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1600 Hylan Boulevard Staten Island, NY 10305   |   Phone: 718-979-1600    

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Staten Island bowling alley ups its food game with gourmet burgers | The Dish

March 17, 2023 by Rab's Country Lanes Leave a Comment

Chef Joe poses at Rab's Kitchen with Proprietor Frank Wilkinson

It’s an unlikely place to find gourmet offerings like burgers but Joe Labita, left, and Frank Wilkinson have made that happen at Rab’s Country Lanes, Dongan Hills. (Courtesy of Elena Demontreaux)

By Pamela Silvestri | silvestri@siadvance.com
silive.com | Click here for the full story

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Bowlers at Rab’s Country Lanes in Dongan Hills have been privy to some fantastical food this winter. Chef Joe Labita amped up the alley’s game with gourmet burgers, admirable wings and assorted sandwiches. With a burgeoning business and frequent fliers to 1600 Hylan Blvd. coming just to sample the goods, owner Frank Wilkinson has decided to renovate the operation.

This Wednesday, while pins crashed in the backdrop, “The Dish” broadcast live from Rab’s. Up for tasting were the “Steakhouse” wagyu and Pat LaFrieda blended beef patties now coming from this unlikely food destination, long known for its pizza. Since the summer, Labita has rounded out its menu with all-day breakfast, quesadillas, salads and brined-buttermilk soaked boneless chicken preparations served in a crisp tempura.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Food, News Tagged With: bowlatrabs, feature story, food, nyc, rabs, rabs kitchen, staten island, staten island advance

‘It has such a rich heritage’: One man reflects on what the S.I. Singles Classic means to him

March 7, 2023 by Rab's Country Lanes Leave a Comment

By Joe D’Amodio | damodio@siadvance.com
silive.com | Click Here for the full story

Bob Garzone posing with a bowling ball

Bobby Garzone captured his only Staten Island Singles Classic crown in 1979. (Staten Island Advance)

With the 45th edition of the Staten Island Singles Classic right around the corner, former champion Bobby Garzone couldn’t help but reflect on the prestigious event, which was created by Donnie Walters, one of the names synonymous with Island bowling.

“Back in 1978 (the inaugural tourney), there weren’t many, if any, singles tourneys, at least none that proved to stand the test of time,” said Garzone, a former Islander, who now resides in Florida. “I was just finishing my years with the US Navy. I was fishing around for a new career which had me doing many different time shifts.

“Donnie was my neighbor for decades but I got to know him much better seeing him when we worked the same hours. He encouraged me to ‘step up my game’, and competing in the Staten Island Singles Classic was the best way to do that.”

[Read more…]

Filed Under: News, Tournaments Tagged With: bowlatrabs, bowling, donnie walters, rabs, singles classic, staten island, tournament

Meet the Team: Chef Joe, Head Chef & Director of Food Operations

March 7, 2023 by Rab's Country Lanes 1 Comment

This past year, Rab’s Kitchen was born to introduce fresh, quality, delicious food to enhance the overall guest experience, at your favorite place to bowl, whether it’s to bowl and have fun with friends and family or just stop in for a bite to eat.

We are excited to introduce Chef Joe Labita as the Head Chef and Director of Food Operations at Rab’s Country Lanes.  With over three decades of culinary experience and a passion for quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations, Chef Joe has taken our food offerings to the next level.

In this series of “Meet our Team,” let’s meet Chef Joe…  Here, we ask Chef Joe a series of questions to get to know him better and learn more about his cooking philosophy, favorite chefs, and more.  Join us as we welcome Chef to the Rab’s Family and look forward to the exciting culinary creations he will bring to our menu.

When asked about what inspired him to become a chef, Chef Joe recounted starting to work in the kitchen at 14 years old, washing dishes and watching cooks and chefs work.  He was fascinated by customers coming into the kitchen and complimenting the chef on the food.  He wanted to be that chef.

How do you describe your overall cooking philosophy?
Quality ingredients, not a ton of items in a recipe.  Feature an item, then highlight with flavors.

Name thee three kitchen tools you can’t do without?
Chef’s Knife, Thermocouple, and Robot Coupe (blender).

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Food, Meet our Team Tagged With: bowlatrabs, bowling, food, nyc, rabs, staten island

Michele Sweeney and Jason Todaro Crowned Annual Valentine’s No-Tap Mixed Doubles Tournament Champions

February 25, 2023 by Rab's Country Lanes Leave a Comment

Rab’s is proud to announce Michele Sweeney and Jason Todaro as the 2023 Champions of the Annual Valentine’s No-Tap Mixed Doubles Tournament.  The 2023 tournament, held in memory of Iona Weisenstein, was a resounding success, attracting a record number of teams from across the tri-state area.

Michele and Jason’s outstanding performance, defeating 186 teams of duos, led them to victory, with a total team score of 1723.  Michele rolled an impressive 865 series, matching up with Jason’s 858 three-game set.  They were presented with the Iona Weisenstein Memorial Cup, along with a prize of $1,200 for their win.

Heather Medoro and Pete Tirado finished in second place with a total score of 1706, while Kristina Fritsch and Steven Bonanno rounded out the top three with a 1705 total series.

During the tournament, three bowlers, Michele Dash, Kristy Pizzimenti, and Jennifer Jansen, rolled perfect 900 no-tap series en-route to their finishes. Jennifer Jansen even rolled two during the event.

“We are thrilled with the success of this year’s Annual Valentine’s No-Tap Mixed Doubles Tournament,” said Nazareth Laursen, Tournament Director.  “We were honored to hold this event in memory of Iona Weisenstein, who loved this event and competed annually, and we are delighted that so many bowlers came out to bowl.”

For full results, visit: https://bowlatrabs.com/bowling/tournaments/annual-valentines-no-tap-mixed-doubles-tournament/

For more information on upcoming tournaments and events, check out the Up-Coming Events and Tournament Pages here at bowlatrabs.com.

 

Filed Under: News, Tournaments Tagged With: bowlatrabs, bowling, news, rabs, staten island, tournaments, valentines no-tap

The Most Fun Bowling Bars in NYC

February 20, 2023 by Rab's Country Lanes Leave a Comment

MyBartender.com
Paul Kushner | Click Here for the Full Feature


Baseball is America’s pastime, but bowling is its passion. The simple game draws in fans of all ages. Kids bowl at birthday parties and young adults knock down pins over a few beers at midnight bowling.

Never to be outdone, New York City has some of the best bowling bars in the country. These establishments allow patrons to enjoy adult beverages while bowling a few frames of playing games.

This list of the 15 best bowling bars in NYC helps you plan a fun New York City evening.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: As Seen On... Tagged With: bar, beer, bowlatrabs, bowling, cocktails, news, nyc, rabs, staten island

N.J. native Steve Soss feeds off crowd, ‘strikes’ again at Jim Elliott’s 47th New Year Singles Classic

January 21, 2023 by Rab's Country Lanes Leave a Comment

Steve Soss and Jim Elliott

Tourney director Jim Elliott hands the trophy to two-time NYSC winner Steve Soss on Saturday at Rab’s Country Lanes.

By Nick Regina | nregina@siadvance.com
silive.com | Click here for the full story

Call it a road field advantage.

New Jersey native Steve Soss “struck” again at Rab’s Country Lanes, capturing his second crown at Jim Elliott’s 47th New Year Singles Classic on Saturday. Soss outlasted Sean McAuliffe in the title round, pulling out a 225-200 triumph in the final.

The 31-year-old Roselle Park resident tossed games of 249, 259, and 269 en route to sweeping his four matches. It was the third straight trip to the championship round for Soss, the fireballing southpaw who previously defeated Sean’s brother, Tim McAuliffe Jr., in the 2020 final and finished as runner-up to Pierce Field in 2022.

There was no event in 2021 due to the pandemic.

A raucous crowd of approximately 100 onlookers peppered McAuliffe and other local keglers with “oohs” and “aahs” throughout the afternoon, hanging with bated breath on each toss. Despite the exhilarating atmosphere, Soss’ tosses typically received benign recognition and little fanfare by comparison.

Nevertheless, it only seemed to add fuel to the 31-year-old’s fire.

“When your opponents’ fans are cheering so loud, it’s tough to keep yourself concentrating,” acknowledged Soss. “You learn that from bowling…every year I come here and the whole place cheers, but when I throw a good shot it’s silence. It’s alright though, I like it.”Steve Soss rolls a ball in the finals of the New Year Singles Classic

“They all grew up here and bowled here for years. I don’t bowl here, so to come out and bowl with these guys and have a chance of beating them. It’s a good feeling,” he added. “I just come out here to bowl.”

After both Soss and McAuliffe left pins standing on the finale’s first frame, the New Jerseyan began heating up. Soss spared the 2nd frame and proceeded to strike on frames 3 through 7. He struck on 9 and 10 before sparing out to end the match.

McAuliffe, meanwhile, recorded strikes on 2 through 4, sparing the 5th frame before striking on 6 and 7 and sparing the 8th frame. He struck on 9 and could have won the match if he doubled on 10, but left three pins standing on his first attempt — sealing his fate and securing Soss’ victory.

“It feels good to come back after losing in the finals last year. It feels really good,” said Soss. “It’s just about not worrying about pressure, just getting out there and throwing the best shot you can. I was trying to go win it.”

FINAL FOUR AND PAYOUTS

Meanwhile, Tim McAuliffe Jr. finished third after falling to Soss in the semis (268-218), while Dan Costantino came in fourth after succumbing to Sean, 206-205, in another exciting final four matchup. The three Staten Islanders are all Susan Wagner graduates, while Tim McAuliffe Jr. currently serves as the school’s head bowling coach.

Sean McAuliffe rolls a ball in the Finals of the New Year Singles Classic

Sean McAuliffe finished second on Saturday. He’s an 11-time finalist at the NYSC.

Sean McAuliffe is an 11-time finalist at the event, and multi-time final four finisher. He hopes to get over the hump next year and secure his first NYSC crown.

“I had a chance. I had to double to win,” said McAuliffe, a previous Donnie Walters and multi-time USBC champion. “It’s a letdown. This is the one major Staten Island tournament I don’t have yet. This is my elusive tournament.”

“I knew I had a chance. Unfortunately, I left a seven-count (on the 10th frame),” he added. “It’s hard to beat Steve. He’s good…Once he gets going, it’s hard to stop him.”

Jeffrey Martin finished fifth, while Mike Galeotti came in sixth place. Previous winner Joe Lampariello tallied a seventh-place finish and six-time champion George Cretella rounded out the top eight finishers at the 24-person event.

Paula Meduri, the tourney’s lone female competitor, finished 13th.

Tournament director Jim Elliott and all of the competitors heaped praise on the Wilkinson family and Rab’s for the professional atmosphere on the lanes.

“It was very exciting. People like to see this, it’s like a professional bowling tournament here,” concluded Elliott. “We had some excellent bowling today. You can’t ask for too much more than that. Good matches, close matches.”

Prize money: Soss ($1100), S. McAuliffe ($700), T. McAuliffe ($450), Costantino ($300), Martin ($240), Galeotti ($215), Lampariello ($195), Cretella ($175), Dan Dunleavy ($135), Tom Hollywood ($125), Cameron LaPlant ($120), Mike Giovinazzo ($120), Meduri ($115), Nick Abbate ($115), Joe Gentile ($110), Don Pendleton ($110), John Winters ($100), Kevin Ng ($100), Bill Salvatore ($100), Ken Cedel, Ken Russo ($100), Joe LaBargo ($100), Andrew Link ($100), Tim McAuliffe Sr. ($100).

Filed Under: News Tagged With: advance, bowlatrabs, bowling, new year singles classic, news, rabs, staten island, tournament

Bowling: 3 McAuliffes will make Saturday’s New Year Singles Classic finals a family affair

January 18, 2023 by Rab's Country Lanes Leave a Comment

The McAuliffe Family posing on the lanes holding bowling balls

The McAuliffes — Tim Sr., Sean and Tim Jr. — are all set for the finals of Saturday’s New Year Singles Classic. (Staten Island Advance photo)

By Joe D’Amodio | damodio@siadvance.com
silive.com | Click here for the full story

The Top 24 finals of Jim Elliott’s 47th New Year Singles Classic on Saturday at Rab’s Country Lanes will be a family affair for the McAuliffe clan.

Three McAuliffe family members, Tim Sr. and his sons, Tim Jr. and Sean, cracked the Top 24 list as two weekends of qualifying came to a close Sunday at Country.

Tim Jr.’s booming 836, rolled on the first weekend of qualifying, went unsurpassed, giving the 43-year-old righty the top seed. Tim Jr. won this event in 2014.

But both Sean, 35, and dad Tim Sr., 69, the former proprietor of the now defunct Victory Lanes, didn’t want Tim Jr. to have all the fun by himself and qualified 17th and 18th, respectively, checking in with series of 727 and 724.

“It’s so awesome,” said Tim Jr. about competing in the same final field with his father and younger brother. He said it’s the second time it has happened. “Sean called me with the good news (Sunday) night. I’m glad I have a first-round bye so I can avoid my dad until the later rounds. He’s money.”

Sean has been to the finals of this event numerous times, but has yet to win it all. He’s happy, however, to be competing with his dad and brother this time out.

“It’s an honor to represent our bowling family in any tournament,” said Sean. “I’ve bowled my brother Tim a bunch of times — which I have the better record, I might I add — but never my dad 1 on 1 in a tournament. They have both challenged me to always get better in any sport growing up and it will be all business if we do happen to bowl one another but emotions will be high before and after. It would be a dream to see one of them in the final match.”

Proud wife and mom Laurie McAuliffe, who works at Country, will be watching the event with great interest and some angst.

“I think she will be rooting for me. I’m her favorite,” said Tim Jr. with a laugh. “I think she has a Team McAuliffe shirt (from past events) so she will be pulling for all of us.”

Mike Galeotti (786) qualified in the second spot with a 786, while unprecedented six-time NYSC champ George Cretella (780) finished tied for third with Steve Soss, who won this event in 2020.

“George is like Tom Brady (with all those titles,” said Tim Jr. “And if I win this year I’ll be like Patrick Mahomes, chasing George’s record.”

In all, the top eight qualifiers receive first-round byes of the five-game, head-to-head match-play finals format.

Other powerhouses in the scratch finals are past champs Dan Dunleavy, Don Pendleton and Joe Lampariello and Joe Gentile, Joe LaBargo Jr. and Thomas Hollywood Jr.

BOWLER …………..NET SCORE

(* DENOTES SQUAD LEADERS)

  1. TIM McAULIFFE JR. 836*
  2. MIKE GALEOTTI 786*
  3. GEORGE CRETELLA 780*
  4. STEVE SOSS 780*
  5. NICK ABBATE JR. 779
  6. DANIEL COSTANTINO 766*
  7. DON PENDELTON 761*
  8. JOE GENTILE 760
  9. JOE LAMPARELLO 755*
  10. MIKE GIOVINAZZO 754
  11. THOMAS HOLLYWOOD JR. 745*
  12. DAN DUNLEAVY 741*
  13. CAMERON LAPLANT 740
  14. JEFFREY MARTIN 736
  15. KEN CEDEL 733*
  16. JOHN WINTERS SR. 728
  17. SEAN McAULIFFE 727*
  18. TIM McAULIFFE SR. 724*
  19. PAULA MEDURI 723
  20. KEVIN NG 723
  21. JOE LABARGO JR. 712*
  22. BILL SALVATORE 687*
  23. KEN RUSSO 679*
  24. ANDREW LINK III 676*

Note: all averages must be verified

Click here for full tournament details

Filed Under: News Tagged With: bowlatrabs, bowling, bowling tournament, nyc, rabs, rabs country lanes, staten island

Bowl and Catch the Big Game with Rab’s this Super Bowl-ing Sunday!

January 11, 2023 by Rab's Country Lanes Leave a Comment

Tired of doing the same old thing on Super Bowl Sunday?

Tired of sitting on the couch watching the game?

Not interested in the big game and looking for something else to do?

Super Bowl-ing Sunday Special FlyerJoin us for Super Bowl-ing on Super Bowl Sunday, February 12, 2023 for an evening of bowling fun and football!

The fun starts at 6:00 PM, where you can enjoy unlimited bowling during the game for just $25 per person*!  Not only will you get to bowl ’til you drop, you’ll also have access to some great food from Rab’s Kitchen throughout the game.  With a minimum of 2 bowlers per lane, your party of up to 4 people will receive a fresh pizza pie or an appetizer sampler filled with all your favorite bites and unlimited soda.  Your party of 5-6 people will enjoy both a pizza pie and an appetizer sampler.

Rab’s is the perfect place to watch the big game.  With multiple TVs throughout the center, of all sizes, you won’t miss a single play.  Whether you’re a hardcore fan or just enjoy the social atmosphere, Super Bowl-ing Sunday is right for you.

Don’t miss out… Come and cheer on your team (or just your numbers), bowl, eat, and drink…  Click here for details and to reserve your spot!

Filed Under: News, Special Events Tagged With: bowlatrabs, bowling, gobowling, nyc, rabs, special, staten island, super bowl sunday

New Year Singles Classic: Booming numbers highlight opening weekend of qualifying

January 9, 2023 by Rab's Country Lanes Leave a Comment

Photo of tournament leader Tim McAuliffe Jr.

Tim McAuliffe Jr. grabbed the early lead in the 2023 New Year Singles Classic. (Staten Island Advance photo)

By Staten Island Advance Sports Desk
silive.com | Click here for the full story

Tim McAuliffe Jr.’s 836 series highlighted a thunderous weekend as qualifying in Jim Elliott’s 47th New Year Singles Classic got underway over the weekend at Rab’s Country Lanes.

McAuliffe grabbed the top spot with his big series and was followed by Mike Galeotti’s 786, which was helped by a 300, one of two perfect games on the weekend.

The two keglers won their respective squads, which means they will automatically be seeded in the 24-person finals. There were six other squad winners (see the results below), including six-time NYSC winner George Cretella (780).

A.J. Everts, who did not crack the standings, also fired a 300.

Qualifying concludes this weekend with finals being contested on Jan. 21 at Country.

RESULTS 47TH ANNUAL NEW YEAR SINGLES CLASSIC

After one weekend of qualifying

Squad leaders seeded to finals

Tim McAuliffe Jr. 836

Mike Galeotti 786

George Cretella 780

Don Pendelton 764

Joe Lamparello 756

Joe Labargo Jr. 712

Bill Salvatore 687

Andy Link III 676

Top 8 Non squad leader scores

Nick Abbate 779

Joe Gentile 760

Mike Giovinazzo 754

Jeff Martin 736

John Winters Sr. 728

Paula Meduri 723

Dan Dunleavy 723

Anthony Arias 721

300 games: Mike Galeotti and AJ Everts

Click Here for additional information about the New Year Singles Classic including current standings

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Curtis alumni squad captures New Year’s Eve Battle of the Schools at Country Lanes

January 2, 2023 by Rab's Country Lanes Leave a Comment

Battle of the Schools 2022 Alumni Champs

5th Annual Battle of the Schools Alumni Division Champions, Team Curtis High School Tournament Director Mike Ruffe, Dennis Sciré, Thomas Hollywood, Jeff Martin, Jay Gomez, & Dave Kosinski.

By Staten Island Advance Sports Desk
silive.com | Click Here for the Full Story

Hours before the ball dropped on a New Year, Rab’s Country Lanes hosted the New Year’s Eve Battle of the Schools — the fifth consecutive year for the Alumni edition and the 19th year for the High School division.

When all was said and done and the final ball had been rolled, Curtis Team No. 1, consisting of Dennis Sciré, Thomas Hollywood, Jeff Martin, Jay Gomez and Dave Kosinski, won the Alumni crown and the $1,000 top prize which will be donated to the St. George school’s bowling program. It was the team’s second crown in three years after winning in 2020.

Arlington High School, consisting of Ivan Ortega, Braden Cassidy, Keegan Howles and Ryan Lashlee, won the High School division by knocking over 2,020 pins.

“It was a great morning for some fun while raising some funds for our local bowling programs and bragging rights, of course,” said Country proprietor Frank Wilkinson.

A total of $2,000 was awarded in grants and scholarships with funds matched by the Rab Wilkinson Foundation.

The Alumni division featured 83 bowlers across 17 teams, representing 20 schools from throughout the boroughs.

After a 10-game qualifying round (baker format), the top four teams competed for the title in a rolloff where top seed Tottenville bowled fourth-seeded Monsignor Farrell and second seed Susan Wagner bowled third-seeded Curtis.

Tottenville No. 1 led the qualifying round with a 2,426, series with the tournament high game — the first perfect 300 game of the event’s history — besting Susan Wagner (2,361).

In the finals, the teams bowled two games with total wood determining the winners. Round 1: Tottenville No. 1 defeated Farrell No. 1, 432-360, while Curtis No. 1 defeated Susan Wagner No. 1, 512-411.

In the finals, Curtis defeated Tottenville, 483-443.

Alumni division

Champions: Curtis (Dennis Sciré, Thomas Hollywood, Jeff Martin, Jay Gomez and Dave Kosinski) — $1,000

Runner-up: Tottenville (Jason Wichnovitz, Mickey Endress, Vinny D’Ambrosio, III, Chris Riordan, and Tyler Bernstein) — $500

High School Division

13 Teams, representing 13 Schools, 12 Island Schools, and 1 off Island Team.

Champion: Arlington High School – 2,020 series (Ivan Ortega, Braden Cassidy, Keegan Howles and Ryan Lashlee)

Runner-up: Moore Catholic — 1,978 (Robert Werling, Zachary McGinley and Christopher Ferrera)

Full Event Results available: bowlatrabs.com/tournaments/

Some other Event Notes:

  • Amongst the field… 29 athletes were recognized as Advance All Stars during their high school bowling career, three of which were four-time recipients (Melissa Kammerer, Erin Schneider, and Daniel Costantino)
  • 25 PSAL City Championship Teams were represented.
  • Four Staten Island Bowling/Staten Island USBC Hall of Famers competed (Tim McAuliffe Jr., Naz Laursen, Vinny D’Ambrosio III and Joe LaBargo)
    Competitors varied in age… The earliest High School Grad represented the 1967 class and the latest representing the 2022 class.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: alumni, battle of the schools, bowlatrabs, bowling, high school, rabs, staten island, tournament

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