The Big…Melting Pot
Fans of the Men's Italian National Soccer Club celebrate the team's 2006 World Cup victory in New York City's Little Italy.
As we all know, back in history, America, and New York (Ellis Island) in particular, was a place where people from across the world came to in order to escape their troubles from their origin countries and to achieve freedom. From then on, America represented the “world” in a nutshell and became known as a melting pot composed of people from various countries and cultures from around the globe.
Over the past week of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, I have truly begun to realize another reason why New York is the greatest city in the world. To this day, New York City continues to have a reputation of representing all of the countries around the World. There is no better time to show this off than during the World Cup. Imagine all of the countries around the World and their different ways of celebrating their culture and sports, but in one city and during one specific time. It is truly an amazing scene to experience and I encourage all of you to witness this at least one time in your lives during a World Cup that occurs. It seems as if this “melting pot” is at a boil and everything is stirred up. For instance, as I walked around recently, I noticed different types of cheers coming from different bars around the city. This indeed caught my attention, and I had to seek more knowledge about the New York City World Cup scene.
Let’s say that you are a fan or even a citizen of Ghana and happen to live in New York City. The thing that you would least expect to hear is about a special place where all the fans and enthusiasts of Ghana can gather and celebrate their team and cheer in unison as they take the field during the World Cup. Yes, it seems very unlikely that a certain place like this would exist here, but that thought would be deemed incorrect. Meytex Café, in the borough of Brooklyn, houses all Ghana supporters and is filled to capacity when Ghana plays in the World Cup. In fact, the café even serves Ghanaian food on a regular basis. Unbelievable!
Are you a follower of the Nigerian team? No problem! Check out the Nigerian eatery, New Combination which is located on 568 Utica Ave. They will be showing every single Nigerian game! How about that? I can go on and on from here as everything seems to amaze me as I learn more about New York’s influence during this one month out of every four years. Almost every country in the World Cup is being supported by a bar or restaurant that televises that particular team’s games. Check out the article, “New York Bars Gear Up for the World Cup” from The Wall Street Journal where author Kevin Clark does a great job breaking down a list of bars and their representing country throughout New York City.
As the World Cup continues to progress, I expect to see these different ethnic cultures gather into more of a frenzy. It only becomes more exciting as the winning teams from their groups will begin play in the round of 16. Upsets are bound to happen; in fact, the Swiss caught the Spaniards by surprise and recently defeated them in group play! I cannot begin to express how depressed Spain fans were over at their bar, Astoria’s Casa Galicia on 3709 31st Ave. Can you imagine if the Swiss surprises the World and continues to advance in the tournament? Exactly! Everything about the World Cup is unpredictable, which makes it more interesting, as well as keeps everybody on their toes at all times.
After sitting back and really reflecting on everything I have learned about New York’s overwhelming attachment to the World Cup, I cannot help but state how proud and fortunate I am to be an American. Although I have been reflecting on my experiences in New York during the World Cup, there is sure to be other places around the country, like Los Angeles or Miami, which display similar enthusiasm towards this famed tournament. It seems to be a clear notion that the American Flag does not only represent the fifty states and original thirteen colonies, but additionally represents the “World” as a whole.
* Open for all the games
* Serve breakfast for the early games.
Special Offers:-
$4 Bud Light/ Coors light.
$4 margaritas and well drinks.
$3 Natty light and keystone light cans.
$8 24 oz Coors banquet.
$10 domestic mini boot &
$22 96oz Boots.
Also showing:
All the 2010 World Cup Soccer Games Live at Point Break Restaurant
Lets cheer your team to create a new history!!!!
Point Break NYC
12 West 45th St
New York, NY, 10036.
T. 914-645-8820
http://www.pointbreaknyc.com/
Nickolas Karver
Sent from my iPhone 4G