City Island…never heard of it until the movie. Have you seen it? I just love Andy Garcia and the quaint fishing community where it was filmed. If you haven’t seen it..it’s a hilarious and touching comedy about a dysfunctional family (the Rizzo’s) that stops at nothing to avoid the truth. So yes, City Island has been on the list of “must see” for quite some time now. Though my city isn’t known for its quaint seaside communities, just over a small bridge in the Bronx is exactly what you’ll find.
After a long subway ride on the local six train, one connects to a short bus ride thru the island which provides a quick overview of the town’s restaurants, antique shops and corner stores. Here’s how a very serendipitous afternoon unfolded…
It all started with a feast at Sammy’s Fish Box. And I mean feast. Mmmm…those littlenecks…and it was only an appetizer! Besides the food, our waitress Helen stole the show. Talk about a definition of FUN! That was Helen. All I can say is spending time in this restaurant is something out of the movies. This is a “must experience” on City Island. Throughout the evening all we heard from folks – “OMG…You went to Sammy’s? That is THE best.” Who knew?
helen at sammy's fish box restaurant
Afterwards, a walk down an adorable neighborhood street brought no access to the beach, only a big sign – PRIVATE. A clear signal to us outsiders that this private little community plans for it to stay that way. Turning back, a nice man walking his dogs stopped to chat. “Oh this particular street just happens to be THE street where the movie was filmed and the house on the end is where the Rizzo family lived” he said. (Who knew?) A beautiful home, overlooking the bay with an incredible view of the Manhattan skyline. But wait, it gets better! The man walking his dogs just happened to own the house where 400 pound Denise lived. “Oh, and don’t worry about the private sign. Go ahead and open the gate and enjoy the beach” he said. What??? Now you see what I mean by a serendipitous afternoon? So after an hour or so of photographing, it all came to together…the two prompts for the weekend were play (that was easy!) and curves from the steps of an old staircase exposed from the low tide. Serendipity at its finest!
August is all about Summer in the City!
What fun! Am going to have to check out Sammy’s!
I LOVE Andy Garcia but haven’t even heard of that movie, Robin (it came out at the time I was moving). Don’t you just love these serendipities that happen all the time to make life so GOOD! Sounds like we’ll have to put yet another place on our list for when we come visit you. If Marcie joins us, maybe we can all go there for lunch. 🙂
What fun, Robin! I love the staircase photo, too.
I love Andy Garcia and hadn’t heard of that film. It came out at that “worse time in my life” era. I have to find it now and see it.
Thanks again for broadening my world again!
All these places I’ve missed all these years of living in NY and LI. I have a whole list of places I must visit next time I go up and have time – and especially to see YOU is one of them!
I will definitely be checking out the film—I’ve never heard of it either but your great story has peaked my interest 🙂 Love those serendipitous encounters!
I have not seen the movie so I will have to check it out. Sounds like a fabulous day! Serendipity at its finest!!!! Love you!!!!!!!! Xo
I hope everyone is renting this movie as it’s the perfect summer movie! Thanks for stopping in and commenting! xo