Life is an Adventure – Jump Out!!!

This past weekend I jumped out of a plane, for the second time. It was just as exhilarating this time as it was the first time. This event was a Three Generation Jump with my son, Jack, and my Dad, J.R. It was actually Dad’s idea since he was so jealous that I had already gotten to skydive and he didn’t. Moment of truth – I think I am an addict! The pure adrenaline rush of free falling is breathtaking, exciting, and makes you feel invincible, like you could win an Oscar, run the NYC marathon and still conquer the world!

The plane is small, you are crammed in with 13 other people plus a pilot and you actually PAY for this pleasure. It’s a tighter fit than a budget airline! Then it is almost time to jump and your pro says, “Put your hands on my knees and jump up here into my lap.” They connect themselves – shoulder to hip – to you, and then settle you down to wait for the door to open and the jumps to start. It is only a matter of seconds and then you are sitting on the edge of the doorway, with your feet wrapped around the bottom of the plane, you are physically pushed out and then you are free. Hurtling thru the air, falling at intense velocity. This time I did barrel rolls thru the air (intentionally with the help of my pro, John) and soared thru the experience like I was a pro myself. Upon landing, I rose to my feet, faintly surprised that I wasn’t floating, that I was actually standing on terra firma. The whole trip is WAY too short and free fall is woefully so, a matter of seconds, but feeling like millennia at the same time.

But, you may be asking yourself, “What does that have to do with FOOD?” Let me tell you. When you do something death defying, everything you eat afterwards tastes WAY better. I am not sure why. Is it because you are high on adrenaline? Is it because you have a deeper appreciation for the mundane? Or, is it simply that you realize that there are a few more important things than eating, thus making all food equally wonderful? Think about the craziest roller coaster you have ever been on. What did you eat afterwards? Was it a corn dog, popcorn, cotton candy? It was probably the BEST thing you ever ate!

The night prior to our big jump we had my Redneck Chateaubriand, homemade scalloped potatoes and steamed broccoli. The meat itself could have been better (grill issues), but the anticipation of looking death in the eye, and laughing while doing it, made my overcooked tenderloin taste terrific. On the other hand, the potatoes were creamy and properly cooked (not too hard, not mushy) and broccoli was crisp-tender.

After both dives we went for breakfast. Of course I didn’t eat before jumping. I didn’t want to throw up mid-flight. Both times I went to my favorite place for corned beef hash and eggs. Eggs, my friends, are a funny thing. Done properly they are amazing, done badly they are anathema. More times than not, I have sent my eggs back for being overcooked (I like mine over medium – white cooked, yolks really runny). Both times after skydiving my eggs were overcooked and I frankly didn’t care! I ate them anyway! They tasted GREAT and the corned beef hash at this place, in my humble opinion, is the best in Vegas any day of the week (they make it from scratch in house), but especially delish after feeling like I cheated death by jumping from a plane!

After returning home, naps were in order all the way around and then it was time for dinner. Frozen French Fries and beer braised brats that were then put on the grill to get a little color on them. Sauerkraut, mustard and rolls. No vegetables. Healthy Schmealthy!? We didn’t need them – we were invincible! And it all tasted fantastic! And yes, they were the best brats I ever ate!

This week’s Food Memories, other than those mentioned above are Sunday brunch with family at Bar + Bistro (Chef Beni Velasquez has made me a complete convert to the way of plantains), briefing local restaurants on the upcoming Restaurant Week fundraising for Three Square Food Bank and delicious French Onion Soup at Morels Steakhouse.

This week’s pics are obviously from skydiving!