Showing up at a bar or restaurant that has a television tuned to a major competition or athletic event can be quite the fortuitous turn. The patrons are excited, drinks are flowing, good food is on the stove, and all eyes are turned to the minute-by-minute action.
But this scenario takes on an exciting and especially emotional feel when the owners of the restaurant are cheering on a family member. Add to that mix the Olympics and you have a vibrant space full of good will and most definitely a few tears.
Luge star Kate Hansen, who will move at top speed in Sochi on Monday, Feb. 10, will have just those happy local vibes flowing her way from across the planet. Her father and uncle own Los Gringos Locos Restaurant in La Cañada Flintridge, and they'll be offering five-buck breakfast specials for Kate's cheering fans on the morning of Feb. 10.
She's expected to compete before noon Pacific Standard Time
If the idea of a little Mexican-tasty morning starter -- hello huevos -- while watching a local luger take on speeds exceeding 60mph isn't enough, there's more: Los Gringos is devoting much of their site to Kate's journey to Sochi, including a section devoted to "Kate's Olympic Update."
It's sweet to see an Olympian smiling at the top of any restaurant site.
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Make for Los Gringos Locos to watch and cheer the icy action. And we raise a margarita -- or cup of coffee, since this is a morning to-do -- to all support-sending eateries with ties to athletes. Watching TV of any event can be lively at a restaurant, but when many people in the room know the person, the air is indeed vibrant.
Photo: Kate Hansen's aunt Jeanine Bentz and family friend Kerri Salter root for Kate at Los Gringos Locos.
