Mundane Mondays? Try Boisterous Bingo at Amiable Avino’s.

by Prichinna

So maybe I am just preparing for old age? Or maybe things in suburbia just get so bad during the winter stretch that I will try anything? But “Who knew Monday could be so fun?” is what my new bingo buddy Brian said to me at my first Avino’s Bingo night.

For those of you who are not familiar with the south shore of Long Island in the winter time, there is not much to do. Particularly in the little village of Bellport I tend to frequent. During the warm months, the locals restaurant-hop, boat-hop, beach-hop, and quite possibly even bunny-hop. And there is much hopping to be done. But it all comes to a stand still during this dreadful wintry time of year. With most of the village restaurants closed on Monday nights, it seems to be left to Avino’s Italian Table to satisfy the restless natives.

And that is where I spent my most recent Monday night. I was first enlightened of Avino’s bingo night by my dear friend and hair-colorist, Cristian. When he asked me to go, I honestly didn’t think I would make it back out of my house after the back-to-work shock I was experiencing. While Monday’s aren’t easy for anyone, Monday nights are not any easier. After receiving a few ‘where are you’ texts, I decided “Ehhh, why not self? If it was the summer you would be out!” So I threw on a sweater, grabbed 20 bucks for the 20 cards, and off to the village I went. 

I was pleasantly surprised to see the parking lot packed. This would mean lots of company. But it also meant I had to park across the street; could be dangerous getting back across after a few hours of gaming. Nevertheless, I walked in to find a packed bar and a full restaurant. Seemingly, many groups had come down to first eat dinner and to secure a prime spot in the main dinning room.

I quickly located my lot of friends seated inside the dinning area, just outside of the bar. Just apps and drinks for us, but we still were able to sit in a cozy little corner of the main dinning room. Bonus! We were right next to the bingo caller and I had a bulls-eye view of the board. I ordered a Bacardi and Ginger - pint glass please - there were five games ahead of me, each with three chances to win.

So what were we all there playing for you wonder? Our hostess/bingo- caller/owner/proprietor displayed our choice of fine prizes on the mantel above just one of the three fireplaces that Avino’s has to offer. The prizes ranged from bottles of wine, such as a Kris pinot grigio, to gift baskets of movies, popcorn, and candy, to ‘Avino bucks’. There were even ‘point’ prizes (wink, wink) that ranged from 25 points to 260 points by the last game. I was ready for the fun to begin.

And it ensued. This was not your grandmother’s bingo. While it started of slow, like my sips of Bacardi, the game quickly picked up the pace. Subsequently, so did my drinking.

Before long, crayons were snapping as numbers were feverishly being colored in. Those out on the streets could hear our hoots and hollers. Ever so often a false bingo was called. The boos quickly turned to ahhs as we realized we still had another shot at a prize. A woman at my table continuously insulted the continuously winning table. “Your sister wears short-shorts!” she would yell every time they gave notice of being close to a win. When my colorist won the movie gift pack, his starburst became little missiles to be launched at that table we were quickly growing quite suspicious of.

In between games I nibbled on spicy hot wings from the six-dollar bar bite menu. They were a perfect degree of spicy. Enough to keep you sipping your drink, but not creating the need to dab your tongue with a paper napkin. I shared a delectable plate of Gnocchi Bolognese with another friend I enticed down to take part in the entertainment. The chocolate chip cookie pie and tartufo from the dessert menu were delicious as well.

As the last prize was given away, I realized that bingo is not just for grannies. Nor is it just a clever attempt for teachers to try to make learning fun in school. For some, it might just be about putting a few bucks in one’s pocket. But I think bingo is more about an evening guaranteed to be filled with laughs. An evening of much needed fun for the social scene of a small village stuck under the winter gray.

This event is SWAK worthy.

Comments

[Kels]

Bingo must be the "in" thing to do during the winter months now. I've seen ads around here for bingo nights. Bingo - it's not just for blue hairs anymore!

[Jay]

There's Gay Bingo up here in Buffalo and I have to give that a go sometime. Sounds too good to pass up!

[Prichinna]

I have done Drag Queen Bingo at Cherry Grove and Dirty Bingo at Davis Park. Both very entertaining. So I say give Gay Bingo a try Jay.