We should've turned around at first sight of
the white tablecloths, tuxedoed waiters and
dumbstruck diners, all decked out in suits and
evening gowns. Neither Sky nor I had been warned
by our pals that John Henry's was such a high-class
joint; we'd been expecting the usual greasy-spoon
cafe or backwater bar. When the maitre d' saw
our soiled white T-shirts - coated in black
"rubber balls," acquired during two sessions
of photographing pro qualifying -- he reached
for two menus and managed a weak smile. He didn't
have to lead us to our table, because we could
hear the table. It sounded like the first round(s)
of drinks had arrived ahead of us. Another had
just been ordered by the seven friends already
seated, a round of something called "Flaming
Sambucas".
Being a food-service professional, our waiter
noted the arrival of these eighth and ninth
guests and logically delivered nine glasses,
each spewing fire. Unbeknownst to him, neither
of the Wallace boys had any interest in spirits,
let alone Flaming Whatevers. Sky and I tried
to send back the two unwanted drinks. That's
when the waiter made a fateful demonstration:
After extinguishing the flame in one of the
extra glasses, he dramatically poured in some
flaming liquid from the other. When the second
glass burst into flame, our little party burst
into applause.
Trust me, these drinks
are on fire -- and Jeff Burk is about to join
them.
Look closely at the second photo. The hot liquid
is beginning to flow out of
the glass, onto Burk's right hand and forearm.
(Ron Lewis photo sequence.)
Before the waiter could get away, publisher-in-training
Jeff Burk snatched both of these unordered drinks
from his tray. Brother Sky turned to me and
whispered, "This tablecloth is gonna be on fire."
Ron Lewis, the veteran action photographer,
aimed my little Olympus Stylus camera at Burk,
who successfully duplicated the fiery glass-to-glass
demonstration -- and then some: Jeff outdid
the waiter by setting not only the second drink
on fire, but also his right hand and forearm.
What's not visible
in the camera's flash is the blue flame
extending from Burk's right arm to the far
end of the table. Gary Nastase (center)
and his pal, Tom Mott, attempt to blow out
the fire. (Ron Lewis photo.) |
Reacting to the sight and pain of his own burning
flesh, Burk threw the glass, sending a blue
flame nearly the length of the table. Much yelling
and swearing ensued. Gary Nastase and Tom Mott
tried to blow out the fire. Someone else dumped
an entire pitcher of ice water. No one was laughing.
In those few fearful moments, I pictured all
of us bursting into flames, jumping out of our
seats, then running through the restaurant on
fire, setting ablaze a bunch of fancy folks
who found out how dangerous drag-racing journalism
can be.
I also promised myself that if we were lucky
enough to get out of the building alive, I'd
let my little brother pick our dinner partners
in the future.
After the fact: Sky
Wallace (center) flashes his finest "told-ya-so"
look
for his big brother and Cole Coonce. Seven years
later, he has yet to
join us for another meal. (Ron Lewis photo)
|
