Day #4
IN MOURNING
I’m at a complete loss of words right now. Please allow me some time to report on today’s happenings at another time. If you are reading this, then you were probably one of the very many watching today with utter disbelief. I might be sick to my stomach soon. Maybe if I go to sleep right now, I will wake up refreshed and find some glimmer of hope left in this competition.
Tomorrow’s Location (Tuesday June 13th):
Opia (France 12pm)
130 E. 57th St. between Park and Lexington Aves.
212-688-3939
As explained in Time Out New York:
“A more-refined crowd gathers here; it was listed last year as one of GQ’s top-ten American soccer bars.”
Youri plans to make his grand appearance, and I will try to stop by after an appearance on Fox mid-day. The wife finally makes her arrival to NYC in the afternoon, so I might miss out on much of the fun tomorrow.
Wednesday June 14th
The Parlour (Germany 3pm)
50 W 86th St
New York, NY 10024-3104
(212) 580-8923
Cross Street: Between Broadway and West End Avenue
I’ve been running around with my head cut off the last couple of days, so I have decided to stay close to home for the Germany vs. Poland game at 3pm. I have heard nothing but great things about the UWS establishment. I look forward to seeing everyone there for what should be a great game.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Sunday, June 11, 2006
DAY #3
ORANGE MOB
The National Puerto Rican Day Parade is in the city today. If their party has taken to the streets, then the Dutch have taken their party to Tonic in Times Square. Before the game, I was told that if you’re looking for an atmosphere to watch Holland play this month, then Tonic would the place to be on game days. Well, I will only say that the advice was right in absolutely all accounts. I just ask that if you decide to partake in the fun on the 21st when the Dutch play Argentina come early and make sure you wear your orange. The place is absolutely electric as I make my way inside the door at 8:30 am. A standing room only crowd greets me as much as the sheer number of orange shirts and painted faces. I see immediately that whole families are here to root for their team. And with seeing this, I have now named Tonic as my favorite place so far on the tour and a place you must go to if you decide to watch any of the Holland games these next couple of weeks. Yes, I did say the next couple of weeks.
Blind luck has found me a seat with a view of any one of the “walls” of TV screens that make up the entire side of the bar. A luck that my team and I wish we had last night as Ricardo Clark’s shot deflected off Mark Lisi’s foot into the goal. Although the season feels much like the movie “Groundhog Day,” the World Cup enters a new day. A day marked with Robben as a super-hero, the Mexicans looking sharp and Portugal just getting through their game very much like England the day before.
As I said before, orange is everywhere at Tonic and they’re celebrating a wonderful start to their tournament. I was very impressed with Argentina yesterday, but Holland has taken their game to even another level in my opinion. Robben is inspiring, Van Nistelrooy is dangerous as always and the team’s use of possession to control the tempo of the game should be a clinic film for all young teams on how to truly impart your will on the game. After seeing the 90 minutes of play, I’m hoping my fellow teammates take note as well.
After the game, I almost feel there is a need for me to head to Niketown to pick me up one of those great Holland Nike jerseys. The jersey is a great look for a team filled with style. My advice for you is to go get some orange for yourself and head over to Tonic. June 16th and June 21st at Tonic will be the place to be in the city as Holland takes on the Ivory Coast and Argentina. I’m sure that each entertaining game will have an entertaining crowd. A crowd with a love of the sport, a passion for their team and a hand close to their beloved Heineken. So go to Tonic, get there early and enjoy yourself. I know I’ll be there again.
Since I’m still feeling the effects of last night’s game on the body, I decide to hop back on the 1 subway train to the Upper West Side. A mere half-block away from our place is a joint I know will be filled with Mexican supporters getting themselves ready for the day’s second game. As I get to Mona, the place has a healthy amount of fans eager for the game to begin. Honestly, I last only the first 45 minutes due to my dislike/ displeasure of the Mexican team. I spent over 3 years playing in Los Angeles and there wasn’t a week that went by that I didn’t hear how Americans were not soccer players. Yes, I’m still bitter. I decide that my couch was a better place to mope on the success of the Mexican team in the second half. I will give them some credit though; the Mexicans were somewhat sharp today and who were very deserving of their result.
The Portugal game is almost finished now. This is a game that I thought would be over in the first 30 minutes of the game. Here’s hoping that Portugal brings a little more their next game, because they lost their luster later in the game.
Hopefully I will see everyone at Stout!
I promise that pictures will be on their way soon.
Next Stop: DAY #4 (Monday)
Australia’s morning game: Sunburnt Cow
137 Ave C, between 8th and 9th
212.529.0005
The Cow's game day deal:
A $10 breakfast buffet for Australia's 9am opener (morning's first alcoholic beverage included), and a $25, 2hr open bar for matches starting at less
Australian drinking times sounds good to me to start my day and get me ready for Stout and the USA game.
Stout- USA game
USA: Stout
133 W 33rd St, between
7th and Broadway 212.629.6191
As explained to me: “this enormous bar's got tons of TVs, 22 beers on tap, and almost no Europeans to rain on your parade for thinking the US has a chance in hell of beating Italy. “ I’m sure this place will also have tons of my teammates there rooting for the USA.
ORANGE MOB
The National Puerto Rican Day Parade is in the city today. If their party has taken to the streets, then the Dutch have taken their party to Tonic in Times Square. Before the game, I was told that if you’re looking for an atmosphere to watch Holland play this month, then Tonic would the place to be on game days. Well, I will only say that the advice was right in absolutely all accounts. I just ask that if you decide to partake in the fun on the 21st when the Dutch play Argentina come early and make sure you wear your orange. The place is absolutely electric as I make my way inside the door at 8:30 am. A standing room only crowd greets me as much as the sheer number of orange shirts and painted faces. I see immediately that whole families are here to root for their team. And with seeing this, I have now named Tonic as my favorite place so far on the tour and a place you must go to if you decide to watch any of the Holland games these next couple of weeks. Yes, I did say the next couple of weeks.
Blind luck has found me a seat with a view of any one of the “walls” of TV screens that make up the entire side of the bar. A luck that my team and I wish we had last night as Ricardo Clark’s shot deflected off Mark Lisi’s foot into the goal. Although the season feels much like the movie “Groundhog Day,” the World Cup enters a new day. A day marked with Robben as a super-hero, the Mexicans looking sharp and Portugal just getting through their game very much like England the day before.
As I said before, orange is everywhere at Tonic and they’re celebrating a wonderful start to their tournament. I was very impressed with Argentina yesterday, but Holland has taken their game to even another level in my opinion. Robben is inspiring, Van Nistelrooy is dangerous as always and the team’s use of possession to control the tempo of the game should be a clinic film for all young teams on how to truly impart your will on the game. After seeing the 90 minutes of play, I’m hoping my fellow teammates take note as well.
After the game, I almost feel there is a need for me to head to Niketown to pick me up one of those great Holland Nike jerseys. The jersey is a great look for a team filled with style. My advice for you is to go get some orange for yourself and head over to Tonic. June 16th and June 21st at Tonic will be the place to be in the city as Holland takes on the Ivory Coast and Argentina. I’m sure that each entertaining game will have an entertaining crowd. A crowd with a love of the sport, a passion for their team and a hand close to their beloved Heineken. So go to Tonic, get there early and enjoy yourself. I know I’ll be there again.
Since I’m still feeling the effects of last night’s game on the body, I decide to hop back on the 1 subway train to the Upper West Side. A mere half-block away from our place is a joint I know will be filled with Mexican supporters getting themselves ready for the day’s second game. As I get to Mona, the place has a healthy amount of fans eager for the game to begin. Honestly, I last only the first 45 minutes due to my dislike/ displeasure of the Mexican team. I spent over 3 years playing in Los Angeles and there wasn’t a week that went by that I didn’t hear how Americans were not soccer players. Yes, I’m still bitter. I decide that my couch was a better place to mope on the success of the Mexican team in the second half. I will give them some credit though; the Mexicans were somewhat sharp today and who were very deserving of their result.
The Portugal game is almost finished now. This is a game that I thought would be over in the first 30 minutes of the game. Here’s hoping that Portugal brings a little more their next game, because they lost their luster later in the game.
Hopefully I will see everyone at Stout!
I promise that pictures will be on their way soon.
Next Stop: DAY #4 (Monday)
Australia’s morning game: Sunburnt Cow
137 Ave C, between 8th and 9th
212.529.0005
The Cow's game day deal:
A $10 breakfast buffet for Australia's 9am opener (morning's first alcoholic beverage included), and a $25, 2hr open bar for matches starting at less
Australian drinking times sounds good to me to start my day and get me ready for Stout and the USA game.
Stout- USA game
USA: Stout
133 W 33rd St, between
7th and Broadway 212.629.6191
As explained to me: “this enormous bar's got tons of TVs, 22 beers on tap, and almost no Europeans to rain on your parade for thinking the US has a chance in hell of beating Italy. “ I’m sure this place will also have tons of my teammates there rooting for the USA.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Day #2
“WAKING UP”
As I make my way to the C subway stop at 110th and Central Park West, I only thought it was fitting that I start my day with the Beasties Boy’s “Brass Monkey” on the iPod. I know, a simple and obvious idea considering my destination was Brass Monkey on 55 Little West 12th St. between Washington and West Sts. It was only after the song finished that I realized it was now appropriate to listen to only British bands instead to get me in the mood for the England-Paraguay game. This idea took a somber turn as by sheer randomness the first song I listened to was by the Beatles, with Paul McCartney singing lead vocals on “We Can Work it Out.” So instead of getting psyched for the big England game, I find myself sitting on the C train thinking and hoping Paul’s marital problems will work itself out. This is no way to start my day! I must change my mood to get myself ready for a game and a crowd I know is going to be festive at Brass Monkey. A change to Bloc Party does the fix because when I get to the street at the 14th St. subway stop I am ready to get this day started.
It took some time and another lost disciple of Brass Monkey to realize that the bar is on “Little” West 12th Street in the Meat Packing District. My new friend, Ian, and I are frustrated to not find the bar right away but as we enter the bar together we are content in seeing the place have a healthy size of fans already finding their places around the many TVs surrounding the bar 45 minutes before the game. I’m lucky. I find a choice seat with a clear sight to the 70-inch projection screen and room to order the full English breakfast I plan to enjoy before the game. To food is good, the game is uninspiring but at least I find a great place to watch England games that I honestly feel could not be better. The atmosphere is terrific, full with English fans smart enough not to try and deal with the mess that is Nevada Smiths on days like this one.
As this is game day for me, I will keep this entry small. The game should be a real concern for English fans. They should be happy in getting the 3 points, but their game and play was lackluster at best. This was an English side that had 11 individual agendas out there on the field. Obviously this is a team with tremendous talent, but I would suggest here that their future in this World Cup would be a short one if they don’t come and play together soon. I would hate to see the World Cup with England not involved after the second round.
And as for Paraguay, they officially are now my least favorite team in the tournament. First, it was finding out that they publicly took shots at England and individual players like Beckham before the game began today. Secondly, I hated the way that most of the players on the team were on the ground more than they were on their feet today. And finally, they were simply a horribly bad performing team. Is it ironic that their captain Carlos Gamarra, Paraguay’s most vocal critic of England before the game today, did the own-goal? Here’s hoping Mr. Gamarra eats some humble pie and starts acting like a leader by their second game.
As I left the Brass Monkey to get back home to relax for the rest of the day, I was both disappointed in the morning game but excited to find such a great place to see England games in the city. I really could not ask for a better atmosphere to see the game. It truly was a pleasure to sit, eat with and meet such wonderful fans of the sport. A big thanks to Brass Monkey for putting on such a great party.
Game #2
Good to see Mr. Hislop have a great game today for T & T. Many probably don’t know that Shaka played college soccer at Howard University. Congrats also go out to Cornell Glen, Stern John and Avery John, former and current MLS players who today had a chance to live out their dream of playing in the World Cup.
The Argentina game just started, so I will talk to you tomorrow.
Next Location for Day 3 (Sunday):
Tonic Bar
727 7th Ave, between 48th and 49th
(212) 382-1059
As explained to me, “The Dutch apparently aren't cool enough to have own bar, so NYC's "Netherlands Club” will be watching at this overly-inclusive bar.” I also felt this location offered my NJ friends a chance to see the games close to public transportation. Since I have practice in the morning, I will try to get there by the second half of the Holland game.
MONDAY AT STOUT! GO USA!
“WAKING UP”
As I make my way to the C subway stop at 110th and Central Park West, I only thought it was fitting that I start my day with the Beasties Boy’s “Brass Monkey” on the iPod. I know, a simple and obvious idea considering my destination was Brass Monkey on 55 Little West 12th St. between Washington and West Sts. It was only after the song finished that I realized it was now appropriate to listen to only British bands instead to get me in the mood for the England-Paraguay game. This idea took a somber turn as by sheer randomness the first song I listened to was by the Beatles, with Paul McCartney singing lead vocals on “We Can Work it Out.” So instead of getting psyched for the big England game, I find myself sitting on the C train thinking and hoping Paul’s marital problems will work itself out. This is no way to start my day! I must change my mood to get myself ready for a game and a crowd I know is going to be festive at Brass Monkey. A change to Bloc Party does the fix because when I get to the street at the 14th St. subway stop I am ready to get this day started.
It took some time and another lost disciple of Brass Monkey to realize that the bar is on “Little” West 12th Street in the Meat Packing District. My new friend, Ian, and I are frustrated to not find the bar right away but as we enter the bar together we are content in seeing the place have a healthy size of fans already finding their places around the many TVs surrounding the bar 45 minutes before the game. I’m lucky. I find a choice seat with a clear sight to the 70-inch projection screen and room to order the full English breakfast I plan to enjoy before the game. To food is good, the game is uninspiring but at least I find a great place to watch England games that I honestly feel could not be better. The atmosphere is terrific, full with English fans smart enough not to try and deal with the mess that is Nevada Smiths on days like this one.
As this is game day for me, I will keep this entry small. The game should be a real concern for English fans. They should be happy in getting the 3 points, but their game and play was lackluster at best. This was an English side that had 11 individual agendas out there on the field. Obviously this is a team with tremendous talent, but I would suggest here that their future in this World Cup would be a short one if they don’t come and play together soon. I would hate to see the World Cup with England not involved after the second round.
And as for Paraguay, they officially are now my least favorite team in the tournament. First, it was finding out that they publicly took shots at England and individual players like Beckham before the game began today. Secondly, I hated the way that most of the players on the team were on the ground more than they were on their feet today. And finally, they were simply a horribly bad performing team. Is it ironic that their captain Carlos Gamarra, Paraguay’s most vocal critic of England before the game today, did the own-goal? Here’s hoping Mr. Gamarra eats some humble pie and starts acting like a leader by their second game.
As I left the Brass Monkey to get back home to relax for the rest of the day, I was both disappointed in the morning game but excited to find such a great place to see England games in the city. I really could not ask for a better atmosphere to see the game. It truly was a pleasure to sit, eat with and meet such wonderful fans of the sport. A big thanks to Brass Monkey for putting on such a great party.
Game #2
Good to see Mr. Hislop have a great game today for T & T. Many probably don’t know that Shaka played college soccer at Howard University. Congrats also go out to Cornell Glen, Stern John and Avery John, former and current MLS players who today had a chance to live out their dream of playing in the World Cup.
The Argentina game just started, so I will talk to you tomorrow.
Next Location for Day 3 (Sunday):
Tonic Bar
727 7th Ave, between 48th and 49th
(212) 382-1059
As explained to me, “The Dutch apparently aren't cool enough to have own bar, so NYC's "Netherlands Club” will be watching at this overly-inclusive bar.” I also felt this location offered my NJ friends a chance to see the games close to public transportation. Since I have practice in the morning, I will try to get there by the second half of the Holland game.
MONDAY AT STOUT! GO USA!
Friday, June 09, 2006
Day #1 Update
Richard Deitsch, Editor at Sports Illustrated
Here is his blog for the day. The article goes into more depth about Heidelberg.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/si_blogs/soccer/world_cup_pub_blog/2006/06/taste-of-germany-in-gotham.html
And Richard, thanks for the compliment of being called "a one-man soccer Aesop." I assure you that this has been the first time that my name has been mentioned with the Greek slave and fable author.
Richard Deitsch, Editor at Sports Illustrated
Here is his blog for the day. The article goes into more depth about Heidelberg.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/si_blogs/soccer/world_cup_pub_blog/2006/06/taste-of-germany-in-gotham.html
And Richard, thanks for the compliment of being called "a one-man soccer Aesop." I assure you that this has been the first time that my name has been mentioned with the Greek slave and fable author.
Just Jolley World Cup Tour- Day 1
WHEN IN ROME… AND A SHOULDER TO CRY ON.
Although I was being chastised by my fellow teammates, I proudly put on my Bayern Munich jersey that I switched for after the game the other week. If I was going to a traditional German restaurant, I felt that I should at least try to endear myself to the locals. Heidelburg Restaurant was everything I could ask for to start my Tour. With a helpful and enthusiastic wait staff in traditional gear and the ambiance screaming memories at me of my brief time in Munich and Frankfurt, I took my sit in the corner of the restaurant after I paid my $15 entry fee. I’m usually against paying any cover charge for a game that I know is on cable for free, but was happy to learn that this covered my bratwurst, beer, clear view of a new 50” HDTV, and a raffle with a chance to win a new official Adidas World Cup ball. Unfortunately for me since I don’t drink two days before any game, I skipped the lager for coffee and second helping of the bratwurst.
Before I briefly discuss the game, let me first admit that I suggested an upset for “The Ticos.” Although Costa Rica foolishly left my friend Roy “Pink Panther” Meyers off the team, I felt that with Ballack missing and with the German defense notoriously bad that Costa Rica had a chance to upset Klinsman’s team today. I guess we learned after the game that I was right about one thing, and that is Germany is going to give up lots of goals this next week. Why do two center backs that average 6’5” feel that they need to pull an offside trap one time after another?
In all my criticism of their defense, Germany’s offensive talent was something to fear. Goals #1 and #4 were two of the best goals I have seen in quite a long time. Well as good as that wonderful goal by Chris Henderson last weekend in Kansas City. Man, whoever sent that ball to him across the 6-yard box should ask for a raise. I could only dream of a birthday present like the one Klose gave himself today. And considering that he had 3 goals in the opening round game back in 2002, I would suggest that whatever Klose does or eats before opening games in the World Cup that McBride and his strike partner (Eddie Johnson?) try before the United State’s game Monday.
I should also mention how much of a pleasure it was to see Wanchope today. Although he was Costa Rica’s only offensive threat today, every time he touched the ball I felt he was going to create something. Before the German’s 4th goal, I even thought that there was a chance that Costa Rica was going to get even with the Germans. I guess at the end of the day Costa Rica just didn’t have enough offensive threats to truly challenge… insert the need for the 2000-2001 version of “Runnin’” Roy Meyers.
After the first game, I hurried back to the Upper West Side via the m86 bus. I felt that since I’m on the clock to get something out to my dear readers that I should be close to home for the second game. I quickly decided that the best place to go was my home pub, O’Connell’s on 108th and Broadway. A great atmosphere visited me as I saddled up to the bar for my pint of Orange Juice. I know, I know, it is almost sacrilegious for me to request such a drink at a place like O’Connell’s. My neighbors at the bar are visiting students from Poland, who are at Columbia for the summer and they even gave me a laugh at my request.
As I started my greetings, the students confidently reminded me that Poland recently beat Ecuador in a friendly 3-0. And as the TV crew almost simultaneously suggested that Poland was without goals in 4 opening World Cup matches, I suggested to the students to be concerned and offered a shoulder to cry on after the game because I felt they were going to get beat. After the first Ecuadorian goal off the throw-in where the defender forgot to put “a body on a man” in the box, I felt that some of the students would take me up on my offer. Sad is the only adjective I can offer for the Polish performance. I think I even heard the crowd asking for Peter Nowak to come out of retirement.
So day one is complete. And what have we learned from the first day of Group A play? The German back four will give up a lot of goals over the next two games. Poland will be out of the tournament after the next game against Germany. Costa Rica needs something more than just Wanchope, and Ecuador is a team that no one will like to play in the next round of the tournament.
Next Stop (Day #2- England vs. Paraguay: 8:30am):
Brass Monkey
55 Little West 12th St. between Washington and West Sts.
(212) 675-6686
www.brassmonkeybar.com
Since Saturday is game day for me, I decided to take it easy and start my day with Brass Monkey. As oppose to waiting hours outside on my feet at Nevada Smiths to watch England play, Brass Monkey has a great breakfast menu, casual feel and a great selection on tap for those who want to start drinking early. After the game, I’m heading back home for some R&R before our match against Houston so hopefully I see everyone early.
Upcoming Day #3 (Sunday):
Tonic Bar
727 7th Ave, between 48th and 49th
(212) 382-1059
As explained to me, “The Dutch apparently aren't cool enough to have own bar, so NYC's "Netherlands Club” will be watching at this overly-inclusive bar.” I also felt this location offered my NJ friends a chance to see the games close to public transportation.
WHEN IN ROME… AND A SHOULDER TO CRY ON.
Although I was being chastised by my fellow teammates, I proudly put on my Bayern Munich jersey that I switched for after the game the other week. If I was going to a traditional German restaurant, I felt that I should at least try to endear myself to the locals. Heidelburg Restaurant was everything I could ask for to start my Tour. With a helpful and enthusiastic wait staff in traditional gear and the ambiance screaming memories at me of my brief time in Munich and Frankfurt, I took my sit in the corner of the restaurant after I paid my $15 entry fee. I’m usually against paying any cover charge for a game that I know is on cable for free, but was happy to learn that this covered my bratwurst, beer, clear view of a new 50” HDTV, and a raffle with a chance to win a new official Adidas World Cup ball. Unfortunately for me since I don’t drink two days before any game, I skipped the lager for coffee and second helping of the bratwurst.
Before I briefly discuss the game, let me first admit that I suggested an upset for “The Ticos.” Although Costa Rica foolishly left my friend Roy “Pink Panther” Meyers off the team, I felt that with Ballack missing and with the German defense notoriously bad that Costa Rica had a chance to upset Klinsman’s team today. I guess we learned after the game that I was right about one thing, and that is Germany is going to give up lots of goals this next week. Why do two center backs that average 6’5” feel that they need to pull an offside trap one time after another?
In all my criticism of their defense, Germany’s offensive talent was something to fear. Goals #1 and #4 were two of the best goals I have seen in quite a long time. Well as good as that wonderful goal by Chris Henderson last weekend in Kansas City. Man, whoever sent that ball to him across the 6-yard box should ask for a raise. I could only dream of a birthday present like the one Klose gave himself today. And considering that he had 3 goals in the opening round game back in 2002, I would suggest that whatever Klose does or eats before opening games in the World Cup that McBride and his strike partner (Eddie Johnson?) try before the United State’s game Monday.
I should also mention how much of a pleasure it was to see Wanchope today. Although he was Costa Rica’s only offensive threat today, every time he touched the ball I felt he was going to create something. Before the German’s 4th goal, I even thought that there was a chance that Costa Rica was going to get even with the Germans. I guess at the end of the day Costa Rica just didn’t have enough offensive threats to truly challenge… insert the need for the 2000-2001 version of “Runnin’” Roy Meyers.
After the first game, I hurried back to the Upper West Side via the m86 bus. I felt that since I’m on the clock to get something out to my dear readers that I should be close to home for the second game. I quickly decided that the best place to go was my home pub, O’Connell’s on 108th and Broadway. A great atmosphere visited me as I saddled up to the bar for my pint of Orange Juice. I know, I know, it is almost sacrilegious for me to request such a drink at a place like O’Connell’s. My neighbors at the bar are visiting students from Poland, who are at Columbia for the summer and they even gave me a laugh at my request.
As I started my greetings, the students confidently reminded me that Poland recently beat Ecuador in a friendly 3-0. And as the TV crew almost simultaneously suggested that Poland was without goals in 4 opening World Cup matches, I suggested to the students to be concerned and offered a shoulder to cry on after the game because I felt they were going to get beat. After the first Ecuadorian goal off the throw-in where the defender forgot to put “a body on a man” in the box, I felt that some of the students would take me up on my offer. Sad is the only adjective I can offer for the Polish performance. I think I even heard the crowd asking for Peter Nowak to come out of retirement.
So day one is complete. And what have we learned from the first day of Group A play? The German back four will give up a lot of goals over the next two games. Poland will be out of the tournament after the next game against Germany. Costa Rica needs something more than just Wanchope, and Ecuador is a team that no one will like to play in the next round of the tournament.
Next Stop (Day #2- England vs. Paraguay: 8:30am):
Brass Monkey
55 Little West 12th St. between Washington and West Sts.
(212) 675-6686
www.brassmonkeybar.com
Since Saturday is game day for me, I decided to take it easy and start my day with Brass Monkey. As oppose to waiting hours outside on my feet at Nevada Smiths to watch England play, Brass Monkey has a great breakfast menu, casual feel and a great selection on tap for those who want to start drinking early. After the game, I’m heading back home for some R&R before our match against Houston so hopefully I see everyone early.
Upcoming Day #3 (Sunday):
Tonic Bar
727 7th Ave, between 48th and 49th
(212) 382-1059
As explained to me, “The Dutch apparently aren't cool enough to have own bar, so NYC's "Netherlands Club” will be watching at this overly-inclusive bar.” I also felt this location offered my NJ friends a chance to see the games close to public transportation.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
JUST JOLLEY WORLD CUP TOUR 2006
New York City is a very opinionated kind of town. “Tell it like is” may just be the official city motto. That is precisely why I love and live in this town. If Texas was known for its hospitality, then NYC must be known for its brutal and direct honesty. This is one of the many reasons why there may not be a better place to be during a World Cup summer outside of Germany. Walk into literally thousands of bars and restaurants from June 9th through July 9th and you’ll get a World Cup watching experience that you will not find anywhere else in the world. Bars, in all of their great diversity and national attachment, will be packed with supporters watching with bated breath as their homelands fight for glory in a sporting contest that simply has no equal. You name a country in the World Cup and I’ll name you a section of the city or restaurant that will be packed with fans watching THEIR team compete this summer. My goal is to meet, greet, debate and enjoy the experience with every single one of them.
Back in the summer of 2002, Paul Grafer, my wife and I decided to go on a little adventure. We collectively decided to try in visit as many places as we could in the city to watch the World Cup. South Korea was playing, lets go to the Korean section of the city. France was on that night, hey, lets head over to that great bistro that we read about in Time Out New York. You get the idea -- an idea that created one of my greatest summer memories. Since I’m back in The City, why not try to do it again, but only this time, I would like for you to join me in all the fun.
Here is how I hope it will work. Everyday, after watching games at a particular bar or restaurant, I will write about the games and the experience/stories that happened that day on the team’s website http://www.nyredbulls.com and at http://www.justjolley.blogspot.com/. In the blog, I will also add the next day’s location for OUR watching party. It is my hope that within days we will be a group that travels throughout the city enjoying the culture, food and camaraderie that only New York City can offer. Simple idea really -- just me with a backpack full of Red Bull talking about, debating, and enjoying the games with a variety of soccer fans in an atmosphere that only New York City can offer.
Let me warn you now about this daily blog, though. If you’re looking for some heady debate about specific match-ups, the tactical diversity of a specific team or long-winded soliloquies on why this is the “beautiful game,” you are reading the wrong blog. The key to this adventure is not necessarily the blog, but the experience of enjoying an afternoon in the city with thousands of soccer fans, watching the greatest sporting event in the world.
I may make my living playing soccer, but I am and always will be, a fan of the sport – a sport known for its wonderful cultural diversity that separates it from any other sport known to man. I happen to live in a city that parallels the same principle. I look forward to spending an afternoon with you. You bring the passion. I’ll bring the free Red Bull.
First Location on the Just Jolley World Cup 2006 Tour (Friday 11:30am):
Heidelberg Restaurant (German)
1648 Second Avenue (between 85th and 86th Street)
Manhattan
212-650-1385
The Heidelberg Restaurant, located in Yorkville, the traditionally German section of the Upper East Side of Manhattan has just the right ambiance for enjoying classic German cuisine and watching a World Cup game. Wagner and oompah-pah-pah bands alternate as background music, German flags grace the walls, and wooden knick-knacks from Bavaria are scattered here and there. A trellis-like screen divides the restaurant into two sections: the bar and smoking area; and the more sedate dining room where local families gather for hearty portions of their favorite German dishes.
New York City is a very opinionated kind of town. “Tell it like is” may just be the official city motto. That is precisely why I love and live in this town. If Texas was known for its hospitality, then NYC must be known for its brutal and direct honesty. This is one of the many reasons why there may not be a better place to be during a World Cup summer outside of Germany. Walk into literally thousands of bars and restaurants from June 9th through July 9th and you’ll get a World Cup watching experience that you will not find anywhere else in the world. Bars, in all of their great diversity and national attachment, will be packed with supporters watching with bated breath as their homelands fight for glory in a sporting contest that simply has no equal. You name a country in the World Cup and I’ll name you a section of the city or restaurant that will be packed with fans watching THEIR team compete this summer. My goal is to meet, greet, debate and enjoy the experience with every single one of them.
Back in the summer of 2002, Paul Grafer, my wife and I decided to go on a little adventure. We collectively decided to try in visit as many places as we could in the city to watch the World Cup. South Korea was playing, lets go to the Korean section of the city. France was on that night, hey, lets head over to that great bistro that we read about in Time Out New York. You get the idea -- an idea that created one of my greatest summer memories. Since I’m back in The City, why not try to do it again, but only this time, I would like for you to join me in all the fun.
Here is how I hope it will work. Everyday, after watching games at a particular bar or restaurant, I will write about the games and the experience/stories that happened that day on the team’s website http://www.nyredbulls.com and at http://www.justjolley.blogspot.com/. In the blog, I will also add the next day’s location for OUR watching party. It is my hope that within days we will be a group that travels throughout the city enjoying the culture, food and camaraderie that only New York City can offer. Simple idea really -- just me with a backpack full of Red Bull talking about, debating, and enjoying the games with a variety of soccer fans in an atmosphere that only New York City can offer.
Let me warn you now about this daily blog, though. If you’re looking for some heady debate about specific match-ups, the tactical diversity of a specific team or long-winded soliloquies on why this is the “beautiful game,” you are reading the wrong blog. The key to this adventure is not necessarily the blog, but the experience of enjoying an afternoon in the city with thousands of soccer fans, watching the greatest sporting event in the world.
I may make my living playing soccer, but I am and always will be, a fan of the sport – a sport known for its wonderful cultural diversity that separates it from any other sport known to man. I happen to live in a city that parallels the same principle. I look forward to spending an afternoon with you. You bring the passion. I’ll bring the free Red Bull.
First Location on the Just Jolley World Cup 2006 Tour (Friday 11:30am):
Heidelberg Restaurant (German)
1648 Second Avenue (between 85th and 86th Street)
Manhattan
212-650-1385
The Heidelberg Restaurant, located in Yorkville, the traditionally German section of the Upper East Side of Manhattan has just the right ambiance for enjoying classic German cuisine and watching a World Cup game. Wagner and oompah-pah-pah bands alternate as background music, German flags grace the walls, and wooden knick-knacks from Bavaria are scattered here and there. A trellis-like screen divides the restaurant into two sections: the bar and smoking area; and the more sedate dining room where local families gather for hearty portions of their favorite German dishes.
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