by David Pambianchi
Each month the meeting opens with a retired Italian fighter singing a heart felt, ageless, American fighting song. And after he finishes our National Anthem, a hostess taps the bell ten times, the Ten Count, ten moments of silence for fallen comrades. With a Queens’ eye view of the skyline, RING 8 members meet at Borden Avenue and Second Street, The Waterfront Crabhouse.
With an extensive history of its own, built in the late 1800’s as a hotel, its Bar once catered to the famous from the political, sports and movie celebrity world as well as ferry travelers to and from Manhattan. Now owned by Tony Mazzarella, The Waterfront Crabhouse, with its ambiance and excellent cuisine continues to attract and also hosts New York’s Veteran Boxing Association.

Not just rich in memorabilia, but made of memorabilia, the restaurant and bar exude history, every inch filled with mementos.

The walls with abstracts from years gone by, the ceiling hung with hundreds of baseball caps, hats and items of every kind, the tables and booths nostalgic, seem not frozen in time, but frozen moments of time. Besides nautical objects, a ships anchor or ancient diving suit, you study a collidescope of images, ornate stained glass lamps, a classic juke box, a carousel horse, baskets, bicycles, sleds, a bathtub full of peanuts, enough to stimulate any imagination. A sidewalk extension dinning area with windows on both sides gives the feel of some strange luxury railcar from the past. VIEW FULL STORY…