By Rusty Jones, Senior Day Leagues Vice President
Is food an important part of an ALTA tennis match? My thoughts as a “senior” tennis player with many years of ALTA playing experience — you better believe it! Several of my favorite tennis memories come not from the actual match, but from the food I have consumed while at the matches. I know you are probably thinking I am a guy, and guys eat pretty much anything. I have even been known to ask for recipes at the courts. You see, I love to try different foods, flavors, and I enjoy different presentations of food!
I know there is more than just showing up for a match, bringing food that has been assigned, and hoping that I don’t have to bring the leftovers home. I am one who loves watching people’s expressions of excitement over trying a new dish or dessert. What I have learned is that whether I have lost or won my match, played well or poorly, when you find “that” dish, suddenly, you want to seek out the creator of the delectable bite! Believe me, I am not bashful in asking for their recipes!
I have learned how to make many dishes just because I played tennis and was privileged enough to have eaten some wonderful food. Don’t laugh. I have recreated tennis dishes at many personal functions thanks to the many people who took the time to create wonderful things such as Jello tequila poppers, fantastic smoked ribs, pork shoulder, smoked chicken leg quarters, beef briskets, and desserts to die for, including different types of brownies, a wonderful Key lime cake, Greek baklava, and donuts! Let us not forget about the different types of fruit dishes!
So, yes, I happen to think food spreads are important to our ALTA matches. I know you may not be as passionate as I am about the importance of food at the courts, but I think it is more about making new friends or acquaintances — not only by being competitive on the courts, but also by enjoying the creative ways that people present the foods that represent their hospitality. I also am glad that at City Finals, ALTA recognizes teams that are deemed to have the most creative, tasty foods and decorative tables. Grab your favorite cookbook, or whip up something you have never tried before, and add some delicious cuisine to your next tennis table!
