I Felt Like A Real Baltimoron
I have been living in Baltimore for almost six months. Some would argue Federal Hill isn't real Baltimore, but aren't cities dynamic? This is an argument for another time. On Friday night, I didn't have any plans and was wondering what to do when James knocked on the door. He was headed up to The Sly Fox on Fort. That sounded like a perfect idea to me.
Even in bad weather, the short walk to most establishments is not painful. I really don't like driving in the rain so, walking is just fine by me. It had been raining part of the day, and the weekend forecast was dreadful. A few minutes after leaving my house, we were at the bar ordering the special - $2 Bud Lights. I have only been to The Sly Fox on one occasion. I passed through after a Saturday afternoon soccer game. I've heard mix reviews about the crowd and the food. James knows the bartenders and has only praises. It was time to form my own opinion.
To compensate for the cold and dark weather, I ordered a bowl of cream of crab soup. While we waited for our food, we talked it up with others around the bar. Everyone was watching the Orioles and Yankees. Lucky for us, the game was in the Bronx. A game in Baltimore would have been likely postponed. It was about the 4th inning, and the Birds actually had a lead.
The food quickly arrived, and I can't make a complaint. I had to dump in more Old Bay, but that is to be expected. The soup was creamy but not to heavey. Good stuff. We washed down our meals with more Bud Lights. I don't really care for their taste, but cheap always satisfies. As the evening progressed, the jukebox tookover for an XM Alternative station. I was suprised with the crowd's selection that was mostly Paul Simon.
While I was stomping my foot to The Boxer, I realized the O's had a chance to beat the Yankees. The game was heading into the 7th with the score 6-4. James is from NY and is a Yankees fan. He was helping me catch up on baseball happenings. This season, I'd like to pay attention to the Orioles. If I didn't, I think it would be a sin. I live in the same neighborhood as Oriole Park. Back to the excitement of the game, it looked like they had a chance to get an early season victory. I was worried because; a typical Orioles team would give up the runs. They held on into the 9th by one run. The closer Key gave us a few tense moments, but Tejada nagged a line drive to end the game. Everyone in the bar, except James, was cheering. This is when I first felt like a Baltimoron. I'm pretty sure, I won't start dropping the 'Hons. Albiet, I'm proud to live in the Charm City.
Unfortunately, the Orioles dropped the next two games of the series. They are 1.5 games back of Boston, and second in the AL East. Its very early in the season, but it would be nice to care past the All Star Break. I'll start my hopes with that goal in mind. Go O's. Hopefully, much Natty Bo will be toasted in your honor well into the fall.
