A Berry Good Time

Whether the crowd will ever be as starry (or stunning) as it was last night is open to question, but for at least one evening, the scene at the new restaurant owned by former Met/Yankee Darryl Strawberry was as glittery as anything going on fifteen miles to the west in Manhattan.

The Straw Man's still-considerable popularity was augmented by a battery of TV and sports notables, including recently engaged Bachelorette Ali Fedotowsky and her betrothed, Roberto Martinez; Dancing with the Stars beauty Karina Smirnoff (who graciously delighted both Strawberry and the NYPD--see here); Joanna Garcia, of Revenge of the Bridesmaids; Miss USA Rima Fakih; and the pop duo Salt 'n' Pepa.

Also in attendance, though sticking to the small VIP area and not doing nearly as much mingling, was Justin Timberlake. The former 'N Snyc frontman is a restaurateur, too, having attached his name to Southern Hospitality, the restaurant owned by Eytan Sugarman— co-owner of Strawberry's Sports Grill.

The Mets were on the road in Atlanta, but their presence was felt on the bar's sixteen flat-screen TVs and in person, too, thanks to Amazins alums Bobby Valentine and Dwight Gooden. Representing the American League thread of Strawberry's career were Yankees past (Whitey Ford, Mickey Rivers, Bernie Williams, Tino Martinez) and present (Nick Swisher, David Robertson).

Strawberry's Sports Grill (718-517-8787) is located at 42–15 235th Street, near 43rd Avenue in Douglaston. But as we warned you at the top of this piece, don't go expecting stars (or even the two busloads of super-attractive Manhattanites who were schlepped out to the site to glam up the opening party). Nonetheless, you will find plenty of great bar food and sports memorabilia--including Stawberry's locker from the old Shea Stadium.

For more pix from last night, including Darryl's dance with Karina Smirnoff, click here.