Atlantic Antic

Sunday was the famous Atlantic Antic and a group of us gathered at my place to form up, have a mimosa, and then head on out.

The Gathering Of The Herd


We didn't tarry too long before moving on out for the fun.

On The Way


As always there was plenty to see.

Hula Hooping In Front Of Last Exit


Belly Dancing Too


And A Band In Front Of Moxie


I once again started out the day by stopping into Montero which is just across the street from the official end of the Atlantic Antic. I think next year I might save this until the end because it is kind of a quick start.

Montero, A Block Too Far


Actually only three of us hit Montero. We really did need some adult supervision, though.

Bob, Bernie, And Bar Man


My old pal Pilar was there and she didn't help matters by insisting that she buy the first round. Of course we didn't help by making that round beers and shots.

Old Buddy Pilar


Then protocol required that we buy a round ourselves so without really hitting the fair we were already two beers and two shots into our day. Oh, yeah, and a mimosa or two.

The bartender was quite friendly, as everyone in this place always is. I am sure I asked her for her name, but somehow I forgot it.

Our Attentive And Attractive Bartender


Eventually we did make it back to the fair where Bob and Bernie studied their food options.

Hmm, What Looks Good


Grilled Shish Ka Bobs


Mexican Style Grilled Corn


These kids were having fun bringing out their inner Michelangelo.

Hmm, A Bit More Red, Perhaps


The streets were really packed so by the time I got to the Waterfront Ale House I had to stand behind the band to listen to the music. In my opinion, the best band in the whole Atlantic Antic.

Music At The Waterfront




There were a lot of old buses on the street too.

Do You Go To Macy's?


And, for those of you who remember and were fans of The Honeymooners, the bus that Ralph drove.

The Jackie Gleason Special


Well, I wish I had more for you, but after this we hit The Brazen Head.

Brazen Head


and then wondered aimlessly before hitting Robin Des Bois for dinner.

Robin Des Bois




But I had lost my focus (and probably my ability to focus) and didn't take any more pictures. Well, now I know why I don't do this professionally.

Next year I promise I won't start at Monetero and will make a concentrated effort to do a better job of documenting my day.

Get Ready - Atlantic Antic Coming Soon

This Sunday is my favorite street fair in all of New York. It goes far beyond the usual generic street fairs that abound all summer long. You know, the grilled Italian sausages with peppers, the traveling purveyors of the same old products...BORING!!!



Well, trust me, the Atlantic Antic is something altogether different. Admittedly, you can still get your grilled Italian sausages, but so much more.

Try To Stuff This Into A Hot Dog Bun


The fair is about a mile long and you can't walk far without coming across either a stage or some other live music venue. Plus the many restaurants that line Atlantic Avenue have their own food offerings which run the gamut from pulled pork sandwiches at the Waterfront Ale House to grilled sardines at La Mancha.



At many of the restaurants they have outdoor eating areas set up where you can sit and enjoy the day and, gasp, even have a beer. Now don't tell anyone I said this, but they are also pretty lax about letting you walk around with a plastic cup of your favorite brew. This used to be the way all the street fairs were before the illustrious Rudy G. put a stop to that back when he was mayor. Got to protect our streets from fun, don't you know.

Some of my favorite places to stop by for a bite to eat, a bit of music, and a brew or two include:

The Brazen Head


The Waterfront Ale House (big surprise there)


Floyd (where you can play bocce ball inside)


Way down at the other end of Atlantic Antic, but well worth the walk, is Hanks. They always have a dynamite group playing and you really owe it to yourself to stop in here. It might look like it has been abandoned, but trust me, it is one happening place.

Hanks


In my opinion, if you only get to one street fair in your life, this is probably the one you want it to be. As you can see from these pictures that I took last year, you won't be alone.

New York Press Responds

The New York Press did, indeed, publish my letter questioning the title of their "Best of Manhattan" edition.

MAILBOX

This Week: A clarification about last week’s “Best of Manhattan” edition; some stoner love, followed by Streep affection; and then yet another slam on Armond White for his apparent poor taste.


Brooklyn-Bound Best Of

May I humbly suggest that your “Best of Manhattan 2008” edition (Sept. 24-30) was inappropriately named? It seems that a number of your Best ofs were in boroughs other than Manhattan. My borough, Brooklyn, popped up numerous times, including: Best Straight First Date (Floyd), Best Shrine To Obsessive-Compulsive Collecting (City Reliquary), Best Open-Air Venue (The Yard), Best Book Store (Word), etc.

Whatever were you thinking?

—Dan Freeman, Brooklyn

Editor’s Note: You are correct, Dan, we did award several “Best of” categories to places outside of Manhattan. We stated as much in our intro, since the Press has been producing a “Best of Manhattan” edition for close to two decades (back when it was originally more difficult to discover great things in outlying areas) and have been reluctant to drop the title. But thanks for reminding us of the fallacy.