HITTING THE ROAD, JACK
Sometimes you really just need to get out of town. And so we did—to Atlantic City. ETA 11:30 p.m.
This will be the first time driving along the civil engineering marvel, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. This 4 lane (but of course there were only 2 lanes open) 20 mile bridge-tunnel is the only direct connection between Hampton Roads and Eastern Shore. We have a direct view of this HR landmark from our window, so it was nice to finally see what it was all about.
When we got to the half-way point, where the bridge curves, Josh brings up the point that if there were to be a collapse at this point, we would have to swim back to shore. What! A worthy observation, but not necessarily something I wanted to hear. “It’s true,” he says, “This bridge is connected to a tunnel, not a land mass.”
There was not much to really see on the other side of the Bridge-Tunnel really, but some interesting scents while driving downwind from Tyson Foods. I reminded me of my mom’s previous office in Brampton, ON that was located next to Maple Leaf Farms. It was a nasty smell.
"WE'RE THERE"
Time of arrival 11:30 p.m. Not bad. I just couldn’t wait to grab a drink and a bite to eat. Poor Josh, he drove the whole way. I did offer to drive, but after the night driving skills that I displayed during our summer road trip, I don’t blame him.
While walking into the hotel lobby, we immediately realized that we chose a dance competition weekend. Great. There’s nothing I enjoy more than tweens, little girls, and stage moms running around, “Like oh my god!”
OUT AND ABOUT
The next morning we geared up for a long stroll through downtown. We made our way through the outlet stores district up to the boardwalk as we planned the rest of our day. Taking in the sights and sounds you realize the interesting people who make up AC. You see a lot of clichés, such as the older man with the dyed jet black hair who thinks he has the right to squeeze anyone’s tush, the cougars (bless their Spanx), the TTs (if you don’t know what this means, I’m not going to tell you), and of course the ghetto superstars.
For two foodaholics, “restaurant” and “week” placed side-by-side results in increased amounts of saliva and perhaps a glazed-over moment. We ended up at Primavera, an Italian institution in AC, and we were hooked-UP! Along with the 3-course prix fixe, we were treated to much more. Oh my, it was like doing a food bong.
For the reel, I would have to pull the roasted fennel for the beef carpaccio. I am not a licorice aroma-flavor enthusiast by far, but there wasn’t that presence in the dish. We both thought the entrees were—well, could have made it at home. Also, I really don’t think that the dishes picked for restaurant week really showcased Primavera’s true flavor. Despite a bit of disappointment with the entrees, the desserts truly brought the food from here, to up, up, here (you Seinfeld fans know what I'm talking about). But the selection that was served to us wasn’t part of the original Restaurant Week Menu.
"LADI DADI, WE LIKE TO PARTY"
Off to the tables for a game of craps, a cocktail, and a cigar, well isn't this what AC is all about? The sights sounds and smell of this off-spring, this minute resemblence of Sin City, holds the magical key to all things laisez faire. This is a tune Josh and I sung before, and this time it sounded so much sweeter. The weather was cool, but my Malibu and Diet made the air feel warm. Josh was doing well, I found it endearing to watch his about-to-throw routine—he places the dice in front of him with his index finger and thumb, then rubs is hands together while blowing into them to warm them up, a seamless pick up of the dice into the palms of his hands, then a gentle toss. Pulling for the 8, "And that's how it's done, baby."
FERRY WELL THEN
40 minutes until the Cape May Ferry's departure, the man at the ticket booth was on an incredible power trip scaring us into lining our car up now because they
"always leave on time". We inquired about the food situation and he explained about their microwavable meals served on the ferry. I'm pretty sure our hell-no looks gave him the hint that we weren't interested and then he said, "Well
then go to McDonalds". As we turned back around, I looked at Josh and asked, "Did that self-flagellating to Avitar, I have a fake girlfriend, and collect barcodes, man-child just tell us to f*%& off?" We both laughed.
Since we refuse to fall in with the "chain gang" we found ourselves not far off the beaten path at a seedy take-out, eat-in (if you dare) restaurant that specialized in fish sandwiches and ethnic condiments like soy sauce, mango chili sauce, and other Maggi products for purchase. Interesting.
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The view from the top deck was magnificent. The air smelled sweet and salty, and the sun was just there for decoration. It was a great weekend, one to do again, for sure. This has been our longest drive since our roadtrip, and it brought back a whole lot of memories. With everyone tightening their pocket books and finding more ways to save and getaway, this is sure to be one. However, if you do plan on going to Atlantic City during their peak times, be prepared to pay top dollar and to dodge those guidos and guidettes.
