As many of you probably know, the New Jersey Nets have been bought by Mikhail Prokhorov and will be moving to Brooklyn (right down the street from me) in a couple of years. The papers have been filed to change the name, but no new name has been selected, that we know of.
Here are a few of my suggestions:
It seems like the Brooklyn Nyets would be a natural.
Brooklyn Bombers would be cool, but that is probably politically incorrect these days.
Given the controversy over the traffic congestion the new arena is supposed to cause the Brooklyn Jammers might not be bad.
And, of course, the Brooklyn Shooting Tsars has a certain ring to it.
Feel free to pass along any suggestions.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
The Oceanario
We headed out to visit the Lisbon Oceanario one day and it was a fun little trip. As usual it started with a subway ride, and I did like the artwork at the stop where we got off (no dirty thoughts, we just got off the subway).
Artwork On The Walls
I like aquariums, although I have grown a bit weary of the one at Coney Island. It has a bit of that shabby, run-down look to it and is not nearly as well maintained as the Lisbon Oceanario which was built for the World's Fair that was held here (Lisbon) in 1998.
The Lisbon Oceanario
It is the world's second largest aquarium, the largest being in Osaka, Japan. That information is from the TimeOut guidebook, so it may or may not be entirely accurate. Another guidebook simply said it was the largest in Europe and one of the largest in the world.
There is a large central tank and then four smaller ones that represent the Arctic, Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans. Each of the four smaller tanks are topped by a room that represents the coastal area of the respective ocean. Very nicely done.
I liked the large sculpture, made out of crushed cans, that loomed over the entry.
Soda Nice
Ready For My Close-Up
We got the headsets so we could get information on the stuff we were looking at. I learned that the Arctic Ocean is the only one that is surrounded entirely by other bodies of water, no land. Interesting, I thought.
Oh, and I learned that sea otters have a little pouch under their front arms, or legs, where they can store things.
Mr. Otter, Just Chilling Out
I am not sure what was going on here, but it looked like a naked twister party I was at once back in the sixties, or was it the seventies? All I remember is the smell of baby lotion. Ah, those were the days.
Whose Turn Is It Now?
The Mysterious Chinese Woman seemed to be bonding with whatever kind of fish this was.
Pucker Up
I always like looking at the penquins.
Cute Little Things
I don't remember what these were, but they were extremely loud.
Loud Birds
And, of course, there were little things for the kids as well.
Look Ma, I Can Swim
I mentioned how clean this place was. They have divers go in every day to clean out the tanks, and it really shows.
The whole area around the Oceanario is very nice with shops and apartment buildings or condos or something that look like they would be spectacular.
What A View
And all along the river, or ocean (I never could quite keep them straight) were little parks and more sculptures that, I think, were also left over from the World Fair.
Lions And Tigers And Giraffes, Oh My!!
I am not sure who this guy was.
Maybe The World Fair Mascot
There were a number of these fountains that were supposed to be water volcanoes. If you weren't careful you could get a bit of a soaking when they "erupted."
Lying Dormant, For The Moment
There was a marina not too far away with a bunch of outdoor restaurants that were just perfect for a light lunch and a beer. I asked a woman sitting at one which one she recommended. She pointed us to this one and it was a good call.
Reminded Me Of Brighton Beach
I am not sure why I didn't take more pictures of the food. I do recall it was quite good. Of course I did manage to get the requisite picture of me with a beer, though.
To Be Expected
There was this sky-ride going off to somewhere, but I couldn't seem to drum up any interest in taking it.
Who Knows What We Missed
That is a pretty spectacular bridge in the background.
On the way back to the subway we passed another little park that was built like a marshland.
Another Little Park
It looked like there was quite a bit of new construction that had just been finished and was waiting for tenants. A whole row of places with what looked like commercial space on the first floor and residences up above. They were all empty, though.
This was a nice day-trip and, if you are ever in Lisbon, should not be missed. Fun for all ages. And, if you plan on going to Europe, I highly recommend Lisbon. I put it right up there with Paris and well ahead of Rome. Just my opinion, of course.
I will sort through my photos and see if I have enough for one more post about Lisbon, kind of an odds and ends sort of post. We shall see.
Heading out to Staten Island this evening to see my beloved Cyclones play the hated Staten Island Yankees. The Cyclones are tearing up the league this year and definitely play-off bound. Unfortunately, I will be in Germany and the Czech Republic when play-offs are going on. I am trying to work up the courage to wear my Brett Favre Jets jersey tonight. Maybe not.
Artwork On The Walls
I like aquariums, although I have grown a bit weary of the one at Coney Island. It has a bit of that shabby, run-down look to it and is not nearly as well maintained as the Lisbon Oceanario which was built for the World's Fair that was held here (Lisbon) in 1998.
The Lisbon Oceanario
It is the world's second largest aquarium, the largest being in Osaka, Japan. That information is from the TimeOut guidebook, so it may or may not be entirely accurate. Another guidebook simply said it was the largest in Europe and one of the largest in the world.
There is a large central tank and then four smaller ones that represent the Arctic, Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans. Each of the four smaller tanks are topped by a room that represents the coastal area of the respective ocean. Very nicely done.
I liked the large sculpture, made out of crushed cans, that loomed over the entry.
Soda Nice
Ready For My Close-Up
We got the headsets so we could get information on the stuff we were looking at. I learned that the Arctic Ocean is the only one that is surrounded entirely by other bodies of water, no land. Interesting, I thought.
Oh, and I learned that sea otters have a little pouch under their front arms, or legs, where they can store things.
Mr. Otter, Just Chilling Out
I am not sure what was going on here, but it looked like a naked twister party I was at once back in the sixties, or was it the seventies? All I remember is the smell of baby lotion. Ah, those were the days.
Whose Turn Is It Now?
The Mysterious Chinese Woman seemed to be bonding with whatever kind of fish this was.
Pucker Up
I always like looking at the penquins.
Cute Little Things
I don't remember what these were, but they were extremely loud.
Loud Birds
And, of course, there were little things for the kids as well.
Look Ma, I Can Swim
I mentioned how clean this place was. They have divers go in every day to clean out the tanks, and it really shows.
The whole area around the Oceanario is very nice with shops and apartment buildings or condos or something that look like they would be spectacular.
What A View
And all along the river, or ocean (I never could quite keep them straight) were little parks and more sculptures that, I think, were also left over from the World Fair.
Lions And Tigers And Giraffes, Oh My!!
I am not sure who this guy was.
Maybe The World Fair Mascot
There were a number of these fountains that were supposed to be water volcanoes. If you weren't careful you could get a bit of a soaking when they "erupted."
Lying Dormant, For The Moment
There was a marina not too far away with a bunch of outdoor restaurants that were just perfect for a light lunch and a beer. I asked a woman sitting at one which one she recommended. She pointed us to this one and it was a good call.
Reminded Me Of Brighton Beach
I am not sure why I didn't take more pictures of the food. I do recall it was quite good. Of course I did manage to get the requisite picture of me with a beer, though.
To Be Expected
There was this sky-ride going off to somewhere, but I couldn't seem to drum up any interest in taking it.
Who Knows What We Missed
That is a pretty spectacular bridge in the background.
On the way back to the subway we passed another little park that was built like a marshland.
Another Little Park
It looked like there was quite a bit of new construction that had just been finished and was waiting for tenants. A whole row of places with what looked like commercial space on the first floor and residences up above. They were all empty, though.
This was a nice day-trip and, if you are ever in Lisbon, should not be missed. Fun for all ages. And, if you plan on going to Europe, I highly recommend Lisbon. I put it right up there with Paris and well ahead of Rome. Just my opinion, of course.
I will sort through my photos and see if I have enough for one more post about Lisbon, kind of an odds and ends sort of post. We shall see.
Heading out to Staten Island this evening to see my beloved Cyclones play the hated Staten Island Yankees. The Cyclones are tearing up the league this year and definitely play-off bound. Unfortunately, I will be in Germany and the Czech Republic when play-offs are going on. I am trying to work up the courage to wear my Brett Favre Jets jersey tonight. Maybe not.
One Of Those Mornings
You ever wake up, look at the newspaper, and then want to jump right back under the covers? This morning was one of those mornings and I don't know which of this gallimaufry is the worst:
Brett Favre un-retiring but once again swearing this will be his last year.
Lindsay Lohen getting $1 million from OK! magazine for her first post-jail-and-rehab interview.
Steven Tyler becoming a judge on American Idol.
I promise, I will post about my visit to the Lisbon aquarium later, after I recover. Now where is my whis..., er, I mean coffee.
Oh, "gallimaufry" is a new word I learned today. Came across it while reading The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. It means a jumble or medley of things and comes from the archaic French word "galimafree" that means 'unappetizing dish.' I know this is why you read this blog, for these little tidbits of information.
By the way, I am about a third of the way through The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and am enjoying it a lot.
Brett Favre un-retiring but once again swearing this will be his last year.
Lindsay Lohen getting $1 million from OK! magazine for her first post-jail-and-rehab interview.
Steven Tyler becoming a judge on American Idol.
I promise, I will post about my visit to the Lisbon aquarium later, after I recover. Now where is my whis..., er, I mean coffee.
Oh, "gallimaufry" is a new word I learned today. Came across it while reading The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. It means a jumble or medley of things and comes from the archaic French word "galimafree" that means 'unappetizing dish.' I know this is why you read this blog, for these little tidbits of information.
By the way, I am about a third of the way through The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and am enjoying it a lot.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Random Musings
I haven't seen any figures released for the attendance at the Jets/Giants (or was it Giants/Jets) pre-season game. I wonder if that is because they were so low? Can't say for sure, but from watching the game on television and seeing pictures in the newspapers it looked like there were a lot of empty seats.
Brett made a visit to Minneapolis in a private jet painted Vikings purple and gold, so I guess once again he may be un-retiring. And it seems like only yesterday when he tearfully retired from the Green Bay Packers and professional football. And then the Jets and professional football. Gosh, how time does fly.
My hero is the owner of the Oak & Iris Cafe who cancelled his weekly sing-alongs because parents couldn't, or wouldn't, control their children. He said out-of-control kids danced on tables, broke dishes and pulled bottles out of a refrigerator and threw them on the floor. Parents, of course, were outraged and one said "To set yourself up as kid-friendly and then be appalled by a normal range of kid behavior seems bizzare to me." What seems bizzarre to me is what parents now consider to be a normal range of "kid behavior."
With high school graduation rates less than 60% in many states, I am surprised our unemployment rate is as low as it is. It amazes me that noone seems willing to connect the two. The United States no longer has many jobs for people with less than a high school education. And we don't seem to do a very good job of educating our young.
People who continue criticising the building of a "mosque" at "ground zero" have, apparently, never visited downtown Manhattan. The proposed "mosque" is in a run-down area, an area with strip clubs, bars, adult video/bookstores, tacky souvenir shops and vacant buildings, that is two blocks away and cannot even be seen from "ground zero." Whether you are for or against the building of this Islamic culture center, and, yes, it does contain a mosque, is not the point. The point is that it is not being built at or across the street from "ground zero."
Given that it is legal in New York for women to go without tops, why don't I see more bare-breasted women?
Why is the legal drinking age in the United States so much higher than anywhere else in the world where drinking is legal?
Tomorrow I will post about my trip to the aquarium in Lisbon. Did you know that the ocean sunfish is the largest bony fish in the world?
Bigger Than The Sunfish I Used To Catch
And, before everyone jumps on me for "defending" the building of a mosque in downtown Manhattan, read what I wrote more carefully. You will notice the only thing I did was criticise people for mis-representing where it is being built. Kind of like when I get upset at my brother-in-law for saying I live in Brooklyn Heights when I actually live a block away in Downtown Brooklyn.
And why do you spell "criticise" with an "s" but "criticized" with a "z". Or am I confused about this?
Brett made a visit to Minneapolis in a private jet painted Vikings purple and gold, so I guess once again he may be un-retiring. And it seems like only yesterday when he tearfully retired from the Green Bay Packers and professional football. And then the Jets and professional football. Gosh, how time does fly.
My hero is the owner of the Oak & Iris Cafe who cancelled his weekly sing-alongs because parents couldn't, or wouldn't, control their children. He said out-of-control kids danced on tables, broke dishes and pulled bottles out of a refrigerator and threw them on the floor. Parents, of course, were outraged and one said "To set yourself up as kid-friendly and then be appalled by a normal range of kid behavior seems bizzare to me." What seems bizzarre to me is what parents now consider to be a normal range of "kid behavior."
With high school graduation rates less than 60% in many states, I am surprised our unemployment rate is as low as it is. It amazes me that noone seems willing to connect the two. The United States no longer has many jobs for people with less than a high school education. And we don't seem to do a very good job of educating our young.
People who continue criticising the building of a "mosque" at "ground zero" have, apparently, never visited downtown Manhattan. The proposed "mosque" is in a run-down area, an area with strip clubs, bars, adult video/bookstores, tacky souvenir shops and vacant buildings, that is two blocks away and cannot even be seen from "ground zero." Whether you are for or against the building of this Islamic culture center, and, yes, it does contain a mosque, is not the point. The point is that it is not being built at or across the street from "ground zero."
Given that it is legal in New York for women to go without tops, why don't I see more bare-breasted women?
Why is the legal drinking age in the United States so much higher than anywhere else in the world where drinking is legal?
Tomorrow I will post about my trip to the aquarium in Lisbon. Did you know that the ocean sunfish is the largest bony fish in the world?
Bigger Than The Sunfish I Used To Catch
And, before everyone jumps on me for "defending" the building of a mosque in downtown Manhattan, read what I wrote more carefully. You will notice the only thing I did was criticise people for mis-representing where it is being built. Kind of like when I get upset at my brother-in-law for saying I live in Brooklyn Heights when I actually live a block away in Downtown Brooklyn.
And why do you spell "criticise" with an "s" but "criticized" with a "z". Or am I confused about this?
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Estoril
Finally, after too many distractions, back to Lisbon. This time a day trip to Estoril.
Estoril
Estoril was once a grand resort for titled Europeans and its casino, supposedly, was the inspiration for Ian Fleming's Casino Royale. The lustre has faded a bit, but it is still a very nice beach with several night clubs and beach-side restaurants.
It is a relatively short and inexpensive train ride from Lisbon and that is how we went.
As usual, the trip starts with a subway trip, this time to the train station.
It Was All Just A Blur
Apparently the move to install machines is not limited to just the subway stations but also includes the trains as well. There was some confusion but they did have someone helping people figure them out. Still, it was a bit hectic.
Confusion Reigns
But, it was an orderly confusion so it wasn't too bad. And before we knew it we were at Estoril and disembarking.
Off The Train And To The Beach
And To The Beach
And a mighty fine beach it was. And, surprisingly to someone used to the crowds at Coney Island, uncrowded.
Beach Pictures
Right by the train station there were a few places that sold your typical beach stuff: plastic pails and shovels, suntan lotion, sodas, snacks, the usual. I just bought an English language newspaper.
There is a really nice and long boardwalk that we strolled along, and even a little walk-up bar.
All Of The Amenities
After strolling for a bit we got a bit peckish and went looking for a place to have a little nosh.
Bolina Fit The Bill
Nothing like sitting by the sea and eating seafood. This place really did hit the spot and, after walking the beach, the Mysterious Chinese Woman was ready for a beer.
Slaking Her Thirst
Breaking from tradition, I seem to have opted for wine. Maybe I had a beer earlier, I really don't remember. Or maybe this is a beer.
Who Knows?
And the food was quite good. But then almost everywhere we have eaten in Portugal has had very good food.
The Mysterious Chinese Woman had some kind of a seafood shishkabob.
And Potatoes
The Mysterious Sister-In-Law opted for shrimp.
Fresh From The Sea
I Had Clams
After we ate the Mysterious Sisters headed off to, well, wherever Mysterious Sisters head off to. I think they were going shopping. Probably wanted to buy some plastic pails and shovels and play in the sand a bit. I opted to stay behind and have some port while I read my newspaper. And get sunburnt.
This Is The Life
Estoril must change once the sun goes down. I suspect that is when the nightclubs start to crank up and the younger crowd moves in. I read in the paper that there were some problems here earlier in the week when members of a couple of gangs got into it. And as it got later the number of police in evidence increased dramatically. But all was peaceful while we were there and we had a mighty fine day.
Estoril
Estoril was once a grand resort for titled Europeans and its casino, supposedly, was the inspiration for Ian Fleming's Casino Royale. The lustre has faded a bit, but it is still a very nice beach with several night clubs and beach-side restaurants.
It is a relatively short and inexpensive train ride from Lisbon and that is how we went.
As usual, the trip starts with a subway trip, this time to the train station.
It Was All Just A Blur
Apparently the move to install machines is not limited to just the subway stations but also includes the trains as well. There was some confusion but they did have someone helping people figure them out. Still, it was a bit hectic.
Confusion Reigns
But, it was an orderly confusion so it wasn't too bad. And before we knew it we were at Estoril and disembarking.
Off The Train And To The Beach
And To The Beach
And a mighty fine beach it was. And, surprisingly to someone used to the crowds at Coney Island, uncrowded.
Beach Pictures
Right by the train station there were a few places that sold your typical beach stuff: plastic pails and shovels, suntan lotion, sodas, snacks, the usual. I just bought an English language newspaper.
There is a really nice and long boardwalk that we strolled along, and even a little walk-up bar.
All Of The Amenities
After strolling for a bit we got a bit peckish and went looking for a place to have a little nosh.
Bolina Fit The Bill
Nothing like sitting by the sea and eating seafood. This place really did hit the spot and, after walking the beach, the Mysterious Chinese Woman was ready for a beer.
Slaking Her Thirst
Breaking from tradition, I seem to have opted for wine. Maybe I had a beer earlier, I really don't remember. Or maybe this is a beer.
Who Knows?
And the food was quite good. But then almost everywhere we have eaten in Portugal has had very good food.
The Mysterious Chinese Woman had some kind of a seafood shishkabob.
And Potatoes
The Mysterious Sister-In-Law opted for shrimp.
Fresh From The Sea
I Had Clams
After we ate the Mysterious Sisters headed off to, well, wherever Mysterious Sisters head off to. I think they were going shopping. Probably wanted to buy some plastic pails and shovels and play in the sand a bit. I opted to stay behind and have some port while I read my newspaper. And get sunburnt.
This Is The Life
Estoril must change once the sun goes down. I suspect that is when the nightclubs start to crank up and the younger crowd moves in. I read in the paper that there were some problems here earlier in the week when members of a couple of gangs got into it. And as it got later the number of police in evidence increased dramatically. But all was peaceful while we were there and we had a mighty fine day.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Black Outs
If the Jets don't sell out and a game is blacked out on television, does it get blacked out in New Jersey or in New York?
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Arrgh!!!
The first two pages in the New York Daily News sports section are about, not the Yankees, not the Mets, not the Jets, not the Giants, not even Tiger Woods. It is about, hold your breath, Isiah Thomas.
And, in a shocking turn of events, it wasn't the NCAA, that bastion of morality and all things holy, except perhaps graduating athletes that read at about the 6th grade level and passing out greenies like they are candy and coaches that make millions. But, then again, I graduated from the University of Minnesota and I couldn't make one out of ten free throws (wait, neither can Shaq). It was the NBA that other upholder of all things moral (except for drinking, drugs, assualt and battery, imprisonment, you name it) that said this was just too much.
Hell, Isiah pushed K-Rod's arrest for assualt and battery against his father-in-law to to the second pages of the sports section (although it did make the front page right next to J. Lo's being rejected as an American Idol judge).
Too much Isiah, you have got to be kidding.
Nude female dwarf mud-wrestling is a step up from the Knicks, the NBA (King James with the "CHOSEN 1" tatoo across his back) and professional sports (how can I feed my family on just $12 million a year) in general.
Female dwarfs with a bikini wax are hot.
And, in a shocking turn of events, it wasn't the NCAA, that bastion of morality and all things holy, except perhaps graduating athletes that read at about the 6th grade level and passing out greenies like they are candy and coaches that make millions. But, then again, I graduated from the University of Minnesota and I couldn't make one out of ten free throws (wait, neither can Shaq). It was the NBA that other upholder of all things moral (except for drinking, drugs, assualt and battery, imprisonment, you name it) that said this was just too much.
Hell, Isiah pushed K-Rod's arrest for assualt and battery against his father-in-law to to the second pages of the sports section (although it did make the front page right next to J. Lo's being rejected as an American Idol judge).
Too much Isiah, you have got to be kidding.
Nude female dwarf mud-wrestling is a step up from the Knicks, the NBA (King James with the "CHOSEN 1" tatoo across his back) and professional sports (how can I feed my family on just $12 million a year) in general.
Female dwarfs with a bikini wax are hot.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Here We Go Again
And yet another egotistical professional athelete who has to be paid more than anyone else in his position. Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis, who has been offered $120 million over ten years, won't accept the offer because Nnamdi Asomugha, cornerback for Oakland, will average $16.5 million over the next two years.
Meanwhile, a family of four attending a Jet's game and sitting in some of the cheaper seats at $120 a pop, paying $25 for parking, $8.75 for a beers, $6 for hot dogs, $5 for French fries can expect to drop about $600 to go to a game. And that is before paying thousands for a PSL.
I am begining to hate professional sports. Although I did just subscribe to Sports Illustrated so I could get a Vikings jacket. Now, now my Jets fan buddies, I already have a couple of Jets jackets and I promise to only occasionally wear the Vikings jacket to torment you.
And the hundred or so Knicks tee-shirts I have (handed out for free back when I used to go to the games) are great for wearing to the gym and for dusting.
Meanwhile, Tiger Woods after refusing to say he would accept a captain's pick for the Ryder Cup because he would play his way onto the team, has back-tracked. Doesn't sound like he is quite so confident in himself anymore.
The only bright spot concerning "professional sports" is that Linda McMahon won the Connecticut GOP Senate primary yesterday. Does anyone but me see a Palin/McMahon Presidential ticket in the future?
Meanwhile, a family of four attending a Jet's game and sitting in some of the cheaper seats at $120 a pop, paying $25 for parking, $8.75 for a beers, $6 for hot dogs, $5 for French fries can expect to drop about $600 to go to a game. And that is before paying thousands for a PSL.
I am begining to hate professional sports. Although I did just subscribe to Sports Illustrated so I could get a Vikings jacket. Now, now my Jets fan buddies, I already have a couple of Jets jackets and I promise to only occasionally wear the Vikings jacket to torment you.
And the hundred or so Knicks tee-shirts I have (handed out for free back when I used to go to the games) are great for wearing to the gym and for dusting.
Meanwhile, Tiger Woods after refusing to say he would accept a captain's pick for the Ryder Cup because he would play his way onto the team, has back-tracked. Doesn't sound like he is quite so confident in himself anymore.
The only bright spot concerning "professional sports" is that Linda McMahon won the Connecticut GOP Senate primary yesterday. Does anyone but me see a Palin/McMahon Presidential ticket in the future?
Monday, August 09, 2010
A Bright Day At Brighton Beach
Well, the day started out at Brighton Beach. I had heard about a new "beer garden" right on the boardwalk so I decided to check it out before heading to a Cyclones game later in the evening.
Le Soleil Draft Barn
Beer garden might be a bit of a stretch, but it is a nice outdoor area for drinking beer. It is the outdoor portion of Wintergarden, one of several Russian eateries along the boardwalk. The interior is still Wintergarden, but one of the waitresses says that it will convert in the winter so the whole place will be Le Soleil Draft Barn.
They have a nice selection of beers. I think they have about 120 different beers in bottles, mostly imported, and maybe a dozen or so on draft.
A Couple Of Cold Ones
I had a BrouCzech Lager and it really hit the spot. It is brewed in Nova Paka, in the Czech Republic and the history of the brewery kind of goes back to the 13th century. Kind of, because although beer was brewed in Nova Paka back then, that brewery is long gone, having burnt down several times over a 600 year period. In 1871 a new brewery and malt house was built and that one is still brewing the beer.
The beer is 5% ABV and pours with a nice white head. It is dark gold and has a pleasant malty smell with a whiff of hops. A good combination of the sweetness of the malt and the bitterness of the hops. The sweetness is what lingers on the palate. It comes in a 23 ounce bottle and went for a very reasonable six bucks.
Enjoying My Cold One
The Mysterious Chinese Woman prefers the summer white beers and they had a good one, a St. Berardus Witbier. This is a Belgium beer and, although it looked lighter, it was actually a bit stronger than mine, 5.5% ABV.
It was a cloudy yellow, kind of the color of straw. It had a lemony spice smell to it and tasted the same. Very refreshing and quite perfect for sitting almost on the beach. It was a bit pricier than mine at nine bucks a bottle, but nothing is too good for the Mysterious Chinese Woman. Just ask her. And they served it in the appropriate tulip glass.
We sat there and enjoyed our beers while watching the little kids play with their toy trucks on the beach.
My Turn, My Turn
And you could just enjoy watching the people walk by.
Or, At Least, I Could
They also have very good food here. Wintergarden always had, in my opinion, pretty good food, as do all of the Russian restaurants on this stretch of the boardwalk. We had shrimp and mussels and they were simply delicious. At $12 they weren't cheap, but well worth the price.
A Tasty Beer And Beach Treat
After finishing up our beers (I had two) we headed on down the boardwalk towards where the Cyclones would be playing. I was somewhat happy to see that the new rides in the space formerly occupied by Astroland were doing well and looked nice.
The New Steeplechase Park
But, of course, I had Ruby's on my mind.
Best Beach Dive Bar In The World
The place just continues to get more run down because, with the uncertain lease status, the owners don't want to sink any money into fixing it up. They are down to just one bathroom now, but at least it is fairly clean. And for the price of my beer at Le Soleil Draft Barn, here you got a Sam Adams out of the bottle. If you wanted a glass it would be plastic.
Hey, Sam Adams Is Good Too
I will be sad to see this place go, but I am afraid Ruby's days are numbered. It does keep hanging on, though and, in my opinion, really does deserve a landmark status. They just don't build them like this anymore.
My next stop was the Freak Bar, adjacent to a modern version of a freak show. No more pinheads and bearded ladies, but you still have heavily tatooed fire eaters, sword swallowers and contortionists.
The Freak Bar
They even have a small brewery next to the place but you can't tour it. You can only buy souvenirs.
A Brewery Lurks Within
Now, in my opinion, Freak Bar is even more of a dive than Ruby's. Kind of like something you might find in a relatives basement. Minimal is the word.
A Bare Bones Bar
This stuff on top of the beer cooler is about the extent of their decorating. But at least I know where that monkey from "Toy Story 3" ended up.
How Far The Mighty Do Fall
The only reason Freak Bar doesn't qualify as the world's best beach dive bar is that it isn't that close to the beach. It is in that still kind of seedy area of Coney Island. The parts that make Coney Island what it is today.
Just Off The Beach
Being A Blockhead, I Had The Blockhead
I shouldn't have ordered this one. Not only is it a hefty 10% ABV, it is a heavy Russian stout type of beer and not really suitable for a day at the beach. Although being in Freak Bar you don't really feel like you are anywhere near a beach. It is more reminiscent of the East Village in Manhattan back in the good-old-days when it was dangerous. Well, the East Village is still dangerous, but now it is because of the strollers banging you in the ankles, not because of the drug-dealers and casual muggings.
After finishing up my beer we headed over to Peggy O'Neill's for our pre-game party.
Party, Party, Party
They had the standard pre-game fair, the always popular cheeseburgers, beans and Budweiser.
A Bit Of A Pre-Game Nosh
And the Mysterious Chinese Woman was ready for a bit of a snack.
Move It Along, I'm Hungry
More Of A Hotdog Person
And then we went to the game. It really is a nice looking ballpark.
The View From Our Seats
And the Cyclones beat the Muckdogs in extra innings so it was a perfect day.
Again, I want to say thanks to Sean Murphy of MurphGuide for inviting us and look forward to attending more of his events. They are always a fun time. If you are in the New York City area, you should make a point of checking it out to see what is going on.
http://www.murphguide.com/
Le Soleil Draft Barn
Beer garden might be a bit of a stretch, but it is a nice outdoor area for drinking beer. It is the outdoor portion of Wintergarden, one of several Russian eateries along the boardwalk. The interior is still Wintergarden, but one of the waitresses says that it will convert in the winter so the whole place will be Le Soleil Draft Barn.
They have a nice selection of beers. I think they have about 120 different beers in bottles, mostly imported, and maybe a dozen or so on draft.
A Couple Of Cold Ones
I had a BrouCzech Lager and it really hit the spot. It is brewed in Nova Paka, in the Czech Republic and the history of the brewery kind of goes back to the 13th century. Kind of, because although beer was brewed in Nova Paka back then, that brewery is long gone, having burnt down several times over a 600 year period. In 1871 a new brewery and malt house was built and that one is still brewing the beer.
The beer is 5% ABV and pours with a nice white head. It is dark gold and has a pleasant malty smell with a whiff of hops. A good combination of the sweetness of the malt and the bitterness of the hops. The sweetness is what lingers on the palate. It comes in a 23 ounce bottle and went for a very reasonable six bucks.
Enjoying My Cold One
The Mysterious Chinese Woman prefers the summer white beers and they had a good one, a St. Berardus Witbier. This is a Belgium beer and, although it looked lighter, it was actually a bit stronger than mine, 5.5% ABV.
It was a cloudy yellow, kind of the color of straw. It had a lemony spice smell to it and tasted the same. Very refreshing and quite perfect for sitting almost on the beach. It was a bit pricier than mine at nine bucks a bottle, but nothing is too good for the Mysterious Chinese Woman. Just ask her. And they served it in the appropriate tulip glass.
We sat there and enjoyed our beers while watching the little kids play with their toy trucks on the beach.
My Turn, My Turn
And you could just enjoy watching the people walk by.
Or, At Least, I Could
They also have very good food here. Wintergarden always had, in my opinion, pretty good food, as do all of the Russian restaurants on this stretch of the boardwalk. We had shrimp and mussels and they were simply delicious. At $12 they weren't cheap, but well worth the price.
A Tasty Beer And Beach Treat
After finishing up our beers (I had two) we headed on down the boardwalk towards where the Cyclones would be playing. I was somewhat happy to see that the new rides in the space formerly occupied by Astroland were doing well and looked nice.
The New Steeplechase Park
But, of course, I had Ruby's on my mind.
Best Beach Dive Bar In The World
The place just continues to get more run down because, with the uncertain lease status, the owners don't want to sink any money into fixing it up. They are down to just one bathroom now, but at least it is fairly clean. And for the price of my beer at Le Soleil Draft Barn, here you got a Sam Adams out of the bottle. If you wanted a glass it would be plastic.
Hey, Sam Adams Is Good Too
I will be sad to see this place go, but I am afraid Ruby's days are numbered. It does keep hanging on, though and, in my opinion, really does deserve a landmark status. They just don't build them like this anymore.
My next stop was the Freak Bar, adjacent to a modern version of a freak show. No more pinheads and bearded ladies, but you still have heavily tatooed fire eaters, sword swallowers and contortionists.
The Freak Bar
They even have a small brewery next to the place but you can't tour it. You can only buy souvenirs.
A Brewery Lurks Within
Now, in my opinion, Freak Bar is even more of a dive than Ruby's. Kind of like something you might find in a relatives basement. Minimal is the word.
A Bare Bones Bar
This stuff on top of the beer cooler is about the extent of their decorating. But at least I know where that monkey from "Toy Story 3" ended up.
How Far The Mighty Do Fall
The only reason Freak Bar doesn't qualify as the world's best beach dive bar is that it isn't that close to the beach. It is in that still kind of seedy area of Coney Island. The parts that make Coney Island what it is today.
Just Off The Beach
Being A Blockhead, I Had The Blockhead
I shouldn't have ordered this one. Not only is it a hefty 10% ABV, it is a heavy Russian stout type of beer and not really suitable for a day at the beach. Although being in Freak Bar you don't really feel like you are anywhere near a beach. It is more reminiscent of the East Village in Manhattan back in the good-old-days when it was dangerous. Well, the East Village is still dangerous, but now it is because of the strollers banging you in the ankles, not because of the drug-dealers and casual muggings.
After finishing up my beer we headed over to Peggy O'Neill's for our pre-game party.
Party, Party, Party
They had the standard pre-game fair, the always popular cheeseburgers, beans and Budweiser.
A Bit Of A Pre-Game Nosh
And the Mysterious Chinese Woman was ready for a bit of a snack.
Move It Along, I'm Hungry
More Of A Hotdog Person
And then we went to the game. It really is a nice looking ballpark.
The View From Our Seats
And the Cyclones beat the Muckdogs in extra innings so it was a perfect day.
Again, I want to say thanks to Sean Murphy of MurphGuide for inviting us and look forward to attending more of his events. They are always a fun time. If you are in the New York City area, you should make a point of checking it out to see what is going on.
http://www.murphguide.com/
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