When it comes to popular events and innovative food selections, Fager’s Island is your top pick for the autumn and winter season in Ocean City. The bar and restaurant, which features an endless deck that spans along the bay, is the number one spot for watching legendary sunsets, and it has tons of entertainment on tap for the second season.
    Did you know that Fager’s Island keeps microbrews, and only microbrews, on tap? Nine offerings from Troegs, Fordham, Evolution, Flying Dog, Clipper City, and Dogfish Head are on tap at all times. On Friday nights, pair your draft with awesome shrimp specials, starting at 5 p.m. Sundays at Fager’s Island bring a jazz brunch from 11 to 3 with Everett Spells, plus football and food and drink specials like half-priced fish and prime rib. Monday is also half-priced prime rib and fish. On Wednesdays, enjoy half-priced burgers, and Thursdays are Lobster Night for $9.99.
    A plethora of events are on the schedule for October and November. On Friday night, October 28, kick off Halloween with an incredible performance by Rock Bottom. This KISS tribute bands plays classic hits in full costumes and make-up. On Saturday night, October 29, Fager’s throws its annual costume contest with Toxic Mouse on stage at 10:00, and over $500 in cash and prizes.
    On November 4, Fager’s Island acknowledges Fallfest Weekend with “You Don’t Know Jack,” a night of bluegrass, BBQ, Evolution craft beers, and whiskey tasting. Chester River Runoff and Saltwater String Band will provide the live bluegrass. On Saturday, November 5, the third annual Shell Shocked at Fager’s Island takes place from 1:00 to 5:00. Enjoy all-you-can-eat oysters, BBQ ribs, chicken, and unlimited Evolution beer. Opposite Directions and friends will provide plenty of live entertainment during this popular event, which grows bigger each year. Call 410-524-5500 or visit www.fagers.com <http://www.fagers.com/>  for advance tickets.
    A very special event is coming to Fager’s Island on Monday, November 7. A beloved employee at Fager’s Island, Charles Keenan, has been fiercely battling his tragic cancer diagnosis. On November 7, Fager’s Island hosts a relief fundraiser featuring a silent auction, food and drink, and music by DJ Wax. A golf tournament takes place earlier in the day. For more information, please visit http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=134685463299087.
    The Coconut Malorie & Fager’s Island is the proud host of Ocean City’s Winterfest Gala on November 18. A black-tie event, this annual party features an open bar, samples from the Delmarva Chefs and Cooks Association, contemporary music by the UMES Jazz Orchestra, The Quake, and the Gladden Luck Project. All proceeds benefit the Coastal Hospice at the Ocean Residence Project. Tickets are available at www.winterfestgala.com <http://www.winterfestgala.com/> .
    Also in November, Thanksgiving at Fager’s Island presents turkey, traditional stuffing, cider glazed ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes, sugar snap peas, and fresh cranberry relish. Afterward, the annual Thanksgiving Reunion Party is the only place in town to dance the night away.
    In addition to its Fine Dining and Lite Fare menus, Fager’s Island recently debuted its new Small Plate Menu. My boyfriend, Joey Steward, and I sampled the Small Plate Menu during football Sunday this week, and we cherished an awe-inspiring sunset over the bay. We began our meal with Fried Green Tomatoes topped with Blue Crab in a pear remoulade. Fresh and heaping with crabmeat, this small plate is hearty and filling. We also ordered Accomack Oyster Rockefeller. “These local oysters will give you energy,” says bartender Mike, who also filled our pints with Evolution Craft Brewing Jacques Au Lantern Pumpkin Ale. Indeed, this small plate is elegantly presented with juicy oysters piled high with flavorful ingredients and lightly baked.
    For our second course, we shared a small plate of Nori Crusted Seared Tuna Tenderloin. Served with basil-wasabi aioli, this dish is a crowd pleaser. Per Mike’s suggestion, Joey and I finished our meal with a small plate of Chicken Livers and Water Chestnuts in Bacon. Served with horseradish sauce, the Chicken Livers is the longest running appetizer at Fager’s Island. Since 1976, customers have tried the dish and loved it. Now Joey and I can add ourselves to that list.
    Other tempting items on the Small Plate Menu are Backfin Crab Cake, Lobster Tempura with a citrus ponzu dipping sauce, and Beef Tenderloin Kabob with Worcestershire glaze. Fresh Fried Calamari & Shrimp is served with three dipping sauces. Fresh Mozzarella, Ripe Tomato, and Basil Leaves are drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. Bacon Wrapped BBQ Shrimp is topped with Hawaiian BBQ sauce and tropical pineapple salsa.
    Everything on the Small Plate Menu is creative and fresh. Scallops are available blackened with cilantro oil or Asian baked and topped with imperial sauce. Eastern Shore Fried Oysters and sautéed Mardi Gras Shrimp top off the Small Plate Menu. All of the items on the menu are reasonably priced in the range of $10.
    As we finished our meal and took our eyes away from the multiple football games broadcasting on several flat screen televisions, the sunset orchestra music cued up as the sun descended into the bay. We stepped outside and admired the sunset backdrop behind the pier and gazebo that extend from Fager’s expansive deck. As we snapped photographs of the picturesque sunset, we met a new friend, Dennis Norwood, who is an avid photographer with an impressive camera. He was kind enough to snap some photos of Joey and me in front of the surreal sunset. Have fun in Jamaica, Dennis.
    Remember that Fager’s Island is also renowned for its light fare and fine dining menus. During the summer season, Monday Night Deck Parties are world famous, and bachelorette crawls are popular year-round at the bar and restaurant. Fager’s Island is open year-round, with light fare served at 11 a.m., and dinner served at 5 p.m. Early bird specials apply before 6 p.m. For more information, call 410-524-5500 or visit www.fagers.com <http://www.fagers.com/> .