There was once a dark time in our nation’s past. Come to think of it, there have been plenty of dark times in our nation’s past: the Civil War, the Cold War and McCarthy’s witch hunts, the Nixon administration... and Prohibition. The 1920s have become very romanticized in our minds - this was the time of flappers, speakeasies, and snappily-dressed gangsters. Al Capone himself is said to have frequented the Seelbach right here in Louisville. The banning of alcohol contributed to a decade of criminals - rumrunners, moonshiners, and owners of hidden watering holes – until Congress passed the 21st amendment to the Constitution on December 5, 1933, which repealed Prohibition.
This upcoming Monday marks the 78th anniversary of this historic occasion, and those who wish to celebrate in style have a couple of choices.
First, Bourbon’s Bistro is offering a five-course dinner with bourbon-inspired dishes. Brown-Forman Master Distiller Chris Morris is the featured speaker, and the $55 ticket includes a tasting of a variety of Woodford Reserve bourbons. Menu details have not yet been made available, but reservations can be made by calling 502-894-8838.
Meanwhile, Proof on Main is throwing their annual Repeal Day party, which features speakeasy-era cocktails concocted especially for the occasion. The staff will be decked out in period costume, and attendees are encouraged to do the same. (Mustaches will also be provided to anyone who wishes to sport one for the evening.) This event is free (unless you plan to drink, and if you don’t plan to drink, what’s the point?). The atmosphere will be completed by the swingin’ sounds of music from the 20s and 30s.
Opportunity abounds, so grab a fedora and a vest and do your patriotic duty by celebrating a very important part of our nation’s Constitution.
Bourbon’s Bistro is located at 2255 Frankfort Avenue.
Proof on Main is located at 700 W. Main Street.
Photo courtesy of the 21C Facebook page.
