Restaurateur Matt Asen And His Pink Flamingos Make The News Again
Jun 06, 2022 12:20PM ● By Stephanie Hatley
Photo Courtesy of ESPN's website
Well-known restaurateur Matt Asen made news again but not for managing the Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market or The Sanibel Grill. Yet again, he captured the attention of sports casters and media personnel with his inflatable flamingos. This time he was attending Game 1 of the NHL Eastern Conference finals in New York. A lifelong New York Rangers fan, Asen had "Go Rangers, 2022, ECF" on one flamingo and "Glove Save And a Beauty" on another one in honor of Igor Shesterkin, the Rangers goalie.
In 1986, the tradition started with Asen bringing a hard flamingo to Game 6 of the World Series in New York when the Mets defeated the Red Sox. Originally, since he and his friends were sitting in different spots around the stadium, they thought it would be easy to see each other if they had flamingos.
In 1987, Asen again brought a flamingo to an Indiana Pacers game. The local newspapers loved it and dubbed him the "Flamingo Man." Over the years, Asen has had his photo taken with numerous athletes - even LeBron James - as he's donned a pink flamingo in his hands. Celebrities like Spike Lee, Magic Johnson, and Tom Hanks have autographed his flamingos.
When you stop by the Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market and/or The Sanibel Grill, you might even run into Matt Asen. Enjoy a delicious meal, and don’t forget to check out the celebrity pictures. Where will Matt Asen and his pink flamingo entourage end up next?
In 1986, the tradition started with Asen bringing a hard flamingo to Game 6 of the World Series in New York when the Mets defeated the Red Sox. Originally, since he and his friends were sitting in different spots around the stadium, they thought it would be easy to see each other if they had flamingos.
In 1987, Asen again brought a flamingo to an Indiana Pacers game. The local newspapers loved it and dubbed him the "Flamingo Man." Over the years, Asen has had his photo taken with numerous athletes - even LeBron James - as he's donned a pink flamingo in his hands. Celebrities like Spike Lee, Magic Johnson, and Tom Hanks have autographed his flamingos.
When you stop by the Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market and/or The Sanibel Grill, you might even run into Matt Asen. Enjoy a delicious meal, and don’t forget to check out the celebrity pictures. Where will Matt Asen and his pink flamingo entourage end up next?
