Lew Who?

Going out to Sunday brunch was a dress up affair in the 60’s. At the newly remodeled Albuquerque Sunport was the very lovely Kachina restaurant that served a fabulous Sunday brunch. My dad always sought out places with good brunches so off we went.

On one particular Sunday while devouring plate after plate of food, my very subdued father became excited beyond belief...

At the table next to ours was the venerable coach John Wooden with his 1967 championship UCLA basketball team. As true ‘Burquenos, basketball is in our blood.

My father needed, wanted and had to have John Wooden’s autograph. My father forced me, the shy five year old, to get his autograph. I vaguely remember going over to his table and asking Mr. Wooden for his autograph on my child’s menu shaped like a Kachina head.

Mr. Wooden graciously signed and then told all of his team to sign my menu. I remember walking around the table as each player signed their name. I also remember when the team finished eating and stood up to go, it seemed like we were in a land of giants in dark suits.

Years later I was reminiscing with my father about those Sunport brunches. He asked if I remembered having John Wooden’s autograph and some UCLA player named Lew Alcindor.

I asked my dad, who in the heck is Lew Alcindor?

He laughed and said, ‘Ever heard of Kareem Abdul Jabbar?’ I was shocked to learn my father had saved the menu with all those autographs scribbled on my child’s menu shaped like a Kachina head. My father has since passed away and I never asked him where he had kept that menu.

Long live college basketball and Sunday brunch.

Views: 18

Comment by Adelita on November 4, 2007 at 2:35pm
jeff wrote:
i can't read the name "lew alcindor" without hearing howard cosell's voice.

i really lament the loss of public space at airports.

sweet post - hope you come across that menu some day.
09/26/07 14:39:36
Phil wrote:
Cheer up, jeff, you can still go to Garduno's...
09/26/07 14:41:36
JR wrote:
Outstanding big sista gorgeous one!!

WoW!! You met Kareem Abdul Jabbar!!
I hope all is well with your and yours!

keep up the great blogging!!
09/26/07 15:00:16
Pete wrote:
That is so your Dad. Great taste in food and wine. Great taste in college basketball teams (go Lobos, Go georgetown) Poor taste in pro football teams (the boys) Great blog .Look forward to it. Neat Pete
09/26/07 17:16:33
ED wrote:
Great story!! I do remember the airport being one of the premier spots of our childhood. What a great memeory you have!! Keep up the fun blog.
Glad to see you reading Neat Pete!
09/27/07 08:25:37
Bosque Bill wrote:
Saw Lew Alcindor with the UCLA team that year in the still fresh "Pit." My dad loved Lobo basketball and we had seasons tickets for many years.

I remember Lew Alcindor would just stand at his end of the court, seldom played for defense. His team would thunder back down, Lew Alcindor would step into the key, they'd pass him the ball and he'd stuff it in the basket.

He couldn't get away with that in the Pros; had to learn how to actually play the game... and became pretty darn good at it, too :-)

Hope you find your menu, that will be a treasure and a tribute to your dad.
09/27/07 08:26:04
Rico Martinez wrote:
Best post I've read in a long time. Very cool.
09/27/07 09:20:48
jeff wrote:
phil - i can't read the name "garduno's" without experiencing sudden and severe abdominal cramping.
09/27/07 09:25:37
Phil wrote:
jeff - i feel your pain
09/27/07 09:34:03
chantal wrote:
More Adelita!
09/27/07 10:07:47
eeeALA wrote:
super sweet blog, adelita! i look forward to the next one!
09/27/07 10:40:18
Natalie wrote:
Aww I love your stories! What a wonderful memory to have
09/27/07 12:27:07
once banned twice shy wrote:
The Kachina restaurant? Man, I haven't thought about that place in YEARS. Never ate there, but I do remember it.
09/27/07 14:55:39
Diego wrote:
way to go cuz!!!!
09/27/07 16:52:29
steven wrote:
sorry so late, I just read this blog. who are lew aldencort and kareem abdul jabaar?
(just kidding)S
10/08/07 12:14:32
Comment by cc on February 7, 2012 at 9:02pm

I had never read this. You know, our family ate at that restaurant - I remember it - at the airport. I remember my sister and I loved playing in the phone booths.

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