An AZ buddy, Rufus (dr9ball), and I couldn't meet up at SBE this year due to a schedule conflict on his end. We decided to keep each other in mind if and when our schedules might allow us to get together.
A business engagement came up where Rufus would be coming to north NJ this past Monday night and I was going to be in NJ on Sunday, so I decided to stay an extra day so we could meet each other and hit some balls.
Rufus was staying at a hotel, conveniently located just a few miles from Sandcastle Billiards in Edison. I had been curious and tempted to go there since they posted here a few times when their gold crowns were getting redone plus updates on their bi-weekly tourneys. All looked very interesting.
I picked up Rufus at his hotel, meeting him in person for the first time. He is a football-lineman sized, very laid back, southern gentleman, with more college education in him than some small town's entire populations have combined. I'm not kidding! Sorry, Rufus, I had to. :thumbup:
We rolled into the parking lot which was familiar to Rufus as he had been there a couple of times before on previous business trips. I had called the night before for directions from Ed, the owner, who was extremely polite and pleasant.
In we went and were promptly greeted by Ed at the front counter. We enjoyed some conversation with Ed, learned a little history about some of the gold crowns there (Mizeraks!) and got to see the ultra tight pocketed (not shimmed - extended rails) gold crown that I have read about here on az. I forget the pocket size, was it 3 1/2"?
Ed assigned us the very front center table to use. As we unpacked our cues, he came over and offered us some coffee from a freshly brewed pot, adding, that we should let him know if there is anything else we needed. I asked if he had a measle ball we could use and he came back with a box of various cue balls, some vintage, all really nice, including the measle ball we would use.
About a minute later Ed is back, this time with a box of near-new Centennials that he said he has reserved for big money matches and that we can use those. He swapped these for the common peoples balls that were already on the table.
So, this is what it's like to be a VIP! 
Rufus and I commenced to play a few hours of nine ball and finished up with some 1 pocket. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and play at Sandcastle. Rufus racked some, I racked some, he was on fire with his banks, I showed him a few kicks, it was all good. :thumbup:
We finished up with Rufus taking some short video clips on his i-phone of me shooting seven shots that he set up so we could view and discuss them later. Rufus is also a BCA instructor. A dynamic fellow, indeed.
Rufus, buddy, I had a blast and we'll have to do it again, soon.
Ed, the time spent at Sandcastle was pure enjoyment. A really nice place with wonderfully maintained equipment. And you sure know how to make your customers feel like VIPs. What else could a customer want?
Thank you!
Best,
Brian kc
A business engagement came up where Rufus would be coming to north NJ this past Monday night and I was going to be in NJ on Sunday, so I decided to stay an extra day so we could meet each other and hit some balls.
Rufus was staying at a hotel, conveniently located just a few miles from Sandcastle Billiards in Edison. I had been curious and tempted to go there since they posted here a few times when their gold crowns were getting redone plus updates on their bi-weekly tourneys. All looked very interesting.
I picked up Rufus at his hotel, meeting him in person for the first time. He is a football-lineman sized, very laid back, southern gentleman, with more college education in him than some small town's entire populations have combined. I'm not kidding! Sorry, Rufus, I had to. :thumbup:
We rolled into the parking lot which was familiar to Rufus as he had been there a couple of times before on previous business trips. I had called the night before for directions from Ed, the owner, who was extremely polite and pleasant.
In we went and were promptly greeted by Ed at the front counter. We enjoyed some conversation with Ed, learned a little history about some of the gold crowns there (Mizeraks!) and got to see the ultra tight pocketed (not shimmed - extended rails) gold crown that I have read about here on az. I forget the pocket size, was it 3 1/2"?
Ed assigned us the very front center table to use. As we unpacked our cues, he came over and offered us some coffee from a freshly brewed pot, adding, that we should let him know if there is anything else we needed. I asked if he had a measle ball we could use and he came back with a box of various cue balls, some vintage, all really nice, including the measle ball we would use.
About a minute later Ed is back, this time with a box of near-new Centennials that he said he has reserved for big money matches and that we can use those. He swapped these for the common peoples balls that were already on the table.
So, this is what it's like to be a VIP! Rufus and I commenced to play a few hours of nine ball and finished up with some 1 pocket. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and play at Sandcastle. Rufus racked some, I racked some, he was on fire with his banks, I showed him a few kicks, it was all good. :thumbup:
We finished up with Rufus taking some short video clips on his i-phone of me shooting seven shots that he set up so we could view and discuss them later. Rufus is also a BCA instructor. A dynamic fellow, indeed.
Rufus, buddy, I had a blast and we'll have to do it again, soon.
Ed, the time spent at Sandcastle was pure enjoyment. A really nice place with wonderfully maintained equipment. And you sure know how to make your customers feel like VIPs. What else could a customer want?
Thank you!
Best,
Brian kc
I was ready to get on here and apologize for my fellow New Jerseyans.... I am glad you had a great time, I have never had a chance to visit the place but it is on my to do list.
