There is no shortage of New Year’s Eve dinners and events going on, but here are a few that caught my eye for various reasons (there are also a bunch more for you to look at on OpenTable).
Leave it to ~STATE BIRD PROVISIONS~ and ~THE PROGRESS~ to pull out all the stops. They’re doing a Feast of 18 Dishes, with the first act taking place at State Bird for hors d’oeuvres (like foie gras ham on sauerkraut cracker, California sturgeon caviar, and smoked trout pancakes) and bubbles, and then heading over to The Progress for an epic feast (aged and smoked squab with wild mushroom farro and Périgord black truffles; Japanese A5 Wagyu with barley miso, fava greens, and “the best” potatoes). Tickets are $250; 6pm-1am. Or you can just come over to State Bird for all-you-can-eat hors d’oeuvres (it’s a standing reception/party) from 10pm-1am; tickets are $75.
One of the sexier restaurants in the city, ~HAKKASAN~ is hosting a special menu with two seatings: the first seating (before 6:30pm) is $138, while the second seating is $188 (starts at 7pm) and includes complimentary Champagne. For more information and to book a reservation, call 415-829-8148.
~PICCINO~ is switching gears and making a Szechuan-inspired feast, with 10 dishes, such as black trumpet mushroom dumplings, dan dan duck spaghetti, mapo tofu, and tofu ginger panna cotta. Break out the riesling. 5pm-9:30pm. Tickets are $70/person (before beverages, tax, and gratuity). There’s even space for a few large groups (up to 10 people).
If you want to take a step back from all the decadence, YUZUKI JAPANESE EATERY will be serving toshikoshi soba, which is traditionally eaten in Japan before the New Year. The restaurant’s regular menu will also be available. 5:30pm-9:30pm.
Not only does ~TAWLA~’s New Year’s Eve feast look fantastic, but the price is right too! They are serving an abundant menu for $69, with some assuredly lovely wine pairings that will be available as well.
~COMSTOCK SALOON~ is hosting a saloon-style New Year’s celebration, with live jazz from 8pm-10pm followed by burlesque dancers from 11pm into the New Year! The kitchen closes at midnight, but the party will keep going. No cover, but you can book a reservation.
Have you always dreamed of eating the timballo in Big Night? I know the feeling. PALMENTO A DOPO in Oakland is serving a slice as part of their menu, which includes a crudo, hot antipasti, chicory and citrus salad, and chocolate zeppole. Two seatings: 6pm and 8pm. $50 (plus tax and gratuity); $25 gets you an optional Sicilian wine pairing. Cin cin! Call 510-652-3676 to reserve.
The Hakkasan bar. Photo courtesy Onelove Photography.
