Rob “Hardy” Poole rewards Fred Toucher’s good deeds with balloon animals
During this morning’s Toucher & Hardy radio program, Rob “Hardy Poole” introduced a new tradition for Fred Toucher whenever he shares a column that’s available exclusively for ESPN Insiders.
ESPN Insider is a subscription-based service provided by ESPN that offered exclusive sports analysis, insights, and insider information to subscribers. It provided in-depth coverage, expert opinions, scouting reports, statistical analysis, and insider access to various sports leagues, teams, and athletes. Subscribers gained access to premium articles, exclusive interviews, advanced metrics, and other content not available to the general public.
Hardy offered to make Fred Toucher a balloon animal each time Toucher shared information only available for ESPN insiders, as a token of appreciation. Hardy crafted a dog-shaped balloon for Toucher, who requested an orange one. Despite struggling a bit with the old balloons, Hardy managed to create a poodle-like figure, prompting praise from Fred and Wallach. Hardy then made another balloon animal for Wallach suggesting it was a worm.
WATCH HERE:
TRANSCRIPT
Rob “Hardy” Poole: I appreciate you sharing the NFL or ESPN insider info with us, though, and I’m not going to pay you for it, but I’ve decided that every time you do that, I’m going to give you a little gift. I’ll make you a balloon animal.
Wallach: You got me.
Rob “Hardy” Poole: I thought I found these when I was looking. Oh, look at that.
Wallach: You brought balloons, and good for you. All right. We get to see the talent at work.
Fred Toucher: You didn’t ask me what color, but yellow, I guess it is. What are you making? You know me too.
Rob “Hardy” Poole: What color?
Fred Toucher: Orange.
Wallach: We’re doing dogs. What are we doing today?
Rob “Hardy” Poole: They’re all dogs.
Fred Toucher: Oh, they’re all dogs.
Fred Toucher: All right. Hardy has produced a long, stringy balloon.
Rob “Hardy” Poole: I haven’t blown one of these up in years.
Fred Toucher: Oh, you didn’t practice?
Rob “Hardy” Poole: Oh, okay. There’s a very good chance I could have some kind of an episode. I don’t want to make light of strokes or coronary events, any of that stuff. Because at this age, I feel like I’m, you know, courting fate.
Fred Toucher: It’s not a skill that degenerates. It’s a skill you always have. How old are these balloons?
Rob “Hardy” Poole: Oh, ten, the ten-plus years.
Fred Toucher: All right. Let’s see if it works. Here goes Hardy, right? He’s blowing into the balloon. Here he goes. He’s elongating it. He leaves a little bit of slack at the end. He only has knots for the tail thread. You left it. He left the slack for the tail. I mean, it shows he’s a craftsman. He knew exactly how much to blow it up. He’s now twisting the top of the blown-up portion into threes for. Now he’s twisting it around. It’s too fast to even see what’s going on. That’s a pro at work, right? There are a lot of bulbs. It’s called bulbs. And, now. Oh my goodness, the anus of the balloon has turned into a nose that I’ve seen. We’re working on about tens here, and I already see a dog. This is really something else.
14 Delicious Summer Favorites To Feast On At Sullivan's Castle Island
Clam Chowder
Gabby Dumais says “The clam chowder is a must.” According to the Sullivan’s menu:
A New England cream based classic served by the cup or bowl with our oyster crackersCup $5.95
Bowl $8.95
Lobster Roll
Brandy Michelle says “Their lobster roll is so good.” It’s a mayo lobster roll, not a warm one. A New England favorite! According to their menu:
Sweet Lobster meat lightly dressed with mayo on a toasted Hot Dog roll
Cheeseburger
Diann Ritchie says “Cheeseburger it’s nice and juicy!” The amazing thing about Sullivan’s food is, the price! Check out the cost of the burgers:
Our fresh Angus Beef patty grilled topped with American cheese served on a toasted burger bun
Hot Dog
An overwhelming favorite. Hot dogs were mentioned more than any other menu option. Alyssa Dineen says: “I do not normally eat hot dogs ever but a trip to castle island you have to get a hot dog or two or three and some fries! It’s the best part!”
Crinkle Cut Fries
People love the crinkle cut. They feel it makes these fries very unique. It was suggested to put vinegar on them as well. Rosamaria Alicea says “You have to have the fries w/salt and vinegar or without either way those fries are delicious. “
Onion Rings
Onion rings are one of the most popular sides at Sullivan’s. They are hand cut and super crispy.
Our signature hand battered fresh onion rings cooked to a perfect crisp
Clam Strips
Many of you suggested the clam strips. Debbie Sweihorn says “Fried clams…they use to be big bellies and so delicious.”
New England fried clam strips battered and fried to a golden crispRegular $14.50
Large $24.00
Fried Fish Sandwich
This was mentioned several times. Rosamaria Alicea loves it with ice cream. It’s hand battered and fried haddock.
Hand battered fried Haddock on a toasted burger bun
Shakes
Any of their shakes are a must try. They are super thick and delicious.Hand crafted with your favorite flavor Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Coffee
Soft Serve Ice Cream
Many say you can’t visit Sullivan’s without trying their soft serve. They use wafer cones and have vanilla, chocolate or strawberry twist
Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry Twist on a wafer cone with a cup
Cheese Fries
Their signature crinkle cut fries everyone loves topped with ortega cheese sauce. Many suggested these as a must try as well.
Our signature crinkle cut fries topped with our Ortega cheese sauce
Raspberry Lime Rickey
A lime rickey is a New England favorite and was mentioned a few times in our poll.
Classic New England beverage, prepared to order, garnished with freshly squeezed limes
Hot Fudge Sundae
The hot fudge sundae is a staple at Sullivan’s and was mentioned quite a few times in our poll. Katie Garney loves it with a burger and fries.
Vanilla soft serve ice cream topped with hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry
Double Cheeseburger
Two patties of what makes their single burgers so amazing. A Sullivan’s staple. Try it with their soft serve and some crinkle fries.
Two of our fresh Angus Beef patties topped with American cheese and served on a toasted burger bun
