New Years Eve Experiences

[BigWyoming]

So, the girlfriend and I made reservations to spend New Year's Eve at Zaytinya and walked out fairly disappointed.

When we made the reservation (for 7:30) we were told that we could keep our table all evening. This made us happy, as we thought we'd have plenty of time to sample the unlimited mezzes that were offered as well as enjoy more than a few exotic cocktails.

Unfortunately, the restaurant had sold the table from under us sometime the day before and told us we had to leave at 9:30, even though our table was still loaded with drinks we hadn't gotten to yet.

So, instead of being able to sit in one spot and enjoy some drinks and belly dancing we sort of just got cast out at about 9:45, with only an offer to comp our turkish coffees.

Hopefully some of you all had a better experience. I'd love to hear about them so I can start making plans for next year.

FYI: Zaytinya offered unlimited mezzes, a glass of champagne and a dessert for $50. That sounded like a great deal until the waiter walked up at 9:30 and told us it was time to go. But I'm curious how some other spots around town compared in terms of price.

Happy New Year!

[hjshorter]

Sorry to hear that. What a bummer. Where did you go afterwards?

[JennyUptown]

NYE seems like a "great" night for disappointments and the like. My boyfriend and I stayed in (more because of his apartment move-from-hell than a decision not to go out) and it was lovely. He brought the champagne; I made a decent (for me) simple meal. We got silly drunk and had more than a few laughs while we fielded "Happy New Year!" calls from friends and family.

Sorry to hear about Zaytinya being a letdown. You should try it again on a regular night.

[Al_Dente]

NYE was a bust this year. Was on my way out for a night on the town, stopped at a gas station to get a pack of cigs, when I met two gentlemen who came up and kindly relieved me of my wallet. This left me with no $$$, no credit cards, nada.

Fortunately there was enough gas in my car to get me to my brother's place up near Annapolis. Just kinda stayed in and drank mass quantities.

[tsquare]

This left me with no $$$, no credit cards, nada.

At least they left you the car (and keys)!

But, oh man, that's so sad.

2004 will have to be better.

Best wishes.

BigW - you remind me why I was happy at home with my pasta with savoy cabbage and pancetta, and a glass of sparkling. NYE - an excuse to not go out for dinner.

[hillvalley]

NYE was a bust this year.

That's awful, I am so sorry.

[Brad S]

Saturday will be my first day off since the 21rst of December,so, NYE was a night of cooking (some kitchen dancing) got home at 11:15, was asleep by 11:45.

I look forward to celebrating NYE as (normal) people do when I retire.

Happy new year

[Al_Dente]

NYE was a bust this year. Was on my way out for a night on the town, stopped at a gas station to get a pack of cigs, when I met two gentlemen who came up and kindly relieved me of my wallet. This left me with no $$$, no credit cards, nada.

Fortunately there was enough gas in my car to get me to my brother's place up near Annapolis. Just kinda stayed in and drank mass quantities.

Within 5 mins of posting this I get 3 PMs-- titled "Oh Man", "Dude", and "Holy Shit".

Thanks for the concern and the sentiment!

Al

[sara]

Hi

I'm also sorry to hear you didn't have a good time, it's hard to have such a potentially special evening be disappointing...

I spent New Year's Eve with liamdc and mazman, among others, here in Philly. We had a mediocre meal at Pasion--the ceviche and some awesome buenelos for dessert were the standouts, as was the great conversation. Unfortuately, the entrees were generally oversalted and overcooked, and the service was Disney-esque--too much explaining of the menu for "first time diners"

We followed that up with a party at my house, including some great wine. Lots of dancing, smiling and drinking, and a good time was had by all--especially me. I'm looking forward to more of the same this year. I especially have high hopes for an upcoming birthday celebration at Nectar! (Anyone know if the menu's changed lately?)

I think the thing that really makes a celebration is the people you're with. So I hope you all at least enjoyed the people you were with (or finally ended up with, in Al's case) Wednesday night, if not the food. Happy New Year!!

[JPW]

NYE is generally my least favorite party.

This year Mrs. JPW and I actually had no guests for the first time in a while, so I cooked at home out of the Diane Kochilas (sp?) book "Meze". Started out with some spiced up (cayenne) whipped feta dip and some garlic+dried apricot yogurt dip (amazing once you let it mature in the fridge for a few hours). The second round was dried sausage, manchego, and diced sauteed veggie phyllo cigars. The third was yogurt marinated chicken skewers. A good loaf of bread, and my last bottle of the 2001 Domaine de Pouy (Coteaux de Gascognes).

Feeling we were falling asleep at about 9:30 we popped the cork on the last of the bubbly left from our wedding, a 1996 (?) Sainte Hillaire (Limoux).

Al, sorry to hear about your problem. I find holiday criminals to be especially loathsome.

The best in food and drink to all for 2004.

Joe

[LARRY WIENER]

We went to the Morrison House in Alexandria for their New Years Dinner and had a very nice time. The price was up there, but this was a "just one time" dinner. The atmosphere was ideal, very polite. There were a few black ties, and they did not seem to be out of place. The menu had some choices and there were four of us, so that each the choices were tried by someone. We all enjoyed everything we had.

Here is a listing of the menu items:

Amuse Bouche

1ST COURSE CHOICE:

Truffled Celeriac Soup with Sage Better-Poached Maine Lobster

or

Roasted Chioggia Beet and Maytag Blue Cheese Terrine with Winter Spice-Poached Lady Apples

2ND COURSE CHOICE:

Duet of Hungarian White Bean and Duck Cassoulet with Crispy Foie Gras

or

House-Cured Venison Carpaccio with Butternut Squash and Chive Jam

ENTRÉE CHOICE:

Roasted Capon with Sauteed Wild Mushrooms, Hazelnut Spaetzle and Armagnac, Prune, and Plum Confit

or

Maple and Rosemary-Smoked Buffalo Tenderloin with Hedge Hog Mushrooms, Semolina Strudel and a Juniper and Veal Reduction

or

Wild King Salmon “Wellington” with Fir Honey-Sauteed Root Vegetables and a Black Winter Truffle Nage

SALAD COURSE:

Baby Frisee and Fourme d’Ambert Cheese with Membrillo and Steyr Pumpkinseed Oil Vinaigrette

DESSERT:

Chestnut Flower Honey and Date Parfait Glace with Seckle Pear Tartar and Walnut Croquant Praline

We think that it's worth visiting there again. The "just one time" might have to be altered.

[tastykimmie]

New Year's eve was quiet for me and a few friends. Just stayed in and drank copious amounts of beer!!