I’m not much of a fan of holidays that exist mainly to get drunk, with the “amateur” nights of St. Patrick’s Day and New Year’s Eve the main culprits.
That said, there’s an unusual New Year’s Eve party planned at the Bay Shore Bar and Grill in Edgemere if you’re looking for something fun and different to do.
With a nod to the prohibition era of the 1920s and ’30s, the restaurant is hosting a speakeasy. History buffs will know that speakeasies were illicit, underground establishments that illegally sold and served alcohol during prohibition. They were covert operations and customers had to know someone in order to be trusted with the location and the password needed to get inside. It is thought the name came about because of the need to not talk about the business and to speak softly while patronizing the place so as to not alert nearby neighbors or the police. It was also thought that many such businesses were run by organized crime mobs.
Bay Shore is paying homage to that past era by hosting the themed New Year’s party Saturday.. Customers must enter the property through the side gate and must know the password to be allowed entry. Fashions from the era are encouraged and costume prizes will be awarded. Music from the 1920s and ’30s will be played and folks who know a few dances from the era might be in for a few surprises.
The party will be held indoors as well as on the back deck and yard. With many believing that 2016 has been a year like no other, a burn barrel will be available for those who would like to destroy their baggage of 20-sucksteen. Write a letter to the year about to leave us and hurl it into the fire. Start 2017 with a clean slate and a positive attitude.
Chef Mike Spivey will keep the evening down to earth with a selection of gourmet burgers available until 10:30 p.m. I’m partial to the Brie Burger, which offers the Bay Shore top-quality burger topped with bacon, grilled brie and apple slices. Other offerings include portabella, black and blue, southwest (pepperjack cheese, guacamole and salsa), and Chesapeake (topped with a crab cake) burgers. Prices range from $9.99 to $14.99.
Jack and Connie Pennington will be your host and hostess for the evening.
Jack and Connie Pennington will be your host and hostess for the evening.
A complimentary “Last Indulgence” dessert bar will be offered from 11 to 11:59 p.m. and all “lawbreakers” present will enjoy a complimentary champagne toast at the the magic moment.
There is no cover charge for the party. You just have to know where the speakeasy is and where to sneak in, and you need to know the special password.
Oh, and Chef Mike emphasized that the kitchen will be closing at 10:30 p.m. I guess even chefs would rather be ringing in the new year with a toast instead of slaving over a grill or slinging a mop.
And one more thing … that password?
It’s “Bee’s Knees.”
Be there or be square.
