Its the most wonderful time of the year...

To say the month of December here at The Stewart House flew by would be an understatement. It truly IS the most wonderful time of year. We were so lucky to be able to take part in so many fun holiday events. We thank everyone who joined us and celebrated with us in various different ways. Here are some examples…

It all started with the stroll…

The Village of Athens Victorian Stroll is a time honored tradition. The perfect kick off to the holiday season. With the streets filled with residents and visitors, many dressed in victorian garb, and the air filled with the sounds of sleigh bells from horse drawn carriages and trolleys, hot ciders, and baked goods, the sounds of varied musicians playing at local businesses, the feeling of joy spread from one end of town to the other. Children’s choir performances, whiskey tastings, hot cocktails, house chili and a victorian photo studio were some fun Stewart House editions to the day. At 5pm the village tree was lit, the end to the day, but the beginning of the season.

Team Stewie holiday card, courtesy of the Victorian Photo Studio

Our second holiday event is one to be cherished. We were honored and priviledged to host the 2018 Greene County Jam for Tots. Athens local resident and Toys for Tots officianado Luke Weiler teamed up with The Stewart House Open Mic host with the most, our own John Pinder. Luke and John were essential in the success of the night. With “the house” filled with local musicians and even full bands, the energy level was off the charts. The jam lasted 4 hours to allow each and every artist a chance to showcase their talents. Guests and patrons of the night were asked to bring a new unwrapped gift to be donated to less fortunate area families. We were allotted two boxes and managed to fill them each 3 times over. We also passed around a cash donation bag bringing in over $150 to be dontated to Toys for Tots. The night ended with an overwhelming feeling of peace, and joy. It truly is better to give then to receive.

Jam for Tots officianado Luke Weiler joins the Woodin father and son duo for some traditional holiday tunes

Just a small example of the donations collected by guests and patrons

Next up… One of our favorite nights of the year and a long running Stewart House tradition, The DRAM Holiday Show. Hailing from the Coxsackie area, DRAMs fearless leader is Chris Marshall (vocals, fiddle, keyboard). A better group to set the holiday tone is NOT to be found. DRAM perfects their show throughout the year and brings it to us every December. With a perfect mix of traditional, and not so traditional holiday tunes, DRAM provides a perfect soundtrack for the season. The rest of DRAM is made up of uber talented local and famed musicians. The husband and wife duo of Shannon (vocals) and Andy Schoeber (guitar, vocals, stand up bass) (be sure to check out Shannon and Andys side project “Shandy” January 18th at The Stewie), Chris Kennedy (lead guitar), and Ryan Surrano (drums). Never to disappoint, DRAM takes each and every perfomance to the next level. Dressed in Scrooge era garb, victorian dresses, and tall top hats, with long tailed coats, this is the PERFECT way to spend an December evening.

DRAM sets the tone of the season at The Stewart House

Last but not least, we finish out 2018 with a bang!! Welcome ashore for The New Years Eve Admirals Ball. Chef Bob has created a simply divine 5 course menu to ring in the new year! Make your last meal of 2018 the best of the year, with two seatings, a 6pm (seating still available) and a 9pm (sold out). We welcome you with a glass of bubbly and a Wellfleet Royale oyster with pomegranate granita and pickled shallot. To start, your choice of a beet salad with red onion, whipped goats cheese, green olive and pistachio vinaigrette or try the puree of celeriac soup with charred walnut, creme fraiche and parsley pesto. For the Mains, three choices… A Bavette Steak with Jerusalem artichoke, whipped carrot and sage jus… Sea Scallops with parsnip croquettes, grapefruit buerre blanc and caviar… or Maitake mushroom with butter bean cassoulet and black garlic herb buttered bread crumb. Be sure to save room for the sweets with your choice of chocolate cake with an orange brown butter glaze, luxardos and hazelnut brittle or grilled pineapple with tapioca, butter rum and cinnamon shortbread. Top it all of with the Mignardise… pecan diamonds, lemon tart bites, oatmeal lace cookies and meringue bites. Need I say more… all of this for just $75 per person. After 9pm dinner service is over, we get the party started. DJ “high seas” Yves spins your favorite dance tunes and more from 1030pm to 1am.

As a bonus for our readers, to express our gratitude to those who follow our blog, and stay “in the know” with whats happening at The Stewart House, we are having a holiday giveaway!!! Join our “e”-mailing list between NOW and 1130am 12/31/18 to be entered for a chance to win NYE dinner for two at our 6pm seating. Winner will be announced by 12pm 12/31/18.

As always, we thank our patrons and supporters for making 2018, The Ballinger era of The Stewart House, the ca.1883 Tavern, and The River Grill, the great success that it has been!! We tip our hats to you!!

-Team Stewie