Happy Hour 08: Friends, Romans, Countrymen... let's pop the wine
Wine revved up during the heyday of the Roman empire!
Today’s special is …. Wine!
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I am the vine, you are the branches.
: Bartender Activate ::
Greetings, my wine-loving comrades!
Welcome to The Space Bar, where today, we uncork the tales of fermented grapes and the glorious history of wine. Prepare to be transported to ancient Rome, where wine reigned supreme and parties were wilder than a chariot race!
Let's begin our journey in the year 146 BC, when Rome emerged victorious over Carthage and became the unrivaled Mediterranean power. It was at this time that Italy claimed its rightful place as the world's foremost wine-producing region. The Romans knew a thing or two about conquering, and they conquered the wine game like no other. Oh, boy, did they ever!
As the Roman Empire expanded and its population swelled to one million people by 300 AD, wine consumption grew hand in hand. It was the elixir of choice for emperors, senators, and common folks alike. In those days, you couldn't stroll through the bustling streets of Rome without catching a whiff of that delicious vinous aroma.
Wine stayed entrenched into Roman life for 100’s of years. After the death of the great Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Empire began to crumble like a stale loaf of bread. The dark ages descended upon Europe, and with it, the dominance of wine took a backseat. (Those British types went back to beer!) It was a time of uncertainty and hardship, a time when wine was scarce and the party seemed to be over.
However, fear not, my wine aficionados!
Wine in the Dark Ages
Even in the darkest of times, wine found a way to persist. Its stronghold remained within the religious world, where it played a central role in Christian rituals. You've probably heard the famous words of Christ, who declared, "I am the vine, and you are the branches."
Wine was not only used for the sacred Eucharist but also provided the fuel that powered the prayers of those devoted monks. They knew that a glass of wine could help connect them to a higher power. Thank your local monk for maintaining those vineyards in those dark days!
Fast forward to the modern era, and wine has become the staple of the dinner party. The host meticulously selects the perfect wine pairing, a skill that is still revered today. A good wine can elevate a meal to celestial heights, turning a gathering of friends into a feast fit for the gods. The Romans may be long gone, but their tradition of hosting splendid wine-soaked soirées lives on.
The Future of Vino
At The Space Bar, we raise our glasses and toast to the legacy of wine. From the vineyards of ancient Italy to the reinforced carbon steel walls of The Space Bar, wine has woven its way into our hearts, reminding us that life is too short to drink bad wine.
Are you a wine connoisseur? Let us know your favorites in the comments!
Cheers, we’ll see you next time.
:: Bartender Deactivate ::
Links and Reference:
A History of the World in Six Glasses, by Tom Standage
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Network Update
This week, the humans are exploring the Bar Bot’s Unreal Engine prototype. Here is a demo for the “Cheers” Mechanic, which acts as a power-up. Cheers!
Want to contribute to the animation of the bar bots, and are animation inclined? Grab a generic rig today at:
This week’s bar recommendation is: The Arsenal Bar, Los Angeles, CA
Bar Bot Rank: 07/10
Dive2Fancy: WestCoastChic
DrinkPrice: LosAnge-flation
Atmosphere: WeaponyChill
The Arsenal is the ultimate meeting and warm-up bar for a night out in Los Angeles. Perfectly situated at the nexus of the 10 and the 405, this is a great place to start your night. (that’s if you can find parking) The bar has a covered outdoor area, and nice booth seating. Great booze, with an expected cocktail menu, good luck getting the bartender’s attention on a Friday night.
For more information check out their Website.
That’s it for this week! Please subscribe and metaverse responsibly.
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