Less than a week into Group Stage, and there have already been several memorable viewing parties. Specifically, 330 Ritch and The Steps of Rome, both in San Francisco, have outdone themselves in their planning and execution of the parties they have hosted. The following four reviews are the first of what is expected to be a marathon of a month around the Bay. Despite the fact that three of the four games watched ended in 1-1 draws, the venues provided a fun atmosphere that beat the hell out of sitting at your house with your roommates.
Monday, June 14th: The Steps of Rome-North Beach (SF) Italy vs. Paraguay
By the time the Peroni Girls (see above) were dancing on tables giving away free beer, the local Italian expat population had turned most of North Beach into an il Azzuri Booster Club party. Despite Italy's less than inspiring 1-1 draw against Paraguay, the crowd sang unintelligible hymns about the majesty of Italian football. There were several conversations about the dream runs of 1982 and 2006. The mood dampened a bit when it was found out that net minder Gianluigi Buffon was out indefinitely with back issues. However, when a pack of Italian 20-somethings raced into the restaurant adorned with Italian scarves, flags and little else, spirits were lifted back to a euphoric high. People seemed to want Italy to do well not for the sake of winning another Cup, but to have a good reason to drink well before noon on a Monday morning. 7 out of 10 (cheesy eurotrash techno became a little unsettling by kickoff)
Saturday, June 12: 330 Ritch-SOMA (SF) USA vs. England
330 Ritch could not have been trying to profit from this beer-laden affair, as a $5 cover got you four drink tickets. The doors opened at 10:30 a.m., and shortly thereafter patrons were guzzling down Bloody Mary's and Greyhounds in anticipation of the game. Little Skillet, a hole-in-the-wall gem situated near the bar took orders of chicken and waffles and brought food directly to people's tables. The game was projected onto several large screens giving all fans, English and American alike, an unobstructed view of the games. 8.5 (great atmosphere)
Friday, June 11th: El Huarache Azteca (Oakland) Mexico vs. South Africa
The venue for this World Cup opener was pretty sedate in the 1st half. This was due in large part to the fact that the game was played at 7 a.m. on a work week. Nonetheless, the intreped writer and his fellow football fanatics braved the early hour and potential angry bosses to watch Mexico and South Africa start things off. The small, but vocal crowd was entirely in Mexico's corner. I ignored the arch-nemesis and devoured the Torta Cubana, which had an egg, chorizo, sausage, cotijo cheese, guacamole and approximately five other unknown ingredients. This was one of the tastier tortas this writer has had in some time, and would warrant a return, Cup or no Cup. When Marquez finally evened the game in the 79th minute, I finally felt like I was watching the World Cup. I expected more from the fiercely loyal partisan crowd. Maybe El Tri supporters were just warming up for upcoming matches against France and Uruguay. (5)
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