Monthly Archives: November 2015

Hockey Night in Canada: Leafs vs. Pens

UntitledUntitledUntitledUntitled
After the World Series I headed back to Toronto for the Penguins – Leafs game on Saturday night. This being the first game back to Toronto for Phil Kessel I expected more of an aggressive crowd. It was not to be. The arena was really subdued and not at all full. Pens pulled away early and ended up beating the Leafs 4-0.

Hockey Hall of Fame
UntitledUntitledUntitledUntitledUntitledUntitledUntitledAfter getting into town Julie and I went over to the Hockey Hall of Fame (HHOF). The HHOF is setup into three basic sections. The display cases which we believe rotate out yearly with game used memorabilia and various exists, the coolest being the defunct team sweaters. Then there is a large interactive section where one can play goalie or take shots on goal. Finally there is the Grand Hall which holds all of the members as well as the trophies including the ‘Presentation’ Stanley Cup. There were no real crowds and you could more or less spend as much time as you wanted with the Stanley Cup. Most interesting parts of the Cup: UntitledUntitled2004 lockout and the 1917 winners: Seattle over Montreal.

Bellwood Brewery UntitledUntitledUntitledUntitledBefore the game we headed over to the Bellwoods neighborhood and stopped by the Bellwoods Brewery. Decent beer selection.

BQM UntitledUntitledUntitled
We grabbed some sandwiches next door at the BQM (Beer Quality Meats).

World Series: Mets vs. Royals at Citi Field

UntitledUntitledUntitledWith the Mets sweeping the Cubs in the NLCS Julie and I decided we’d work around our schedules and at least make it to the first World Series game at Citi Field. Considering how the day went it was well worth the logistical challenges. The Mets won Game Three against the Kansas City Royals 9-3.
Before the Game
Untitled
Julie and I met at Laguardia and then after dropping off our bags and grabbing a slice of pizza in Astoria we headed over to Astoria Bier and Cheese for a couple of drinks. Astoria Bier and Cheese is a grocery/bar where they have about 10 taps and then coolers full of bottles and cans that can be drank on premises.
Fraunces Tavern
UntitledAfter leaving Astoria we headed to Fraunces Tavern in Lower Manhattan for some drinks before heading to the game. Fraunces Tavern is a national historic landmark that played a prominent role in pre-Revolution, American Revolution and post-Revolution history, serving as a headquarters for George Washington, a venue for peace negotiations with the British, and housing federal offices in the Early Republic. Most importantly it is the location of General Washington’s farewell address to his officers:

With a heart full of love and gratitude, I now take leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable.”

Amazin’ Mets Express
UntitledUntitledUntitled
Julie managed to score tickets on the Amazin’ Mets Express water taxi that would take us from Manhattan to Citi Field in Flushing, Queens. Open bar; more details here.

Untitled
All and all a great experience. Worth the trip.

University of Chicago vs. Hendrix

DSC_0638DSC_0625DSC_0653

For the second year in a row we headed down to Hyde Park for a University of Chicago football game. This year we went to the Homecoming Game against Hendrix and setup a tailgate outside the field. We were under the assumption that there wouldn’t be more than a couple other tailgating groups but we completely underestimated the appeal of Homecoming. The entire street outside the field was blocked off and there were some serious setups for smalltime football. The Maroons fell behind early but managed to make a game of it losing to Hendrix 27-21.

Tailgate UntitledUntitledUntitledUntitled

The day started off with wind, cold and rain but most of it passed about an hour or so before kickoff. Outside of the heavy winds, and the vain attempts at keeping everything from blowing away, it was a good day. Everyone brought food and we had a decent turnout. I also managed to track down this awesome track from 1929 by Guy Lombardo featuring a medley of all the BIG TEN fight songs which I played on a constant loop for about three hours. The songs are from the following schools who comprised the BIG TEN Conference in 1929:

Wave The Flag – University of Chicago
Go U Northwestern – Northwester
We’re Loyal to You Illinois – Illinois
On Wisconsin -Wisconsin
Indiana Our Indiana – Indiana
The U of M Rouser – Minnesota
Carmen Ohio – Ohio State
The Victors March – Michigan
Hail Purdue – Purdue
Iowa Corn Song – Iowa

View UntitledUntitled

I stayed outside the game to manage the grill and this was the view I had from the fence.

The Pub UntitledUntitledUntitledUntitledUntitled
After the tailgate we headed over to The Pub which is the on campus bar operated as a private club. I believe alumni, students and staff can get a membership with a valid ID and are allowed two guests for a fee. The Pub is housed in the basement of Ida Noyes Hall. The Pub has probably one of the best beer selections in Hyde Park.