It’s called Hoppin’ John, and serving the strangely named dish is a cornerstone of southern New Year’s Day traditions. Eating the concoction of black-eyed peas, rice and bacon or pork on Jan. 1 is believed to bring luck in the coming year.
According to food historians, the first written recipe for Hoppin’ John appeared in an 1847 cookbook titled “The Carolina Housewife,” but the dish was likely developed much earlier.
Though the reason for its unusual name is widely debated, most foodies agree on the reasons Hoppin’ John is regarded as a lucky focus of New Year’s Day menus. The black-eyed peas represent coins, rice symbolizes abundance, and pork supposedly relates to moving forward in life.
Other foods are also considered important to consume on New Year’s Day. Eating greens — kale, cabbage, collard greens or other varieties — is credited with bringing financial well-being because green is the color of American paper money. Cornbread too is associated with prosperity because of its “golden” appearance.
Cuisine-based New Year’s traditions aren’t limited to the United States. In Germany, soft pretzels are said to bring good luck; in several cultures, fish symbolize qualities including progress and abundance.
People who start the New Year on the warm and welcoming island of Key West — whether year-round residents, seasonal snowbirds, or visitors enjoying a holiday getaway — tend to consider themselves lucky no matter what their dining choices are.
But to increase their chance of good fortune throughout 2026, they can treat themselves to a special New Year’s Day meal at Bar 1 — the comfortable yet distinctive hotspot in the Key West Cooking Show’s historic venue at 291 Front St.
Bar 1’s New Year’s Day menu spotlights a variety of foods widely believed to bring luck, prosperity, health and abundance. Dubbed “Lucky Eats,” the special selection will be cooked up by chef Keith St. Peter and his culinary crew.
Featured items include black-eyed peas and collard greens, both prepared with a flavorful Key West twist. Fresh local catches will satisfy the multicultural focus on fish — as will Bar 1’s renowned smoked fish dip, a creamy and well-seasoned treat.
Since the year ahead should be sweet as well as prosperous, desserts will be available too. (Luscious meringue-topped Key lime pie, anyone?)
In addition to savoring luck-bringing foods, traditional New Years Day activities focus on watching football and enjoying favorite libations — and Bar 1 will offer a big screen and special cocktails so patrons can start the year off right.
Plus, for those eager to welcome 2026 with a culinary adventure, the Key West Cooking Show’s learn-and-dine experiences will take place as usual.
Last Bites
Dish of the week: Cuban Black Beans. For an alternative to black-eyed peas, consider the black beans that are a staple of Cuban cuisine. Hearty and satisfying, the dish typically features dried black beans, a “sofrito” blend of finely diced bell peppers and white onion, and spices including ground cumin and bay leaves.
Helpful kitchen hack: If soup seems too salty during preparation, simply slice up an apple and add the slices to the pot. The starch from the apple will absorb some of the salt while adding a little sweetness.
Hungry for more? Visit keywestcookingshow.com or call 305-294-COOK.
