Octane

It should be noted that Octane (and Incognito) were visited by a larger-than-usual contingent of Barflies, as, in a nod to the holiday season, wives and significant others were invited to join us. Ten of us squeezed into the small, cozy bar, situated on Acushnet Avenue, a block north of St. Anthony's Church. Although space was at a premium, it was comfortable and Octane proved to be a welcome and formidable addition to the multitude of bars, clubs and taverns on "the Ave." Served by a lovely young woman, Kelly, she did her best to tend to all the Barflies, that swarmed in (in pairs) and gathered at the window end of the bar. Mr Draft ordered a Wachusett Blueberry Ale, noticing that the draft choices also included two from Sam Adams, beyond the usual macro-brew selections. Unsure what she wanted, Mrs. Draft accepted Kelly's suggestion of a hot coffee drink, with several liquors added, that kicked it above the tired, old Irish coffee. (Mr. Draft is of the mind that Irish coffee is a waste of perfectly good coffee, Bailey's, and whipped cream, all of which are better enjoyed in other applications). Mr. (and Mrs. Merlot) partook in a substansial, fortified Portuguese wine. Mr. Cork opted for a bottle of Portuguese beer, and Mrs. Cork, disturbed by a wine that had seemingly turned bad, resorted to ginger ale. Octane is a little gem, situated in a transitory neighborhood, surrounded by a bodega, tenement buildings, a flophouse, a 7-Eleven, and a few boarded up storefronts. But it is worth the visit...the interior is beautifully maintained, the decor is simple and classy, and the bar is well-stocked. There is a pool table in a back alcove, which was well-played on the night of the Barflies' visit. Mr. Elixir, the official "munchies" critic, was disappointed that a few advertised items (the chourico sandwich, the meat pie) were not available, but he enjoyed a stuffed quahog, that he described as having "nice chunks of meat...warm, bready" but in need of a bit more spice. It seems as though the owner and staff of Octane have high hopes not only for the bar, but for the neighborhood itself....a hope that Mr. Draft also sustains. Octane, despite Mrs. Cork's fizzy wine, rates an 8. (Roll Call: Mr. Draft, Mrs. Draft, Mr. Cork, Mrs. Cork, Mr. Merlot, Mrs. Merlot, Mr. Mix, Mrs. Mix, Mr. Elixir, Madame Mai-Tai)