Friend-of-the-bar Annie gave us this magnet that sits on the side of our drinks cooler. It describes her philosophy as well as ours: we want y’all to feel the love when you eat and play here.

It’s not that there aren’t other important, even urgent, things for us to pay attention to these days. But eating is one of our most basic needs and rights as humans. And eating together makes it all the more sweet and filling. Years ago I went to an Eritrean and Ethiopian restaurant in Columbus—some of the best food I’ve ever eaten—and on the front of the menu, it said, “In our culture, if we eat together, it means we won’t betray each other.” Perhaps that sounds like extreme language, betrayal, but it makes sense. Not only do I trust that you haven’t poisoned the food if we eat together, but also simply sharing a meal brings us closer together. Cooking for others and being cooked for brings us closer together. We don’t necessarily become the closest of friends, but we can feel each other’s humanity.

I encourage you, the next time you’re here, to intentionally consider the love you have for those you’re eating with—the people you came with whose lives you know, the people at other tables whose stories are different, the staff here cooking for you and bringing your food. Know that when you provide someone food—a home-cooked meal or your Free Parking leftovers shared over lunch—you are sharing love, too.

Alice C, board game librarian

Play Candy Land!

In our extensive library of games, 1949’s Candy Land is our 9th most popular game! It’s a great game for little ones to learn how to play a game—taking turns, moving pieces based on a card-flip/die roll, not being a sore loser when you land on the sticky licorice or have to move backwards to a sweet treat. It’s also frequently checked out by adults who feel nostalgic when they see it on the shelf—“Aw, I remember playing this!”

A lot of people who play much more complex games sometimes look down their noses at Candy Land—it’s the third worst ranked game on Board Game Geek—and I understand that. Yet people’s faces light up when they take it off the shelf! When a game can brighten your day, can remind you of better or simpler times, can be an excuse to spend time with people you love, isn’t that worthy? It doesn’t matter if other people like it, if you do!

Candy Land is a very kind game, a quick game, and it brings people joy—come over this week and play with your kids or parents or friends! Maybe join a table with a green flag on it and make some new friends!

Try our new cocktail the Everdellicacy!

Free Parking regular Melody won the custom cocktail experience at our anniversary celebration, and she’s brought y’all a gorgeous, fruity drink inspired by her favorite game Everdell. It’s got Dragon Berry rum, blueberry simple syrup, lemon juice and lemonade, and is garnished with sweet dragon berries.

Order one to sip while playing its namesake or a couple rounds of Candy Land!

Put a green flag on your table, make new friends

It’s like community game night anytime you come in! Ask your librarian or server for a green flag for the table—it means you’re open to having folks you don’t know sit with you to play games and maybe become brand-new friends. And if you see a green flag on someone’s table, you can absolutely ask to be seated with them! Give it a try next time you’re in—play new games, make new friends, enjoy great vittles.