KBH culinary director soars to new heights

As a certified culinary professional, Aaron Torres has been known to dive into many elaborate dining events with expertise, ease, enthusiasm, and flair. Last fall, the popular Culinary Director from the King-Bruwaert House senior living community in Burr Ridge decided to whet his appetite with a new adventure outside of his profession.

Setting aside some vacation time last fall, he and his wife, Berenice, and two friends headed to Whitewater, WI, to try Hang-Gliding as a new experience. Hang-gliding is a flying activity that uses an unpowered flying apparatus consisting of a large, metal frame with fabric stretched over it.

A Certified Tandem Instructor provided Aaron and the others with a 20-minute safety review before take-off time, outlining all expectations for the flight. Aaron opted for the 2,000-level flight, which was the lowest altitude offered in the program. After boarding a Special Tow airplane, Aaron was released with his instructor into the great span of the sky.

“Once the Glider detached from the tow plane, the instructor allowed me to control the glider and I took it for a few spins at 2,000 feet in the air,” Aaron said. “It was amazing to see how easy it was to control the glider – an awesome experience, for sure,” he added. “After a few spins in the area, the instructor took over for the descent and landing. It was all smooth and a lot of fun!”

From take-off to landing, Aaron was flying for about 35 minutes, enjoying every second of the flight. He found the experience to be “thrilling,” especially having a bird’s eye view of land, water, and sky. He fulfilled a “bucket list” goal he had been contemplating for several years. Now Aaron would like to try it again but at a higher 3,500-foot elevation. He may even consider the Mile-High flight to get a greater perspective.

Having spent years earning an excellent reputation for creative meal-planning and management, Aaron has now discovered an additional interest that could overlap with his position. His KBH motto has always been, “You wish it – we dish it.” That could change to, “For your dining pleasure, “the sky’s the limit.”