What started as a fun experiment that would add a new dimension to chess tournaments and their appeal to overall masses, turned into a very serious chess plans.
Chuy’s Restaurant in Glendale, CA was the place that all the chess players would flock to after the chess coffee shop (Java City- on Brand Blvd ) would close on Fridays nights. After a while, a regular bypasser would not be surprised at all to see a few tables filled with salsa, chips and bughouse games. I got to know the owner well and we planned for an experimental tournament, where we would combine the restaurant atmosphere, various food offerings, (mainly Mexican) with playing serious chess in booths. The tournament attracted many International, FIDE and regular Masters and was a great success.
