Hello and welcome to the debut of "Hey Bartender!" First I'd like to thank Robin and Michelle at Insider's Passport for the opportunity to do something that I've always wanted to do. The plan is to have a weekly blog that talks about things related to my favorite place -- the bar. I'll candidly discuss topics of interest to me and hopefully you'll find it interesting too. I want it to be a two way street, so if you have an idea or a question that you'd like discussed or want answered email me at HeyBartender@InsidersPassport.com.

I guess that the best way to shake a few leaves from the proverbial Imbibe tree is to talk about something that has been described as sexy and alluring as well as forbidden and taboo. I know what you're thinking. He's going to start out by talking about himself. But no, I'm actually talking about Absinthe. Absinthe has been shrouded in mystery and misinformation for decades, maybe even centuries. But what is it and why is it so misunderstood? Let's get down to it.

Celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday with the folks at Dudley's Farmhouse Grille. Hailed as Toano's best kept secret, this cozy, romantic restaurant offers a truly unique dining experience and an intimate atmosphere. Let white linens and candle light complete this year's Thanksgiving dinner, without the fuss of preparation and clean-up.

From the moment you enter this pristine 1905 farmhouse just up Route 60 and minutes from Williamsburg, Virginia, it's clear that you've discovered one of the area's fine dining jewels. Chef Jim Kennedy's dining philosophy promotes relaxed conversation, indulgent entrees and a chance to just slow down and savor the moment. The food is outstanding - featuring the freshest and finest meats, seafood and organic produce grown by local farms.

Are you days filled with chaotic business, kids' schedules, jobs, cooking, cleaning, and chauffeuring... you may look forward to a Thanksgiving as "a day of rest."  Not everyone wants to cook and clean on their day off... even if it IS traditionally expected to be that way.

More and more people are choosing to dine OUT on Thanksgiving Day, and even more are enjoying the convenience of having Thanksgiving brunches and dinners prepared outside the home.

Le Yaca began in a tiny, country village in the French Alps in 1965. The little village was eight kilometers below an up and coming ski resort that has since become famous as Courchevel. Proprietor Daniele Bourderau and her husband Gerard Gormier decided that it would be fun to open a small restaurant for resort guests in one of the barns on the family property. 

They created a second Yaca in Saint-Tropez in 1968. The second Yaca was as successful as the first one.  Daniele came to the United States and opened a new Le Yaca in Williamsburg on December 5th, 1980.

In 1984 it began to be written up in magazines and newspapers including an especially favorable review by Phyllis Richman of the Washington Post. Richman's syndicated column was published in 180 newspapers.