of Excedrin WIDE open!
Let me say right off that I am familiar with the mindset of those who are involved in local politics. Not just here in Myrtle Beach, but in other States that I've lived in as well. I don't believe I'm reaching when I say that it's all the same....it just comes in varying shades.
Growing up in Jersey, my dad was involved in politics. He was a County Chairman for his party affiliation and I started my involvement as most teenagers did in the 70's...by stuffing envelopes with campaign literature and going door-to-door glad-handing the neighbors into voting the party line.
From there I moved up into the mighty and powerful echelons of the local party headquarters where I was granted permission to help out by making phone calls and handing out literature and answering questions. I worked the Polls once I was able to vote and eventually was groomed to run for an empty and unopposed City Council seat. {and omg I use the term "groomed" so loose it's hangin' by a thread} I wanted nothing to do with any of it. I didn't make a grab for the position, but instead took up residency in a different city which disqualified me as a candidate. Was my dad happy with that? Nope. But I was!
While I lived at home; I saw what went on at the local level and it got a whole lot worse as it fanned out from there into the higher levels of the Federal Government, as my Dad eventually became the State DOT Commissioner. Yes, in that he was a successful business owner. No, in that he knew nothing of the Transportation business. He was in a word...rewarded.
And on a sidenote: I know very little about S.C. politics because to me it's all a game. But, that is my personal opinion and it's not my intention to fill this page with my opinions. So, please forgive me ahead of time if they ooze out at times.
I read a few articles online regarding Nikki Haley and her staff and their salaries, etc. I yawned and took a sip of coffee scratched my belly and thought...."what else is new?". That's been going on since the dawn of politics.
The one party accuses the other of being irresponsible when they are doing the exact same thing.
That's why when we are told that the only way that Papa Government can cut back on the budget is to go immediately for the jugular and sever First Responder services such as Police and Fire and Rescue I want to throw up.
Cut the damn worthless positions, reduce the salaries of overpaid space-taker-uppers, and do away with entities such as the one which is the topic of this post:
The Myrtle Beach Community Appearance Board!
Now where was I before I so rudely interrupted myself?:
Our house was abuzz every weekend with "workers" coming in and out all day long to discuss matters with my dad or to pick up lawn signs or to cop a free breakfast or to bend his ear about getting them or one of their offspring a job working for Uncle Sam.
I'll tell you what I gleaned from the politically based conversations which I constantly overheard:
Favors.
It seemed to be all about Favors.
The giving and receiving of Favors.
Give a man or a woman a modicum of power and some begin setting up their own little Kingdom and Favors become the mode of currency. If you ain't got none to give and if you don't want to "take" so you can be manipulated like a puppet...then you lose!
Once my Dad took on his position as a Commissioner; I spent a lot of time typing (on an old style typewriter) responses back to all of the people who sent in "requests" to my Dad to help them get a job or a favor for a project, etc.
"Hey, remember me? I made a few phone calls to help get so-and-so elected, got any job openings down in Trenton? or can you create one?".
That's not hyperbole speaking. That is truth. That is an ever-so-slight paraphrasing of the junk I had to sift through and read and respond to every week.
The only reason I stayed involved at all was because I enjoyed it and I was a sort of an idealist. I thought I could "make a difference" by not being like everyone else. Here's the thing though: if you don't play the game...you are kicked to the curb...never to be seen or heard from again. Hence the reason I'm a virtual Unknown!
{Well, that's not the only reason}
There were also a lot of negatives or "un-perks" being involved in politics which included......time away from family, dealing with incompetence and fools on an almost daily basis, and sometimes (mostly around November elections)...having to deal with death threats.....(and that from those in your own party).
I wanted to provide you with a bit of introduction to my political background because I do not want to come across as someone who just pops off and says stuff, but rather I want to come across as someone who has a clue.
I realize that involvement in or exposure to politics does not an informed person make, but I believe it has given me a balanced perspective as I've viewed the inner workings of Myrtle Beach government and take to comment on it here.
Who or What the heck is/are the CAB?
From their own website:
The Community Appearance Board is Myrtle Beach's board of architectural review. It consists of nine members appointed to four year terms by City Council. At least five members must be residents of the city. The Construction Services Department provides staff assistance to the CAB. |
 CAB responsibilities...All oceanfront properties and all properties in all commercial and multifamily zoning districts are designated as areas and corridors requiring protection for the preservation of scenic vistas and architectural compatibility. Excessive uniformity, dissimilarity, inappropriateness or poor quality of design in the exterior appearance of structures and signs and the lack of proper attention to site development and landscaping in the business, commercial, industrial and certain residential areas of the city hinders the harmonious development and expansion of the city and affects the desirability of residence and the value of land. |
This post has already gone longer than intended and so I've split it in pieces. I've delayed the posting of the second part because it was sounding a bit smarmy and extremely sarcastic.
I like sarcasm. Nay, I love it. I had an English teacher in H.S. dub me the Queen of Sarcasm and I've hauled my crown and sceptre with me down through the decades...but I don't want that sarcasm to overshadow the content and so...
Excuse me while I go revamp Part 2!
Monday, August 22, 2011
The Rebel Flag I Tweeted About the Other Day
 |
| { click on image to enlarge } A few days ago I tweeted about a full size Rebel flag that I saw fluttering from the back of a Jeep. Lo and behold, as I drove through the same McD's parking lot on 17 Bypass in Socastee for a coffee today....thar she blew!! I find people extremely interesting and wonder what provoked this person to attach a flag to the back of the Jeep. Normally, I would have no qualms in approaching an individual and engaging them in conversation, but I had places to be and people to see today. I guess I'm rather confident that we'll cross paths again! |
GINO's Real New York Pizza
GINO's
Real New York Pizza
In Plaza near Forestbrook Food Lion
Belle Terre Blvd.
Myrtle Beach
(843)236-8885
It would seem from some of my posts that I eat pizza a lot, but seriously, I rarely touch the stuff.
(keep in mind though that "rarely" is a relative term)
I'm trying to catch up on my post writing after getting a bit behind due to moving and working and being sick and some of the places I have yet to write about involve the eating of pizza.
Not too long ago, I happened to take a drive along Fantasy Harbour Blvd. heading West from the old Waccamaw Pottery area. I happened upon a little shopping area off of Belle Terre Blvd.
It has the look of new construction and as I drove around the parking lot to see what was what...I came across Gino's.
I went in to see if they make Sicilian style pizza as it's the most difficult to find.
They make it!
I bought some.
I ate it.
It lacked a certain je ne sais quoi.
But, when all is said and done...if I were to be in the area again and hungry again...I'd probably stop in for another!
If you stick with a regular, run-of-the-mill cheese pizza, then you're looking at paying $12.00 for a 16" and I think that's an average price for this area.
Gino's charges $2 for each extra topping...
Ka-Ching!$$!
I just took a look at the menu for the new Surfside Beach Pizza place and they charge an unusual amount of $1.65. I find that an interesting price.
I guess I'm old school and remember when add'l toppings were a buck each, but I didn't give a flying leap because I like cheese pizza.
I will say this for Gino's...
...the quality of their ingredients seem to be decent, but for me, personally, I wasn't much impressed with the sauce.
It doesn't take a whole lot to wow me with pizza baked in a pizza oven and so...as long as it's not a Pizza Hut or Dominoes Pizza....I'll consume it...and be thankful for it...especially if someone else is paying.
I love that they sell Cannoli and am anxious to see how their Stromboli measures up to The Dough Boys.
Not really.....I'm more anxious to make my own stromboli (and so is my family for that matter!).
Buon Appetito!
AAA Face-Off: Low Country Towing vs. DeFalco's
LOW COUNTRY TOWING Wins! Hands Down!
(843)357-6020 (Murrells Inlet)
(843)238-1028 (Surfside Beach)
I've had AAA for a long time, but this past year has been the first time I've ever had to utilize my membership.
(843)357-6020 (Murrells Inlet)
(843)238-1028 (Surfside Beach)
I've had AAA for a long time, but this past year has been the first time I've ever had to utilize my membership.
My vehicle has been towed at least a handful of times. I had need of tire changes on two separate occasions while on my way to work and on one fateful night I pulled over to talk on my cell phone only to find at the end of the hour-long call that my outside lights were on the whole time. As a result; I had to call for a jump start.
During the course of these semi-dramatic events; I learned quite a bit about how AAA works when it comes to dealing with local towing companies.
The first time I called AAA; they dispatched DeFalco's Towing of Surfside Beach. The guy came with a huge flatbed and hooked up my van in what seemed to be a rather slipshod manner. I had to ride with him in the cab and the whole way...from the Sam's Club parking lot to Surfside Beach...the guy didn't stop trying to sell me on the idea of having my van brought to the DeFalco's shop to be looked at. A family member of mine brought their car to this shop and they were not very pleased with the service and felt "strong-armed". This testimony came to my mind as I spent the ride trying to convince this dude that I wanted the van brought to MY mechanic because it was close to my house and I was accustomed to dealing with them and they knew my vehicle.......{exhale}
DeFalco's is based out of New Jersey where they apparently do a large amount of work with AAA. I was born and raised in Jersey and after 20 minutes with the DeFalco's guy (who is from Jersey as well) I could see why if he is the first impression folks have of Jersey-ites...that we are thought of as pushy and overbearing. He was the poster child of that personality.
The second time that I needed help was to have my tire changed on the way to work. A young man from DeFalco's showed up and changed the tire, but he had some trouble getting one of the lug nuts off. I was surprised that he didn't have one of those pneumatic tools to pull the lugs off. What do I know? I'm just a "girl"!! lol
This particular man was at the very least...very nice and pleasant and not overbearing, but when I drove away; something just didn't seem right with the way the van handled.
On my way home that night; I had to pull over as the van was making noise and jerking all over the road.
My brother came to see what the problem was and found that all of the lug nuts were loose and two were about to fall off and my tire was actually sitting on the rim at an angle. Geez. I should've done it myself, but didn't want to ruin my clothes with grease.
I've been changing tires on my cars since I learned how in my Driver Education Class in High School back in Nineteen Hundred and Seventy-Nine!!
So...two strikes against DeFalco's so far....[at best...one and a half.]
On my third occasion to use AAA; I was on my way to an Elementary School in Conway about to give a presentation in front of the whole assembly when one of my tires blew out.
I called AAA and instead of DeFalco's...a company by the name of Low Country Towing was dispatched to be my Knight in shining armor.
A Gentleman who goes by the name of Randy "Gator" Stevens pulled in and got right down to it. He had to deal with the fussy lug nuts on the same tire the guy from DeFalco's had to deal with...only "Gator" had the equipment on board to handle it.
I made mention to him how that I hate that DeFalco's is the one sent when I call for help and that I feel strong armed and like I have no choice in the matter. He went on to inform me that I could request Low Country Towing...or, at the very least...request that DeFalco's NOT be sent.
I was concerned that my daughter might be driving the van when something went wrong and she might not know how to handle members of the DeFalco's team.
It wasn't long after the blown out tire that my daughter was stuck with the van and I instructed her to request Low Country. She did and Mr. Gator showed up and was nothing less than a complete southern gentleman with my daughter.
It was somewhat late at night and he took care of her as if she was his own daughter.
She was nervous and he put her at ease.
I've had other occasions to deal with both companies as it's been a bad year for me and vehicles. Very bad.
Let me say one thing though on behalf of DeFalco's. On the night that I ran my battery down; I was in Surfside and so it only made sense for a mere jump start to take whichever company AAA could send right away. That was DeFalco's.
A nice young man named James showed up that night and his service and demeanor were outstanding. If I could be assured of getting James to show up everytime I dealt with DeFalco's...I'd do it, but that's a pipe dream!
A Gentleman who goes by the name of Randy "Gator" Stevens pulled in and got right down to it. He had to deal with the fussy lug nuts on the same tire the guy from DeFalco's had to deal with...only "Gator" had the equipment on board to handle it.
I made mention to him how that I hate that DeFalco's is the one sent when I call for help and that I feel strong armed and like I have no choice in the matter. He went on to inform me that I could request Low Country Towing...or, at the very least...request that DeFalco's NOT be sent.
I was concerned that my daughter might be driving the van when something went wrong and she might not know how to handle members of the DeFalco's team.
It wasn't long after the blown out tire that my daughter was stuck with the van and I instructed her to request Low Country. She did and Mr. Gator showed up and was nothing less than a complete southern gentleman with my daughter.
It was somewhat late at night and he took care of her as if she was his own daughter.
She was nervous and he put her at ease.
I've had other occasions to deal with both companies as it's been a bad year for me and vehicles. Very bad.
Let me say one thing though on behalf of DeFalco's. On the night that I ran my battery down; I was in Surfside and so it only made sense for a mere jump start to take whichever company AAA could send right away. That was DeFalco's.
A nice young man named James showed up that night and his service and demeanor were outstanding. If I could be assured of getting James to show up everytime I dealt with DeFalco's...I'd do it, but that's a pipe dream!
New Pizza Joint Opens in Surfside Beach
 |
| Surfside Beach Pizza & Italian Restaurant 821 Surfside Dr. Surfside Beach, SC 29575 (843)829-3512 |
When I noticed a new pizza restaurant on Surfside Dr. on Monday; I had to stop in, check it out and hopefully tote home something yummy for dinner.
Surfside Beach Pizza & Restaurant opened its doors to the public for the first time on August 15, 2011.
They not only sell pizza, but all sorts of sandwiches and appetizers and entrees as well.
Another aspect to this business which I think will have broad appeal is the fact that they make up small and large catering style trays of food.
I've been a part of a lot of family gatherings here at the beach and it would be so much nicer to have someone else do the cooking while enjoying the company of family and friends versus hovering over the stove for a week and missing out on so much of the festivities.
{I've posted a copy of the menu below.}
I spoke with Debbie and Dale (one of the owners) when I stopped in and found them to be very friendly and accommodating. As with any new business owner; they are anxious to have the word spread that they are open, but moreso, I believe they want to make people happy with great food at competitive prices. (geez I sound like a commercial).
While waiting for my food ; I sat and ate a slice of plain cheese pizza. I thoroughly enjoyed it as all of the elements of what I personally consider good pizza pie was "there".
To state that I enjoyed my food means absolutely nothing to you, as taste is subjective and just because I like it doesn't mean you will.
I'm a purist when it comes to my "pie" and so I love a great cheese pizza.
I brought home a pizza (they make 16") which was half cheese and half pepperoni (for my daughters) and an order of garlic knots with sauce (8-count). Add to that the slice of pizza I ate at the restaurant and a bottle of Diet Pepsi and my order came to $17.
The true test for me though is what the leftovers taste like the next day. Two thumbs up on that!!
The restaurant delivers and the owners seem very open to the opinions of their customers.
Did I mention they deliver?
I brought home a pizza (they make 16") which was half cheese and half pepperoni (for my daughters) and an order of garlic knots with sauce (8-count). Add to that the slice of pizza I ate at the restaurant and a bottle of Diet Pepsi and my order came to $17.
The true test for me though is what the leftovers taste like the next day. Two thumbs up on that!!
The restaurant delivers and the owners seem very open to the opinions of their customers.
 |
| { click on images to enlarge } |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)