The Bacchanal
When I first saw the word ‘Bacchanal,’ I thought it was a fancy new workout class. Turns out, it’s more about lifting spirits than dumbbells. So, to appease my curiosity I commenced an investigation. I found it could mean several things (there we go with the “Meaning of Words” again, see previous blog).
For historians it can refer to those classical Roman folks who liked partying with wine while worshiping Bacchus, the Roman wine god. The best descriptive term, “drunken revelry,” was often used for these occasions. The attached drawing done by Nicolas Poussin in 1635 depicts not only a bit of drunken revelry but also a touch of sensual abandon with maybe a little fruit on the side.
For you moderns you might recognize it best by your last trip to Las Vegas where you gorged at Caesars Palace’ well known Bacchanal Buffet. With dozens of cuisines, every possible taste bud is satiated to the max. From smoked beef brisket to Singaporean blue crab to roasted duck, their ten kitchens and nine chef attended action stations are a global delight to the eyes and nose. If you survived it congratulations—you’ve experienced a culinary marathon that would make Bacchus proud. The only thing missing is a chariot to roll you out afterward.
The only other reference I found to Bacchanal was to a Bywater Wine Shop in New Orleans. It features Charcuterie & Mediterranean Inspired small plates in an outside-the-box backyard breezy Treehouse Lounge offering a speakeasy jazz club party seven nights a week.
As you can see, the common themes are party, wine, and dare we say decadent venues. Whatever the venue, Bacchanal seems to have inspired artists, entrepreneurs and those free spirits looking for the next great festivity. Whether ancient or modern, Bacchanal means one thing: a party so wild, even your Fitbit can’t keep up.
After all this research, I’m not sure if I’m craving history, wine, or just a really good cheese plate. Next stop: New Orleans!
