Looking Back - 10 Years at The Barn

Sommelier and Director of Food & Beverage Andy Chabot and Executive Chef Cassidee Dabney continue our story of The Barn at 10 years, sharing theirmemories of the past decade and hopes for the future.

ANDY CHABOT: We’ve had lots of amazing memories and special times in The Barn! Since the beginning, we’ve been able to take care of so many wine and foodguests I would consider heroes of mine and industry leaders. I still think very fondly of “The Gathering,” the first event in The Barn, featuring ThomasKeller and his entire top culinary team, Screaming Eagle and Harlan Estate wineries. It was a show-stopper and a great beginning.

CASSIDEE DABNEY: It has been phenomenal to have the talent of guest chefs in the kitchen. Every day is a new adventure. I haven’t gotten tired of it orbored in any way, shape or form. We keep pushing and changing, all for the sake of excellence.

AC: I agree, after a decade, nothing about an experience in The Barn seems tired. Quite the opposite—new seasons, ingredients, methods and moreexperience are all combining to continue to create memorable experiences for our guests. Through it all, we’ve earned three James Beard awards, two ofthose being national level awards, and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.

CD: I am too. I’ve also really enjoyed the evolution of The Barn into a bit more of an elegant experience. When I first started here, everything was veryclassic Southern, and I think we’ve expanded past that and had a lot of fun stepping outside our comfort zone.

AC: My hope for The Barn is that we can continue to change and evolve in the pursuit of being the best we can be. I hope the next 10 years is anotherdecade of showing the world what the cuisine and hospitality of this place really means. I’d love for the restaurant to be recognized as an OutstandingRestaurant from the James Beard Foundation.

CD: I definitely think we’re on the right track if we continue on this path. I think in the next five years we’re going to be killing it! AC: I couldn’tagree more, Cassidee—the future is bright and exciting for The Barn.