Christmas Eve at The Village Jester: A Fabulous Small Town Adventure
We attended the first Village Jester Christmas Dinner and Show. All the tables were seated around 6:30 pm and the place was packed! We first thought we'd be squeezed in at the bar (due to our last minute decision making abilities) but somehow the magical Nigel found us a spot on the porch. All the heaters blazed and the canvas curtains were pulled down. There were two other tables on the porch, one huge table of thirteen I believe -- a couple with their six adult children and various others -- a small table of another family and us. My sister and I brought Santa Hats and Christmas Crackers to decorate the table with. We also had gifts for our two friends who were arriving.
We got our drinks, found our friends and met our fabulous waitress who'd been called in at the last minute due to the influx of diners. Billie Idol and other wacky 80s songs were playing as we got our bearings. Nigel was floating around, making sure everyone was seated and the pre-fix courses began. For vegetarians there was a tofurkey with vegetarian gravy for the entree but all of us opted for the good ole' fashioned turkey dinner with all the trimmings.
We started carrot ginger soup with a swirl of cream on top.It was light and fresh and the ginger just heavy enough to give a slight warming to the back of your throat. Next we had a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette. Luckily the courses slowed down so we could exchange gifts and start chatting with the other table. We pulled the Christmas Crackers and found not only the toys inside but also each had a paper crown which we quickly made use of. Nigel also pulled a cracker and we hope he still has his little yellow pen still attached to his shirt. :) The large table were leagues ahead of us in merriment, sharing bottles of red and white wine, pitches of stout ale and eventually martinis.
A huge gust of wind suddenly blew and knocked down some of the plastic chairs around us. After our gifts were unwrapped and our second mojitos on the table, magically, the main course arrived. Succulent turkey, both dark and white meat were accompanied by mashed potatoes, little perfect english potatoes, baby carrots with peas and corn, cornbread and cranberry dressing and each had a little bowl of gravy on the side. Now this was a huge crowd to feed and I know it had grown beyond what was even possibly expected but I must say they did an amazing job.
The food was hot and nourishing. Each of us at the table dug in and smiled. Rich adored the potatoes, Lys was wild for the peas and I went nuts for the dressing and gravy. "This is one of the most beautiful meals I've ever had at a restaurant," said Rich. And Lys added, "It tastes homemade, not at all like restaurant food." I had successfully avoided turkey duty this whole holiday season and admittedly part of me had missed the brining and striving for moistness but mostly I missed the flavors. "It's like getting the benefit of cooking your own holiday dinner without the work," I surmised. I felt somehow more complete in my holiday experience.
During our main course the wild, wild, winds kicked up again and this time the gusts were so high they took the heavy canvas curtains and the long metal rods that weigh them down with them. I saw through my peripheral vision the rod coming toward my head and jumped up, caught it and held it down. I looked to my left and Rich had simultaneously grabbed the back curtain and was holding its rod. Nigel and others came to join us and worked to tie down the curtains in a secure manner with extensions cords and anything else handy. "My son is a sailor and can tie a good knot!" we heard from the table of thirteen that was now moving into martini territory. The sailor son got up and helped. Everything stayed secure through the rest of dinner though I did find myself flinching every now and again when the wind would pick up.
Our desserts were cranberry cheesecake and granny smith apple crisp with whipped cream. The cheesecake was cold and firm and the crisp was hot, buttery and melty. Our table split them and surrendered to our fate of overeating. My sister who normally avoids sweets found herself finishing the plate off. Throughout the latter part of the evening, Jonathan McEuen was crooning and unfortunately we weren't in the prime seats to hear him but it worked out well as we got to visit more. We'd pop in and out when we'd hear a favorite of ours start then go back to sit and visit. In-between his sets, the stereo came back on with all sorts of classics. At one point our friendly table of thirteen got up and danced. The parents, the sons, the daughters all together singing,"Grandma got run-over by a martini!" And a new holiday song was born.
We left as Jonathan's whole band was setting up for the larger show. We had too many gifts to carry and as it was, between mojitos, triptophane and sugar we were hardly able to waddle to our Christmas night duties of wrapping gifts and dressing trees. It was a warm, comfort-food coma and we were all so thankful we chose to spend out Christmas Eve there. "Shall we make a reservation?" my sister said on the way out of the door. "A reservation? What? you aren't full? What are you talking about?" I asked her. "Nooo, I mean should we give Nigel our reservation for NEXT Christmas Eve...." Well Nigel? assuming you've survived, are the books open? If so, book us next to the table of thirteen again!
Merry Christmas!
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Comments (12)
This is the kind of lively personal writing I so enjoy reading on the Post. It's like a little peek into DK's diary...you could taste every yummy mouthful and feel the sparkling good cheer all around...
Comment #1 Posted by: Suza | December 26, 2007 04:27 AM
Suza, thank you :). Every now and then I have these amazing small-town yet sophisticated nights in Ojai. I wanted to make sure to capture it during this season. Thanks for reading!!!
Comment #2 Posted by: DK | December 26, 2007 09:07 AM
DK, thanks so much for your kind words.
The goal of the Christmas Eve Dinner was to start a tradition. In truth, I did not know what was going to happen. We could have been absolutely dead and I would have had egg on my face. However, I (and my wife) are from the 'Build it and they will come" school of thought. Along with my staff, and Nicolaus (not Saint Nicolaus!) we took the plunge and said our prayers. As you noted, we were rather full.
I am more than pleased at your description of the dinner. My kitchen staff, Caleb, Tim, Mary-Rose, Jimmy, John, Francisco, and Jerry worked so very hard preparing it all and sending the food out. Caleb is a tremendous asset and a fine leader of his team. Despite the sheer number of dinners being put out at the same time, I have never seen the kitchen more organized and calm. Bear in mind that with over 80 diners a minimum of 320 plates were sent on their way. For a small restaurant that is remarkable. I am sure that he will be reading your words with a smile on his face.
I was equally proud of the servers Wendy, Jessie, and Jessica. Faced with a room full of expectant and hungry guests, they worked efficiently, diligently, and with smiles on their faces. They gave up a good portion of their Christmas Eve when they didn't have to do so and I thank them.
I am, indeed, fortunate to have an amazingly supportive staff. We are a family at The Jester and I hope it shows.
I am sad to report that the little yellow pen went AWOL later that evening while I was dancing to Jonathan's band!
It was a great night that, from my perspective, could not have gone much better. Thanks to all who put their trust in me and attended because it is they who have helped to sew some new stitches onto the tapestry that is Ojai.
And, yes, I can say that we will be doing the same thing next year and I gratefully include you as the first booking (please remind me closer to the time)! Should we engage Jonathan again? Or, perhaps, there are other suggestions.
I hope 2008 brings success, health, and happiness to all.
Comment #3 Posted by: Nigel | January 2, 2008 12:47 PM
Nigel-
you gonna have some hot rocknroll tonight?
Comment #4 Posted by: El Anonimo | January 2, 2008 01:18 PM
Nigel-
you gonna have some hot rocknroll tonight?
Comment #5 Posted by: El Anonimo | January 2, 2008 01:18 PM
Not tonight Mr. El. A conversation with the regular participants or some other plan is needed before we kick it off again. I'm just waiting for someone to engage the conversation face to face. I've made it well known that that is what I want. No drama, no judgment, just an exchange of thoughts on how to regulate certain activities to ensure we all get the best out of Open Mic Night. I want the space to be used, but by the same token, I need it to be used respectfully, as you know. I hope that someone will come and talk to me before the weekend so we can start it up again by next week. What do you think?
Comment #6 Posted by: Nigel | January 2, 2008 02:40 PM
the husband and I went to dinner tonight at the Jester and were not disappointed. I had the fish and chips and he had chicken piccata. Both meals were great, hearty food with loads of flavor. The portions were more than ample (we both took 1/2 home with us) and we each had a glass of wine. We wavered on dessert (next time for sure) and were very pleased with the tab at the end. Nigel came over and I introduced us as readers of The Ojai Post. I told him that we tried his restaurant due to the great reviews we read here.
Next time we're going for date night!! dinner, wine and a movie. It sounds like fun!
Comment #7 Posted by: Donna Lloyd | January 2, 2008 06:57 PM
Donna,
Thanks for giving us the chance to impress. I am glad that you enjoyed yourself. It was a pleasure meeting you and your husband last night. Okay, back to the pub for me. Date Night and Karaoke tonight! See you both soon.
Comment #8 Posted by: Nigel | January 3, 2008 01:14 PM
Nigel, thank you for such a wonderful, wild, Christmas Eve.
Who knew the winds would blow my Santa's hat into my gravy? or that I'd drive over a huge tumbleweed on my way home!
It seems each time I visit Village Jester I am guaranteed two things. The warmth of you and your staff that feels very homey AND something unusual inevitably occurs. I attribute the latter to the new name -- call me superstitious. But I wouldn't have it any other way.
Being at your pub makes me miss my years working in the restaurant/bars and I didn't think anything could. It's an industry that can really drag you down but when it's fun, there is nothing like it. Creating a good experience for a hundred or more people is just magical when it all comes together and I do appreciate the other side of what it takes to do it.
I'd be hard-pressed to come up with a better band than Jonathan's. We'd go almost anywhere to hear him. Just sorry we missed the aftershow but we'd had a FULL night in so many ways. It was all we could do to waddle out with our gifties.
I noticed you didn't mention the curry night on your menu, is that still going on?
Happy 2008, DK
Comment #9 Posted by: Anonymous | January 3, 2008 01:32 PM
Hi there!
I was one of the members of the now infamous "table of thirteen"- we had an absolute blast! While grandma (actually, not yet- but very much wanting to become one) did feel "run over by the martini" the next day, the merriment and tales was well worth it. Now some of us are back in the frigid Northeast, looking forward to our next trip to the Jester!
Comment #10 Posted by: Eric Hellweg | January 3, 2008 07:48 PM
Hey Eric!
How much fun were all of you! Now are you the sailor who tied the knots in the extension cords to hold the curtains in the wind?
Our table requests a spot next to all of you next year! Do let us know if you are heading in -- we will be happy to join!
Comment #11 Posted by: DK Crawford | January 3, 2008 08:13 PM
DK,
Yep, curry is served on Weds. I realized I had missed that after I had posted.
Eric,
Glad you are home safe and sound. Thanks for coming in.
Comment #12 Posted by: Nigel | January 5, 2008 11:46 AM