The summer of 2009 has seen a unique entertainment experience arrive in Brooklyn: The Coney Island BOOM A RING marks the first time in more than half a century that the “Greatest Show On Earth” has performed under a tent.
But Coney Island is the site of a unique food experience, too: The Coney Island BOOM A RING Food Court on West 21st Street near the boardwalk offers circus favorites like popcorn, cotton candy and sno-cones, of course — but it’s also a full restaurant in and of itself. And it’s open to everyone, not just ticket holders, all day long.
“The variety of food we’ve been able to offer is really amazing,” said Stephen C. Yaros, Feld Entertainment’s VP of Event Marketing and Sales, Northeast Region. “Want a light snack like a banana-nut muffin or some yogurt? We’ve got that. Burgers and dogs? Of course — and they’re served on the best potato rolls you’ve ever tasted. From chicken Caesar salad wraps to fresh fruit to homemade brownies to nachos, we have something for everyone.”
The Food Court at The Coney Island BOOM A RING also has a wine list and a selection of beers that would make many restaurants envious.
“For beer drinkers we put together a menu that includes Bud, Bud Light, Guinness, Peroni, Michelob and Michelob Ultra,” says Rob Cano, owner of RCANO Events, the catering company supplying bar service and much of the food to The Coney Island BOOM A RING. “Wine enthusiasts can choose from an international selection that includes Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais from France, Astica Chardonnay from Argentina, Excelsior Paddock Shiraz from South Africa and several others. We even have margaritas and strawberry daiquiris — and if you’re celebrating a special occasion at The Greatest Show On Earth, there’s even Veuve Cliquot champagne.”
Patrons can enjoy their meals inside the tent, where they’re surrounded by displays of historic circus memorabilia, or outside in the Beer Garden (weather permitting), where they can relax at picnic tables in the shade of giant umbrellas — and watch Ramon Esqueda take care of Minnie, Susie and Bunny, the titanic trio of ponderous pachyderms that appear in the show or catch a glimpse ofthe tigers in their play area when they are relaxing between shows.
“This food court is awesome!” said Claudia Ragni of Smithtown, New York, who brought a group of 16 coworkers and their families to The Coney Island BOOM A RING. “I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t this. If I lived in Brooklyn, I’d be down here a coupla times a month, easy — hang out on the boardwalk and the beach, grab something to eat in the Food Court, make a day of it. Maybe even see the show again.”
So if you find yourself in Coney Island this summer, be sure to check out what the Food Court at The Coney Island BOOM A RING has to offer. You won’t need a ticket to get in — just bring your appetite.
For a complete schedule of performances and more information on The Coney Island “BOOM A RING,” including ticket sales, visit www.ringling.com/coneyisland, or call 1-800-745-3000.
