The Whitecaps match away to Chivas has concluded. I am hoarse and disappointed from the result, but far from heartbroken. Our boys in blue and white were done in by an awful curveball of an own goal, but otherwise showed tremendous promise as a gutsy attack-minded team that has allllllmost got their shit together. We're not quite there, but we're on the verge. Patience.
One thing you will not have to wait long for is a freshly poured beverage of your choosing at Big Ridge Brewing Company, the Southsiders' new "South of the Fraser" pub partner. Sweet mercy, our server worked the room like Kekuta Manneh on rocket fuel, and I don't think my glass sat empty longer than a minute without an offer to top it up. Well done, Sara C. Those efforts were nothing short of heroic.
I had been to Big Ridge a few times in the past, but tonight was my first excursion there to join my fellow Southsiders for an away game viewing. It's located at the corner of 152 Street and Highway 10 (56 Avenue). If you come to Surrey by SkyTrain, they even have a shuttle that will be dispatched to pick you up at King George Station, and it will take you back there once the evening's tomfoolery and shenanigans have come to an end (call ahead to make arrangements).The pub side of the venue was decked out in scarves hung with care from the light fixtures, and the bar staff were wearing the Southsiders "Never Mind The Bollocks" and Subbuteo shirts. Over on the restaurant side, Southsiders and other Whitecaps fans took up a good number of tables while watching the match on the big screens.
It goes without saying that there were more people watching the game at Big Ridge than the Home Depot Center.
This is the view from near the entrance to the pub side. There's quite a few more tables just out of the frame, but all were filled with cheery, optimistic Whitecaps fans. Full marks to the pub for giving us priority during a simultaneous broadcast of a Canucks game - it was the Caps game you heard on the overhead sound, while the Canucks skated silently through their latest embarassment in Edmonton.
Much credit has to be given to Rob Wheeler, a Southsider who recognized there was a real need for a soccer-friendly suburban venue to complement the group's existing partnership with Doolin's Irish Pub in downtown Vancouver. Through word of mouth and social media he has grown small gatherings of Caps fans into worthwhile community events that really bring supporters together. As word spreads, these viewing parties are only going to get better, so be sure to give Big Ridge a try.
It doesn't hurt that the food is fantastic, either. Today I tried the beer battered garlic fries, and let me tell you, the name does not do those things justice. Forget every preconceived notion you have about fries served at a pub. These were crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, well seasoned with garlic, shallots, jalapeno and... dear mother of god... is that a hint of cinnamon and sugar? These are almost a hybrid of proper British chips and, if you can believe it, Those Little Donuts from the PNE. Put them in your face hole immediately! You will thank me later, and when you do, I sincerely hope your gratitude will be shown in the form of purchasing more of these delicious garlic fries and shoveling them into my gaping maw.
So here was the damage tonight... not bad at all. It only shows two free pop refills on there, but I'm damn sure I hit double digits.
It's always great to see our membership perks materializing outside of BC Place. Don't ever lose sight of the fact that supporters who work together can become a highly desirable and influential demographic with a little bit of effort. What I'm talking about goes beyond soccer. There is real strength in numbers and unity, and businesses in the Lower Mainland are starting to recognize what groups like the Southsiders bring to the table.
Big Ridge Brewing Company: thanks for letting us bring the party to your doorstep.You've been great hosts so far and we're looking forward many more matchdays under your excellent hospitality.
Cheers,
@johnniemonster
