Forwarded from a loving friend? Don’t miss next week’s issue:
That old chestnut, “90% of success is showing up?” Lies.
Success is showing up a lot. Like, every week. For weeks. Months, even. Past when it’s a little awkward and last week it was just you and like three other people. They was cool though, and you had a nice conversation about the thing you all showed up for. It’ll be good to see them again next week.
Last week I did a training on how to build community through regular events that people actually come to, led by the phenomenal Priya Parker. It was full of very usable guidance, with three things in particular: Address a common desire, make it easy to say yes and then do not optimize.
In other words: give the people what they want, don’t overcomplicate it, and do it the same way at the same time, over and over again. The right people will find you.*
And you know what people want? Friends. And lasagne. Whiskey too, if you’re one of my people.
Writing this week’s newsletter, I noticed how many bars and restaurants had a weekly thing. Wing nights, oyster nights, trivia, noodles, and yes, lasagne. They bring in people who live in the same area, who like the same things and are free at the same time. They get to know the owner, the bartenders, each other. They want to protect each other, if you know what I’m saying.
It’s what keeps many of our favorite places in business. Successful, even. Read below for some of our favorite places that show up for us every week. If you need a little more community connection, try showing up for them. But if you do it this Friday, bring cash.
SOMETHING TO LOVE
The name says it all, no?
If you know whiskey, you know our friends at Boutique Wines, Spirits and Cider in Fishkill. This little shop punches way, way above its weight with selection, knowledge, and honest-to-god enthusiasm for connecting the Hudson Valley to the best of the best in fermenting and distilling.
These are not the folks hosting mud wrestling competitions for the privelege of buying a Pappy. They’re cracking open a personal bottle of their Fort Hamilton rye aged in an ice cider cask they hand picked while shooting the shit with their regulars.
Trust that these people know how to throw a whiskey event. This Saturday, January 31, they're pulling in over 20 of their favorite brands and pouring over 100 expressions at the Hyatt House, around the corner from their shop.
Behind every tasting table will be a member of the distillery’s team. No sales reps, shot girls, no BS. If you’re a lifelong whiskey collector or someone just looking to learn, this is the rare whiskey event full of folks who want to share their love of making great whiskey.
YOU CAN JUST DO THINGS
Your fast track to regular status:
The Pines has wing night, music night and lasagne night.
Oysters at Oyster Party on Mondays and Silvia on Tuesdays.
Down the street Good Night’s got noodles on Wednesday and Korean Fried Chicken Thursdays.
Sunshine Colony’s got pizza Tuesdays.
Plus:
From filmmaker to food - C Cassis hosts Pretend Restaurant with Palestinian offerings from Nadia Irshaid Gilbert
Listening Party - Have a chill drink and listen to a live taping of two WKZE shows at Wiltwick Spirits on Feb 1
GUNKS GROOVES RECCO
EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY
@ BASILICA HUDSON
Big, cinematic atmospheric post rock music like EITS is a perfect fit for basilica. The room functions as its own instrument to let the sound bloom across the industrial space. We don’t always get such tenured bands up here so it’s always worth the trek to see post rock royalty.
Make Love This Week
Pick a person, look a how they’re investing their energy, and identify one interest, value, challenge, affinity, etc that you have in common. Share something to connect over. Extra credit if it’s not an especially flattering thing.
*I remind myself of this when I lose and gain the same number of subscribers each week. Thanks for being one of the right people!
Cheers,
Amy
A Maker and Lover