Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Calgary Mayor David Bronconnier today announced a friendly wager on the National Lacrosse League championship game between the New York Titans and the Calgary Roughnecks. The game will take place at Calgary's Pengrowth Saddledome on Friday, May 15th at 9:30 PM EST. The New York Titans clinched their first ever East Division National Lacrosse League Championship with a victory last Saturday over the defending 2008 Champion Buffalo Bandits.

If the Titans win, Mayor Bronconnier will send Mayor Bloomberg world famous Alberta beef, Italian sausage from Spolumbo's Fine Foods and Deli in Inglewood and beer from Calgary's own BigRock Brewery. If the Roughnecks win, Mayor Bloomberg will send Mayor Bronconnier Irish stew and shepherd's pie from Mary's Celtic Kitchen in Woodlawn, stuffed grape leaves, mousaka and spinach pie from Pinocchio Palace in Astoria, and an assortment of meats and cheeses from Enzo's of Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. The three restaurants are from three of the nine neighborhoods that comprise "Nine in '09," the new initiative Mayor Bloomberg announced earlier this month that encourages residents to explore nine culturally-diverse neighborhoods across the five boroughs.

"We'd be happy to serve up some the world's best food to our friends in Calgary, but I have a hunch that to taste it, they'll need to book a flight to New York," said Mayor Bloomberg.  "The Titans have been at the top of their game - and that was before Mayor Bronconnier began waving red meat and beer in front of them.  I look forward to a great game and hope the Titans can bring the championship home to New York."

"I have a feeling that Friday will be the Roughneck's night - no question," said Mayor Bronconnier. "My hat is off to our friend Mayor Bloomberg. He's pulling out all the stops to support his team, offering a taste of some of New York City's most interesting neighborhoods.  I do feel a bit bad though, I mean it's going to be hard for him to pick up all that stuff on Saturday morning!"