Certain people come into your life for only a transitory time but leave you with etched, lasting lessons, some profoundly meaningful and others barely more than trivial. Call this one somewhere in between.
In my early tenure working at Madison Square Garden I crossed-over briefly with a guy named Rene, a slightly eccentric but constantly cool gent sporting a partial mullet who, among other technical functions for the building, was responsible for programming the world-famous 7th Avenue marquee (I can’t be sure that the statute of limitations has run out, so I won’t mention whether we ever conspired to flash an illicit message on one of the world’s most iconic digital spaces).
One night out nearing the end of an office dinner, Rene unilaterally determined that all present should close with a shot, and proceeded to order a round for the table. His serving of choice: a Prairie Fire. For those unfamiliar – which I’d guess would be just about everybody; he might have just made it up on the spot – the burning-just-right feeling appropriate to the name Prairie Fire arrives from but two ingredients, Tequila and Tabasco. Simple enough, but the proper blend is critical: a half-decent tequila, but nothing fancy is needed, and somewhere between 2 and 10 dashes of Tabasco will do (I’d strongly recommend the higher end of the range).
I was an instant convert. And soon thereafter, following Rene’s MSG departure, I assumed it as my own signature shot amongst eras of Garden staffers to come. I know my friend Boris remembers it fondly. And Jamie, now a team executive and responsible mother of three, still leaves me an occasional sloppy message when her game celebrations include the concoction I clued her into a decade or two ago.
Now, though there is no actual connection to the Prairie Fire origin story, whenever I hear the tune ‘Come Unto Me’ by my favorite Tex-Mex titans, The Mavericks, it seems like the most perfectly-paired accompaniment to Rene’s brilliant creation. A little harsh, jarring, maybe even a bit dangerous, yet thoroughly stimulating and, ultimately, oh so tasty. Piquant – that’s the word I’d use, for both the shot and the song.
So go on, next time you’re looking to spice up a random happening with some adventurous compadres, try out this recipe: cue up ‘Come Unto Me,’ mix up a biting batch of Prairie Fires, crank up your speakers, and don’t skimp on the Tabasco. Just tell ‘em a marquee guy named Rene sent ya.
Rob MacMahon
November 24, 2024 3:17 pmBG: You’ve done it again, Dude. Went and combined a band I rather enjoy with a personal moment that makes me wanna hang with you so bad. I’ve only ever heard of a Prairie Fire, and I quite frankly detest spicy/hot/burning foods like hot peppers, hot sauce, jalapenos, etc However, I wd no doubt cave in and try one (or 5) whilst reeling around with you. Cheers! RMac
PS: Zing the Elder got me into the Mavs and I hv shared a few shows with him over the years. One such show was Aug 98 @ The Keswick with Mr and Mrs Zing the Elder and we were all wearing cowboy hats so later at the bar, Chris Z sold the scam to some fellow patrons that we were the opening act that night, the Marauders or Vagabonds or some such. Folks actually bought it. Many guffaws and chortles were had.
PSS Music is Life, my friend.
So Much Great Music
November 24, 2024 3:33 pmI’d go see the spicy Marauders any day.
Boris
November 25, 2024 5:29 pmPrairie Fires!!! That takes me back Bill. Come to think of it, I haven’t had one in years. I think I’ll resurrect it this holiday weekend. I’m sure I can get my brother to join me in one…while cranking some Mavericks! Happy Prairie Fire Holidays Bill!
So Much Great Music
November 25, 2024 5:57 pmHappy Prairie Fire Holidays to you too, Boris!