Tory & The Teasers
I recently learned the term Eudaimonia - the feeling of deep contentment thought by history’s most profound thinkers as the reward one receives for living a virtuous life. Confucius, Lao Tzu, Zarathustra, Archimedes, the Hebrew prophets, Homer and Plato all circled around ideas of what human flourishing might look like, and the values it might espouse, around the time of the last Axial age, two millennia ago. It was a pivotal time for civilization when most of the great intellectual, philosophical and religious systems were born and have shaped history every since. The times we live in now, understandably being called a new Axial age for the massive upheaval we’re experiencing in the natural and technological worlds, would seem to warrant a deep dive in search of new rules for living ‘good’ lives, instead of merely enjoyable ones we have to constantly feed to keep going, usually at the expense of the planet. It’s an especially good conversation to have at this time of year as our desire to celebrate the Holidays ramps up. I’m not suggesting we be racked by guilt for the time and money we spend trying to have fun when we could be improving our character. Life is short, on that I hope we can all agree. Serious fun, the kind that feels joyous, not half baked, should always be on the menu.
But in planning NYE celebrations, knowing well the expectations around it, every year I come to the question of what makes for a great New Year’s Eve versus the ones (we’ve all had) when our parting thought is “phew, glad that’s over.” But what if we consider the ultimate litmus test not one of value for money so much as value for joy? The night is a distillation of the year we’ve just lived, and whether we say goodbye to it with relief, umbrage or pride, most of us feel the need for it to be memorable before we turn the page. Bonus points if optimism for the year ahead is somewhere on the menu.
The last meal of the year at Barndiva has always delivered delicious notes and I’m pretty confident the ambiance here easily tops anything else around. But even in the years when the NYE menu has been sublime (and this year’s menu from Danny and Randy looks to be one of those), if we’ve learned anything it’s that the evening’s success does not rise or fall on what comes out of the kitchen or sails off to tables from the bar, but, ultimately, from what blows in the front door with you, dear guest. With respect, what I’m saying is that wherever you decide to spend New Year’s Eve, making it a wonderful evening will ultimately rest with your mood, attitude, resolve. After 16 years hosting New Year’s Eve at the Barn, and a lot more experiencing them as a guest, I believe the secret is to grant yourself permission to be fully present, at ease with the world, and available for other people. This particular NYE is the end of a very tumultuous decade. Acknowledgment that we are all in this together, that the only way forward is together, that we’ve got to make this work together, has got to be the fulcrum going forward. On New Year’s Eve you will be in a room full of people who, for this one night at least, have the same agenda as you - the desire to have a really good time.
For our part we promise to beautifully set the stage and pull out all the stops. Eudaimonia doesn’t have to wait til morning, let kindness and goodwill abound. But making it resolution #1 ain’t such a bad idea, either.
Here is the dinner menu in full, with Chappy’s extraordinary wine pairings. We will, of course, have a wonderful vegetarian menu - you need only let us know you are requesting one when you make your reservation. Special cocktails, check. Balloons and noise makers and rooms filled with flowers and candles, check. Tory and the Teasers, a great band fronted by an electrifying singer, will begin at 11:30. Whatever ails you, a few turns on the dance floor where no one cares how well you dance has rejuvenating power. We’d be honored if you choose to join us.
Tory and the Teasers were with us for the first time last year and they killed it. Consummate musicians driven by Tory’s irrepressible spirit and infectious kick down drive: This is a great dance band. There may be some tickets at the door before their set depending on how many of our diners stay with us or return from an earlier seating. Next week Chappy will talk more about the extraordinary pairing, and we’ll check in with the bar. A special five course menu ($95) will only be available until 7:30.
The lightest (in weight and spirit) gift of the season - cocktails, wine dinners, lunch can be enjoyed all year. You will make someone very happy with this one. Purchase here.
Footnote: The quotes “if everything is a variable, what are the constants” and “Grant yourself permission to be fully present, at ease with the world, and available for other people.” were both written by Jonathan Rowson the eminent Scottish Chess Grandmaster and applied philosopher.