I would do anything for love… of the Yankees

Heartbreak is not a stranger to me. I have known it at the hands of men and even at the hands of people I thought were my friends but, worst and most often of all, I have suffered it because of my favorite sports team: the New York Yankees. If any person were to even try putting me through a quarter of what the Yanks have actually put me through, the relationship would be terminated; no questions asked, nothing left to be said. 

I have just finished watching a Red Sox-Yankees game that lasted three hours and thirty-eight minutes. After a two-hour and forty-four-minute rain delay. Just to see the Yankees lose at the hands of the Red Sox for the fourth time this still (thankfully) young baseball season. But, for a diehard (and, not to mention, rather vocal) Yankees fan, this is four times too many. For one living in Boston, it feels like at least hundred-sixty-two times too many.

Even before this season, they have tested my loyalty. Letting Joe Torre leave New York with little fanfare. Failing to honor the little things that brought incredible successes in the late ‘90s. Placing faith in players who little deserved or warranted it. The list goes on and on.

But, still, I cheer for them. When they’re ahead, when they’re down. And I will continue to do so. 

A friend of mine recently picked up and moved her entire life to Germany because she fell in love. Another friend is debating moving to Barcelona because he feels a connection with his sister’s friend and thinks it could be the real thing. And I? I don’t see myself getting on a jet plane for anyone soon but I certainly would follow the Yanks to the ends of the world.

That’s a whole lotta purple…

$30.00 for all-you-can-eat-and-drink and a purple dance floor?! Clearly, the only question is: where do I sign up? The answers: aceticket.com and the Bayside Expo Center for the Phantom Gourmet’s Food and Wine Phest.

Here’s a sweet tip: if you’re really interested in the drinking and the eating at a Phantom event, get there towards the beginning. More and more people gradually fill in as the event goes on which means lines just keeping growing. Before you know it, it’s nearly impossible to fully enjoy the wine and the food between the throngs of people milling around and the long lines in front of the food and wine booths as well as the bathrooms.

My friends and I arrived within the first hour of the event and we were well rewarded for our extra effort. We just walked up to the various food and wine booths and ate and drank to our fill. The only problem I encountered: my eyes were often too big for what my hands could hold. Because there were few tables for us to put our cups and plates on, I often had to juggle and pray I didn’t spill on myself. The worst to manage was my Panera bread bowl (full of cheddar broccoli soup) and my cup of Yellowtail Reisling. Mental note: pick bread bowl or beverage but not both simultaneously. Luckily, we did find a mostly clear table before I made too big a mess of myself.

Fun was easily had; my favorite activities of eating, drinking and people-watching were readily available. Until mid-afternoon. That was when everybody else with tickets and their mothers showed up. The Expo center became so packed with people, it was impossible to go anywhere without throwing a few elbows because shouting “Excuse me” was not nearly enough to get people to move out of your way. Lines melted into one another making it more difficult to maintain a good buzz. Garbage cans were blocked from view and ended up overflowing because janitors were unable to empty them. And don’t even get me started on the lines for the restrooms!

Highlights: Merlot made at the Boston Winery (and I don’t even like red wine), Maschio Brut Prosecco, Da Vinci’s shrimp crostini and Whoopie Pies

Lowlights: long lines, having to pay for water and Dolce Indulgence

Most unexpected moment: “The Electric Slide” on the purple dance floor

Most scandalous: four ladies walking out of the “Makeout Shed” holding hands

Most disappointing: lack of outlandish costumes