Wednesday, June 27, 2007

ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO... AN END.

Last night we hosted our very last DOLLAR DRAFT MADNESS and let me just say that it ROCKED! Throngs of people withstood the heat and humidity outside and the heat and sweaty bodies inside to enjoy their last rounds of dollar mugs with the staff and friends. There were lots of laughter, singing, dancing, flashing of body parts, dancing on the bar... you name it and it probably happened. I left early simply b/c I couldn't deal with the heat anymore (keep in mind I'd been there all day as well), but I can tell you that the festivities lasted well past 3 a.m. Plenty of pics to follow.

That being said, I expect much of the same today as the devoted followers will no doubt swing in throughout the day to pay their last respects to Third and Long and its impending closing. I overheard someone say yesterday "Let's hope for a stay from the Governor!". While I'm sure things aren't as drastic as to get Governor Spitzer involved, part of me shares the sentiment with hope that there will be a last-minute reprieve. However, at this point, it doesn't look that way.

So I plan on going in tonight and greeting the public one last time; Share in a cocktail (or two) and take in the moment. It's been a great run and I'll have nothing but fond memories of a place that's served me (and others) well over the past 16 years.

Through the good times (Yankees' World Series wins, The Subway Series, NY Rangers' Stanley Cup win, countless parties, Brew Crew Sundays, various meetups, hookups, engagements, etc.), bad times (9/11) and strange times (the blackout), Third and Long has served as my constant rock throughout the years. And with that "constant rock" soon to be removed, it leaves you with a sense of emptiness. At least it does for me.

No matter what happens next for me (and believe me, I've gotten this question about a thousand times over the past few weeks), there will never be another place like Third and Long. Not so much for the physical space, but for the vibe and people that gave the bar its unique personality over the years. That's something you simply cannot replace and I will miss it terribly.

So here's to you, old bar. You've served Murray Hill well.


Hope to see you tonight. Pics to follow.




nuff said