vip in the city

Sand n’ Surf… sorta

Decided today to head out to the Water Taxi Beach in Long Island City earlier this afternoon before the World Cup final party in Sunnyside. Intriguing little spot, perfect for beach-starved city dwellers who can appreciate the trippy, fakey nature of laying out on a Port Authority-owned wharf atop Jersey-imported sand, overlooking Midtown Manhattan… and without their toes actually touching any water.

Still, the sun shone hot and bright, and from the wooden picnic tables, we could sink our teeth into freshly grilled burgers while the seaspray (riverspray?) misted us off the New York Water Taxi ferries to 34th Street.

The burgers, by the way, are very good, as one would expect from a place run by Harry Hawk of Schnäck fame. According to the website, they’re crafted of 1/4 lbs of 100% Certified Black Angus Chuck, ground fresh daily based on the estimated need for the day, and once they’re out, they’re out. That credo seemed to apply to other menu items as well; by the time we arrived early Sunday afternoon, the tiki hut had run out of fries, chips and bratwurst for the weekend.

But the sangria and frozen margaritas were refreshing and tasty — dangerously tasty. Plus, how could we resist the DJ spinning his eclectic mix beach-ready tunes, ranging from The Beach Boys’ “Kokomo” to Bob Marley’s “No Woman No Cry” to Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy?” (Thanks, B!)

The chainlink fence separating us from the water somewhat detracted from the illusion of a true beach experience, but the sunbathers and volleyball players hardly seemed to notice or mind.

Such a beautiful day, and I ended up staying somewhat longer than planned. On the way to the World Cup Final party, I passed several cars, which suddenly exploded into a cacophony of horn-blaring and jubilant shouting, as jersey-clad passengers hung out of the open windows, waving their red, white and green flags in the air. Hmm.

And sure enough, by the time I arrived, the Italy v. France match was over — penalty kicks and all. Even missed the Zidane headbutt, though not the endless replays on the news later that night.