I didn’t get there early, like so many others did, but at least I made it there before 3 pm.  It was so nice to see so many people wandering the Broadway mall in Islanders jerseys.  I was just surprised that so many mothers allowed their kids to eat ice cream in them.  YIKES!

 

By the time I got to Macy’s, you could hear the music from the 94.3 FM radio booth and you could see the large mass of people just standing still.  There were three lines set up with stanchions.  One for Jersey pick up, one for autographs, and the longest line was for the 94.3 “Wheel of prizes.”  Funny how long people will wait for a plastic water bottle.

 

As I didn’t order a jersey, and I didn’t need Bobby Nystrom’s autograph, but I DID need to shop.  As the Ice Girls kept order on the two lines, there were 4 other Islander employees keeping order at the front of the store.  Seems they had to keep count of how many people were coming and going so they didn’t violate any occupancy laws.

 

I waited a few minutes for two people to leave so that I could get in and look around.  There wasn’t quite a “party” atmosphere, but everyone had a huge smile on their face.  The inside of the store was packed which made it a little difficult to actually LOOK at the merchandise, but since I had already been in there, I know what I was looking for.  My luck, the nice assortment of baby items was moved to the back of the store.  This wouldn’t have been so bad if Nystom’s signing table wasn’t set up there, but I managed to squeeze my chubby butt passed two people in line so I could grab an Islanders pacifier, and then crawled along the side wall to grab a new sweatshirt for my nephew.

 

Of course Terry Goldstein, Director of Retail Ops was smiling ear to ear at the amount of people in the store and how well it was being received, even six hours after they opened the gates, but I’ll be happy when I can walk in there and not have to wait 20 minutes on line to make a purchase.  This wasn’t because of lack of smiling, helpful employees they brought with them Saturday.  It was solely due to the single cash register available to ring everyone up.

 

Of course the day wouldn't be an event without meeting someone from the board.  Nice to see you again 25yearfan.  So, while I waited, I looked through the glass case at all sorts of Islanders paraphernalia as I made a mental list.  “I want that, and that, and I wonder how much that is…”  Note to Big Angry Man:  Really nice, small post Islander Logo earrings in the case for $50.  I’m not sure if they are silver or gold plated, but they certainly would make a nice birthday or Christmas gift to go with those tickets you bought me… Hint… Hint…

 

By the way... NO ONE had anything bad to say about their jerseys they were picking up.  Everyone seemed to be grossly happy with them.

 

There are plenty of little things ranging in prices from $2 to $500 all over the store.  I’ve never seen so many hats in one place.  It’s a great place to shop for any Islander fan.  Check it out if you get a chance.  I’ll definitely be back any time I’m in Hicksville.

 

RECIPE FOR THE DAY:

 

The Montreal Sandwich...

 

Don't ask why the hell I ever called this "the Montreal" when I had my restaurant so very long ago... I just did.  But it's a perfect little treat for fall.

 

1/2 loaf french bread cut lenghtwise

honey mustard to coat bread

2 Leftover pork chops, ham slices or smoked turkey slices

1/2 crisp red applie sliced thin

4 - 1/8" slices domestic brie

 

on cookie sheet, coat bread with honey mustard, layer meat slices, then apple slices, top with slices of brie.  Bake for 15 minutes at 350*.

 

Unusual and tasty...