What is
Fair Play?
In Ireland, “fair play” is a phrase used for a job well done.
We are a Hudson Valley based hospitality company whose intention is to work with you to create authentic experiences that highlight the local landscape. Fair Play is inspired by the Irish values of storytelling, agricultural stewardship, and community.
We are here to build lifelong relationships with our guests and clients. We hope you will join us in creating lasting memories that will leave you thinking, “fair play”.
Our Team
Founder & Chef
Daniel Meissner is a chef, consultant, and the owner of Fair Play. Growing up in New England, he always felt a strong connection with agriculture and seasonality. This drew him into his first professional kitchen at the age of 13. After graduating from the International Culinary Center in 2015, he went on to further develop his skills in the high intensity spaces of Michelin-starred fine dining kitchens like Noma, Fäviken, and The Finch.
Fair Play is Daniel’s ode to his Irish heritage and a way for him to connect with the island called Éire. It is an exploration of the question, “What is Irish Hospitality?”
Oigidecht means “hospitality” in the Irish language. During the Celtic times under Brehon Law it was mandatory for households to provide some form of hospitality to travelers, even if they were strangers. It was expected that tales of the road, poetry, and songs would be shared in exchange for a place to sleep, eat, and drink.
Ireland’s rich history of community and generosity inspires Daniel to look deeper into how we experience connection through food. Through Fair Play, he wishes to showcase the farmers, foragers and makers of the Hudson Valley to bring about nights of shared meals, storytelling and lasting memories at your table.