Travelbogger Sez: New Year's ideas including venues, dining and prices around San Diego; Don't blame us, this is what travelbogger says and we're just passing it on...
New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day
Acqua al 2, Gaslamp Quarter: The San Diego
restaurant will offer a three-course menu for $60 per person. The
meal also includes a glass of champagne at midnight. Go to
ww.acquaal2.com or call 619-230-0382.
Arterra Restaurant, San Diego Marriott Del Mar:
From 6 p.m to 2 a.m., there will be a DJ, dancing and midnight
champagne toast for $25 ($35 at door). Party and steak-and-lobster
dinner is $75. Go to www.avenue5restaurant.com or call
858-369-6032.
AVE 5, San Diego: The Bankers Hill restaurant
hosts a five-course dinner featuring mushroom tortellini, seared
scallops with foie gras, filet mignon and truffle ice cream for $65
($75 with wine pairings) with seatings until 10 p.m. Visit
avenue5restaurant.com.
Barona Resort Casino, San Diego: Barona
Steakhouse will offer a $70 three-course prix fixe menu both days
starting at 5 p.m. (a la carte items are also available); items
include duo of colossal shrimp, wood-grilled prime ribeye cap steak
and raspberry almond tart. El Rancho Grande will offer a
four-course menu starting at 5 p.m. Dec. 31 for $29 (also a la
carte); items include trio of miniature tamales, a half lobster
with chicken thigh and skirt steak, and bourbon pecan caramel tart.
Italian Cucina will offer a three-course menu starting at 5 p.m.
Dec. 31 for $28 (regular menu and a la carte also available); items
include Maine lobster ravioli, tenderloin tip fettucine and torte
de noche. Sage Cafe will offer menu items from noon to 10 p.m. Dec.
31, and a three-course menu will be available for $29.95 (a la
carte also available); items include Thai lobster ravioli,
pan-seared halibut and sage brown Betty. And Seasons Fresh Buffet
will feature holiday items from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dec. 31 and Jan.
1 for $29.95 per person; items include roasted leg of lamb,
five-spice honey glazed pork belly, Cornish game hens, BBQ shrimp
po’ boys, chicken mole enchiladas, menudo, peanut butter cream pie
and more. A special New Year’s Day breakfast will be served from
12:30 to 3 a.m. with chilaquiles, breakfast quesadillas, scrambled
eggs, chicken fried steak, oatmeal and more. Go to barona.com.
Beaumont’s Eatery, La Jolla: The casual Bird
Rock restaurant/bar will offer a four-course dinner at 8:30 p.m.
with options such as watercress and watermelon salad, brie and beet
bruschetta, flatiron steak, truffle white cheddar potatoes,
herb-cured organic chicken with sweet pea farro risotto and dark
chocolate fondant cake, plus champagne, for $59. There will be ’80s
music by the Reagonomics at 9:45 p.m. and a ball drop at midnight.
Party only is $20. Also, there will be a New Year’s Day brunch from
8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with $1 mimosas with the purchase of a breakfast
entree. Go to beaumontseatery.com or call 858-459-0474.
Brockton Villa, La Jolla: The La Jolla
restaurant will serve brunch from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 1, with
options such as “The Solution” (jalapeno and cheddar biscuits with
chorizo gravy), “The Resolution” (steamed egg whites with basil
pesto, Canadian bacon, sliced tomato, fruit and multigrain toast)
and “The Remedy” (banana pecan whole wheat pancakes with maple
syrup). Go to www.brocktonvilla.com or call 858-459-7393.
Buca di Beppo: In addition to its regular menu,
a five-course menu for $45 includes antipasti, insalate, pasta,
entree and dessert, as well as a champagne toast and party favors.
Go to bucadibeppo.com.
Fish Market, Del Mar: From Dec. 28-31, the
restaurant will offer a 1 1/4-pound Maine lobster with mashed
potatoes and fresh asparagus for $21.95. Go to
www.thefishmarket.com.
Flavor Del Mar: A four-course menu is $89 per
person; dinner items include Truffled Maine Lobster Bisque, Crispy
Pacific Oysters, Swiss Chard Wrapped Local Bass and more. Call
858-755-3663.
The Grand Del Mar: Amaya will serve a
four-course menu from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Dec. 31 for $125 per
person ($175 with wine; includes entrance into The Grand New Year’s
Eve Party). The dinner includes a Trio of Scottish Salmon and
Domestic Caviar, Rosemary-Scented Winter Mushroom Consomme and
Roasted Lamb Rack with Swiss chard streudel and oven-dried
tomatoes. Amaya will also have a traditional breakfast buffet from
7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 1 for $32 per adult ($12 per child ages 6
to 12). Go to www.thegranddelmar.com or call 858-314-2727.
Grant Grill, San Diego: The restaurant at the
US Grant Hotel will offer a tasting dinner (early seating from 5:30
to 6 p.m. is $85; items available a la carte). Dishes include dry
aged buffalo strip loin, foie gras croutons, shallot marmalade,
Yukon potato roast and more. Go to www.grantgrill.com or call
619-744-2077.
Harrah’s Rincon, Valley Center: The Cafe will
serve a New Year’s Eve dinner for $31.99 per person (and enjoy
champagne for $3 per glass). The dinner includes soup or salad, New
York steak and lobster tail, herbed mashed potatoes, asparagus and
dessert. Go to harrahsrincon.com.
Hotel del Coronado: In the Grand Ballroom, a
1940s-style celebration will include a Crown Room reception
beginning at 7 p.m., four-course dinner with butternut squash
bisque, Kobe beef short rib and Maine lobster fricassee, with wine
and Moet Chandon champagne toast at midnight and live music
by the Mar Dels, priced from $260 to $310. 1500 OCEAN will also
have a special menu for Dec. 31. The Crown Room will present a New
Year’s Day champagne brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., priced at $77
for adults, and $35 for children ages 6 to 10. Offerings include
carving stations, seafood, a bloody Mary bar and desserts; go to
www.hoteldel.com or call 619-522-8490.
Jsix, Gaslamp Quarter: A four-course menu will
be available for $125, which includes wine pairings and entrance
into a party at LOUNGEsix. Without the party, the dinner is $65
($85 with wine pairings). Go to www.jsixrestaurant.com or call
619-819-9766.
La Valencia Hotel, La Jolla: The Mediterranean
Room and the Whaling Bar Grill will host a four-course dinner
from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 31 for $95 per person. Call 858-551-3765
for the Mediterranean Room or 858-551-3761 for the Whaling Bar.
There will also be a five-course dinner at 6 p.m. Dec. 31 for $125
or a seven-course dinner at 9 p.m. for $175 at the Sky Room (second
seating includes a ticket to the party in La Sala Lounge. Call
858-551-3744. There will also be an ocean-view buffet from 11 a.m.
to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 1 in the Mediterranean room. Go to
www.lavalencia.com/dining or call 858-551-3744.
Loews Coronado Bay Resort: Mistral will offer a
five-course prix-fixe menu from 5 to 10 p.m. Dec. 31 for $95 (wine
pairings are $30 or $60). There’s also a Kid’s Club from 6 p.m. to
1 a.m. for $80, which includes dinner. A New Year’s Day buffet will
be served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $28 for adults and $14 for
children. The buffet includes made-to-order omelets, carved
Virginia ham, tacos, menudo and more. Go to
www.loewshotels.com/coronadobay or call 619-424-4000, ext.
6300.
Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego: From 6 to 10
p.m., Lael’s Restaurant will offer a Surf Turf buffet,
featuring prime rib and seafood, served with live piano music,
priced at $65. Call 619-358-6735. And from 5:30 to 11 p.m. (last
seating at 10:30), Sally’s Seafood on the Water will offer a three-
and four-course dinner ($45-$55) from its regular menu with sushi
and New Year’s Eve specials. A jazz combo performs live; call
619-358-6740.
The Marine Room, La Jolla: Two seatings for
Dec. 31: The first (5:30, 6 or 6:15 p.m.) is $75 for three courses;
items include Wild Spotted Prawn Bisque, Hand-Churned Absinthe
Butter Basted Lobster Tail, Cacao Nib Chocolate Pot de Creme and
more. The second (8:30, 8:$5 or 9 p.m.) is $125 for five courses;
items include Canadian Goose Rillette, Chantrelles Crusted Hiramasa
Butterfish, Brandt Farms Center Cut Filet Mignon, Calvados Julian
Apple Fondant and more. Go to marineroom.com or call
858-459-7222.
Mille Fleurs, Rancho Santa Fe: The first
seating begins at 5 p.m. and features a la carte items from $10 to
$46. Items include Duck Consomme ($12), Winter Vegetable Barley
Risotto ($17), Whole Dover Sole “Meuniere” ($46), Strauss Farm Veal
“Wiener Schnitzel” ($34) and more. The second seating begins at 8
p.m. and features a five-course menu for $105 per person. Courses
include Jerusalem Artichoke Soup with Foie Gras, Pike Quenelles on
Wild Rice, Prime Beef Cap of Rib Eye Steak, Trio of Chocolate
Fantasy and more. Go to www.millefleurs.com.
Mister A’s, San Diego: The first seating at
5:30 p.m. features a la carte selections, ranging from $12.50 to
$44.50. Items include Traditional Lobster Bisque ($14), Foie Gras
“Au Torchon” ($21.50), Oven Roasted White Seabass ($37.50), Roasted
California Rack of Lamb ($37.50), Meyer Lemon Cheesecake ($11.50)
and more. The second seating at 7:15 p.m. features a five-course
menu for $105 per person. Courses include Homemade Maine Lobster
Ravioli, Local Butternut Squash Risotto, Pan Seared Maine Scallops,
Crispy Roasted Woodland Farm Duckling, Baked Alaska and more. Go to
www.bertrandatmisteras.com.
Pacifica Del Mar: A first seating from 5 to
7:30 p.m. includes a four-course dinner for $54 per person. A
second seating after 8 p.m. includes a five-course dinner for $79,
which includes a champagne toast and party favors. Go to
pacificadelmar.com or call 858-792-0476.
Pala Casino Spa Resort, Pala: Choices the
Buffet will serve a steak and seafood dinner for $36 per person;
Mama’s Cucina Italiana will offer dinner for $59 per person, and
the Oak Room will offer a $109 menu that also includes entry into
the casino’s party in the Pala Events Center. Go to palacasino.com
or call 877-946-7252.
Quarter Kitchen, Gaslamp Quarter: The
restaurant at Andaz San Diego will offer a six-course meal from 6
to 11 p.m. Dec. 31 for $99 per person before 7:30 p.m. and $129
after 7:30 p.m. Course options include Celery Root + Apple Soup,
Butter Poached Prawns, Steamed Carlsbad Mussels, Torchon of Foie
Gras, Potato Gnocchi With Chorizo Sauce, Grilled Lamb Chop, Beef
Tenderloin Roast, Roasted Banana Sundae and more. Go to
www.quarterkitchen.com.
Rancho Bernardo Inn: El Bizcocho will offer two
seatings of its four-course menu on Dec. 31: 6 to 8 p.m. and 8:30
p.m. to 1 a.m. The first is $65 per adult ($92 with wine); the
second is $105 per adult ($145 with wine). Menu items include Baby
Lettuce Salad, Parsnip Soup, Short Rib Wellington, Bacon-Wrapped
Monkfish, Molten Chocolate Cake and more. Veranda will offer a
three-course menu from 5:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Dec. 31 for $55 per
adult and $25 per child ages 11 and younger (dinner includes a
midnight champagne toast and party favors). Menu items include
Sweet Onion Bisque, Pan Seared Scallops, Grilled Fillet of Beef,
Assorted Pastries and more. For El Bizcocho, call 858-675-8550; for
Veranda, call 858-675-8555.
Rancho Valencia, Rancho Santa Fe: The resort
will offer a champagne reception, followed by a four-course dinner
with wine pairings, for $175 per person from 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Dec. 31. Dinner items include Sunchoke and Parmesan Veloute with
Maine Lobster Panna Cotta, Butter-Poached White Prawn, Oven-Roasted
Veal Chop and Roasted Chestnut Mascarpone Tart. Go to
www.ranchovalencia.com or call 858-759-6216.
The Red Door Restaurant Wine Bar, Mission
Hills: Regular menu will be available, as well as several
holiday specials. The last seating is at 10 p.m.; go to
www.thereddoorsd.com or call 619-295-6000.
Red Velvet Wine Bar: The Little Italy
restaurant/bar will serve two dinners; $65 for a four-course 5:30
p.m. seating and $105 for a six-course 8:30 p.m. seating. Common
courses are truffle, opah, duck and chocolate, with a first course
and lamb course added to the second seating. Call 619-501-4561 or
go to redvelvetwinebar.com.
Roppongi Sushi Bar Restaurant, La Jolla:
A four-course menu will be served for $68 per person; items include
Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, Mahi Mahi Filet, Surf Turf Petite Filet
Mignon with Local Spiny Lobster, Gingerbread Pudding and more. Go
to www.roppongiusa.com.
Searsucker, Gaslamp Quarter: There are several
options for a five-course New Year’s Eve dining option: 5:30 to 7
p.m. seating for $75, 7 to 10:30 p.m. seating for $100 (includes a
glass of champagne and party favors), or 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. outdoor
seating for $75. Menu selections include Scallop Crudo, Duck x2 and
more. Go to www.searsucker.com.
The Shores Restaurant, La Jolla: A four-course
New Year’s Eve dinner will be served from 5 to 10 p.m. for $65 per
person. Items include Wild Baja Shrimp Three Ways, Truffled Forest
Mushroom Hot Pot, Blue Crab Buttercup Squash Soup, Herb Roasted
Maine Lobster Tail, Venison Osso Bucco, Coffee Peanut Brittle
Cobblestone Pie and more. Go to theshoresrestaurant.com or call
858-456-0600.
Tango Restaurant Lounge, Escondido: There
will be two seatings, the first at 5 p.m. and the second at 8:30
p.m. Dec. 31 (first seating is $59; second seating is $79). First
seating is four courses; items include BLT Salad, Scallop Yakitori,
Lobster Newburg, Beef Ribeye Cap, Veal Duo, Dark Chocolate Bread
Pudding and more. Second seating is five courses; items are the
same as the four-course menu, but options for the additional course
include Kobe Beef Carpaccio Oyster Rockefeller Soup and more. Go to
tangoongrand.com or call 760-747-5000.
Thornton Winery, Temecula: The New Year’s Eve
“Casino Night” gala from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. is $125 per person
and includes entertainment from the Mark Sage Band. The
three-course wine pairing dinner includes Crispy Potato Sea
Bass Napoleon. Tournedos of Beef Filet and Chocolate Decadence
torte. Go to www.thorntonwine.com or call 951-699-0099.
Toast Enoteca Cucina, East Village: The
San Diego restaurant will offer free champagne and a flight of four
wines, plus a food pairing menu. The flight is $25 alone, or $45
with the food pairing; go to www.toastenoteca.com or call
619-269-4207.
Twenty/20 Grill Wine Bar, Carlsbad: A
five-course menu will be available from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. for $65
or 8 to 9 p.m. for $85 (second seating includes a midnight
champagne toast). Courses include Piccolo Fritto, Brick Press
Quail, Duck Consomme, Seasonal Day Boat Fillet, Risotto al Salto,
Twin Creme Brulee and more. Go to www.twenty20grill.com or call
760-827-2500.
Whisknladle, La Jolla: On New Year’s Day,
Whisknladle will offer bottomless bloody Marys and mimosas. Go to
www.whisknladle.com.
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American’s Finest City has an abundance of dining options for San Diego Gay Lesbian News readers to choose from when it comes time to decide on where to dine for New Year’s Eve. We encourage you to support gay-owned and/or gay-friendly businesses that have supported our community in 2010.
We have compiled a list of options for you, many of which feature a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, in addition to the best of the restaurant’s menu.
Hillcrest’s newest hot spot for fine dining and dancing, Eden will offer guests a special menu created just for the occasion, at an affordable price of $45.
Hors d’oeuvres include Sea Scallop Duet, Barbecued Kumamoto, and Fennel-laced Fondue. The dinner menu will include freshly baked popovers with lemon thyme compound butter and an Amuse Bouche – the bedeviled quail egg.
First course options are Saffron-n-Vanilla inspired Lobster Bisque painted with Crème Fraiche, Sherry Chive, or Mizuna Ensalata with Bubbles-n-Apricot Vinaigrette, Hearts of Palm, Basil Chiffonade, Mimolette. Followed by an Intermezzo consisting of a Champagne-Framboise Sorbet.
The main entree choices are between a Brandt Beef Truffled Short Rib-n-Caramelized Parsnip Strudel or a Grilled Local Spiny Lobster Tail laced with Curried Compound Butter.
The Silky Cardamom infused Custard bathing in Rosewater with a Pistachio Tuille is sure to tantalize your taste buds. For reservations call 619-269-3336.
Anthology, located in the heart of Little Italy, will offer top-notch entertainment along with a four-course menu that offers guests a variety of culinary creations. The first course includes a choice of Maine Lobster Bisque with Wild Mushrooms or Grilled Asparagus and Poached Ranch Egg / Wild Arugula, Endive, Prosciutto.
Second course salad options include Long Pepper Crusted Ahi Tuna and an Asian Pear and Fennel Salad with Candied Walnuts, Blue Cheese, Cranberry Vinaigrette.
Guests will enjoy four options for the third course, including New Zealand John Dory / Baby Artichoke, Fennel, and Fingerling Potato Ragout or Grilled Filet Mignon / Cipollini Onion, Wilted Spinach, Potato Gratin.
Anthology’s chef tops of the menu with a dessert of Flourless Chocolate Torte / Dark Chocolate Ganache / Grand Marnier Crema.
Pricing ranges from $65 to $236 depending on seating, but don’t forget it also includes a rockin’ performance by Dave Mason beginning at 11 p.m. Doors will open at 9 p.m.
Tre Porcellini, Hillcrest newest Italian dining option, located on University Avenue, will offer a fixed course menu throughout the evening, with or without wine pairing options.
The first course is a choice between Burrata (Burrata, wild arugola, red and yellow vine ripe tomatoes carpaccio in Balsamic reduction), smoked salmon, or glazed pork belly.
The second course is either a lobster bisque or a pear and gorgonzola salad.
The third course includes three options: Strawberry lobster risotto, filetoo al pepe verde, or dijon mustard salmon filet.
Diners will also have a choice for dessert between a tasty Tiramisu, creamy Pandoro, or Nutella Crepes. Priced between $45 to $65 it is one of the best deals in town. For reservations call 619 294 9201.
Red Velvet a stylish wine bar in Little Italy, is known for its slow-cooked comfort dishes and will offer an exquisitely crafted New Year’s Eve menu with two seating options.
Seating between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. includes a four-course meal paired with a diverse wine list. First guests will enjoy a Truffle (potato, parmesan, brown butter), followed by Opah (endive, beet, coriander), Duck (mandarin, turnip, liver) and finished off with a Chocolate (cream, coconut, cocoa nib). All for the price of $65.
The second seating, which begins at 8:30 p.m., features six courses for $105, and includes all four options in the first seating with two delicious addition. Salsify (oyster, leek, bacon) and Lamb (chestnut, trumpet, Brussels sprout).
Reservations can be made by calling (619) 501-4561. Red Velvet menu is locally-produced and each ingredient is made from scratch.
For those who are not interested in a fancy-special-occasion meal but simply grabbing a quick bite before heading out to party, Crest Cafe offers an extensive list of diner favorites, including the Night Owl Specials served from 10 p.m. to midnight, for only $7.25.
Options include: Half sandwich with soup or salad (veggie, tuna melt or BTCA), One Angus slider with soup and salad, Mini mac and cheese with salad and bread, small veggie lasagna with salad and bread, or Little Luigi’s Ravioli with salad and bread.
Recommendations from our friends at DiscoverSD
Searsucker: Dine in style at San Diego’s hottest new restaurant of the year, Chef Brian Malarkey’s Searsucker in downtown San Diego.
On New Year’s Eve, Searsucker will serve a special five-course meal with Raw, Hot, Cold Bold, and Celebration offerings. Start off with a Sexy Hash Amuse, followed by your choice off the Raw menu, including Scallop Crudo with lemon and vanilla; Beef Tartare and Quail Egg; Albacore and Truffle; and Beef Goat Carpaccio and Grain Mustard Fondue.
Your Hot second course menu opens range from Crab Cake and Tarragon Aioli; to Short Rib with crisp onions and horseradish; Lamb Shanklet with Bordeaux syrup and leek; and Pork Belly with huckleberry glaze and butter bread.
Cool down for your third course with either the Strawberry Greens and Champagne Salad or Corn Lobster Bisque.
Your Bold entrée selections include Loin and Lobster with butter potato and asparagus; Duck X2 – breast and confit with root vegetable hash; Bluenose Seabass with shrimp and potato dumplings; and Barley Risotto and Wild Mushroom with English peas and Spanish manchego.
Trust Malarkey on his signature Celebration dessert: Chocolate Macaroon and Blood Orange Coconut Semifreddo. Early seating is priced at $75 per person from 5:30 – 7 p.m., and late seating is $100 per person from 7 – 10:30 p.m.
If you prefer to drink your dinner, Searsucker’s popular lounge which features signature Snake Oli Cocktail Co. creations will be open starting at 8pm for a $25 cover. For more details and to make reservations please visit Searsucker in San Diego.
Roppongi Restaurant Sushi Bar: Are you craving an exotic New Year’s Eve culinary adventure? Look no further than Roppongi in La Jolla, one of San Diego’s most inventive and delicious restaurant and sushi bar duos.
Opt for the tropical fire-warmed patio or relax in the elegant dining room for a special four-course prix fixe menu that includes a Saikou Salmon, Tuna, Yellowtail Tartares Starter, a first course with choices of Roasted Butternut Squash, Caviar Pearls, Edamame and Shrimp Dumplings or Jumbo Lump Crab Cake with miso sweet corn emulsion, shiitake mushroom and corn sprout salad.
A second course offers a Mahi Mahi Filet with black forbidden rice, Maine diver sea scallop and wasabi soy vinaigrette or Surf Turf Petite Filet Mignon with lemon thyme, fingerling potatoes, local spiny lobster and stir fried Chinese broccolini.
And for dessert, choose from a decadent selection which includes the Dark Chocolate Dome and Ginger Bread Pudding. While you dine, enjoy live modern hits and familiar classics from one of San Diego’s top cover bands, E4. For more details and reservations please visit Roppongi in La Jolla.
Rancho Valencia Restaurant: Need to get away? The rustic and relaxing Rancho Valencia Resort offers the perfect atmosphere for a winter staycation … even just for the night. The Rancho Valencia Restaurant is serving a four-course dinner presented by new Chef Eric Bauer.
The evening will begin with a champagne reception under the stars, followed by a luxurious four-course dinner with wine parings. Chef Bauer’s delicious holiday menu features parmesan veloute with main lobster panna cota, butter poached white prawn and mache salad, oven roasted veal chop with potato and truffle terrine and roasted chestnut mascarpone tart. For more details and to make reservations, please visit Rancho Valencia in San Diego.
Flavor Restaurant Lounge: For an elegant New Year’s Eve dinner, head to Del Mar Plaza’s new culinary sensation, Chef Jason Maitland’s Flavor Restaurant Lounge. As the ocean breeze kisses your neck, enjoy a brand new four-course holiday menu.
For your first course, choose between Truffled Maine Lobster Bisque with tempura lobster and shaved water truffles; Smoked Fish Trio with house cured gravlax-sturgeon terrine, cold smoked herring, poached marble potatoes and lemon crème fraiche, caviar; or Roasted Chino Farms Baby Beets with wild arugula, tangerine segments, seared bucheron goat cheese and fennel-sherry vinegar marmalade.
Your scrumptious second choice options include Crispy Pacific Oysters, Seared Day Boat Scallop Laughing Bird Prawns or Crispy Pork Belly.
For your main entrée, enjoy your choice of Swiss Chared Wrapped Local Bass with hot sour miso glaze, sesame broccolini and spicy mushroom-pickled cabbage egg roll; Winter Truffle Stuffed Pheasant Breast with seared leg confit cake, watercress nage and crispy shallots; Trio of Mixed Game with juniper spiced elk loin, braised colorado lamb shank, wild boar-huckleberry sausage and pickled red cabbage; or Duo of Prime Beef Filet Short Ribs with caramelized onion-yukon gold potato puree, chino farms baby vegetable roast and horseradish-blue cheese mousse.
For dessert, choose from Codillera Chocolate Framboise Lambic Terrine, Vanilla Bean-Crème Fraiche Panna Cotta or Artisanal Cheeses. The menu is priced at $89 per person, and wine pairings are available. For more details and to make reservations please visit Flavor in Del Mar.
Quarter Kitchen: Before you get your party on, start your New Year’s Eve Live experience off right with a six-course prix-fixe menu at the Andaz Hotel’s restaurant Quarter Kitchen.
Start with your choice of small plates, including Celery Root with apple soup and white truffle; Warm Farmer’s Vegetables with aged goat cheese and honey roasted garlic; or Baby Greens with cilantro vinaigrette, sweet roasted shallots and bleu d’auvergne.
Your second course options range from Yellowtail Crudo with watercress puree, tobikko and rice wine pickles; to Butter Poached Prawns with saffron, bacon and roasted fennel; to Steamed Carlsbad Mussels with red curry, maitake mushrooms and leeks.
For the third course, warm up with your choice of Wild Mushroom Risotto with porcini crème and shaved grana pedana; Potato Gnocchi with chorizo sauce, duck salami and mimolette; and Ricotta Ravioli with Tahitian squash, escarole and tart cherries.
The fourth and main course offers Grilled Lamb Chop with charred eggplant, mint and pine nut relish; Crispy Salmon with beluga lentils, lemon ginger sauce and sweet and sour beets; Beef Tenderloin Roast with red wine reduction, seared mushrooms and scallions; and Confit of Moulard Duck Leg with caramelized onion, plum sauce and pistachio.
For dessert, take my word for it and order the Ricotta Cheesecake with rhubard compote and cinnamon crème anglais. Guests will receive a complimentary glass of champagne upon arrival in addition to a glass at midnight for a New Year’s toast.
The menu is available from 6 –11 p.m. and is priced at $99 per person for reservations before 7:30 p.m. and $129 per person thereafter. For more details and to make reservations please visit Quarter Kitchen in San Diego.
George’s California Modern: The spectacular seaside restaurant George’s in La Jolla is giving you six decadent reasons to celebrate this New Year’s Eve in San Diego. And I bet you’ll remember many of these miraculous flavors well into the New Year.
The prix-fixe six-course menu starts off with a Tuna “Taco” – olive crusted lamb tenderloin, cucumber and yogurt candied coriander, seaweed bread, ricotta and garden crudite. Next up are three back-to-back small plates, the Fluke with blood orange, fennel, sweet potato, ginger and cilantro flowers; followed by the Lobster with miso carrot, poached apple and white truffle-uni emulsion; and the inventive Squab with fig mole, Brussels sprouts, sesame, foie gras and orange dust.
For your main course, enjoy the Niman Strip Steak and Braised Shortrib with smoked garlic-onion jam, chanterelles, potato marrow and red wine sauce. Dessert will dazzle you: Quince, Date and Hazelnut Cake with beets, fennel and goats ice cream. The six-course menu is $95 per person and wine pairings are available. For more details and to make reservations please visit George’s in La Jolla.
AVE 5: Our favorite Banker’s Hill hot spot AVE 5 is cooking up a celebratory feast for 2011 New Year’s Eve in San Diego. Chef-owner Colin MacLaggan is ready to serve a specially crafted four-course menu paired with all new libations.
Before we break down the booze, let’s dig into the food. Start with an Amuse of Gnocchi with eggplant caviar, followed by your choice of a starter. Featured small plates include Mushroom Risotto with extra virgin olive oil and white balsamic glaze; Vodka Cured Beef Tenderloin Carpaccio with arugula, olives, capers and truffle oil; and Smoked Salon on Potato Blini with crème fraiche, dill and lemon thyme vinaigrette.
Clear your palate with a champagne sorbet intermezzo, and prepare for the decadent third course.
Next up is your choice of Mushroom Tortellini with seasonal vegetables, arugula and Madeira cream; Seared Scallops with Foie Gras, lentils, spinach and turnips; and Filet Mignon with braised endive, roasted potato and porcini sauce.
For dessert, you’re crazy not to order the Mexican Chocolate Pot de Crème with rosemary cookies.
OK, now for the festive spirits. AVE 5 offers a special New Year’s cocktail menu available from December 26th through January 9th, which features new favorites like the Theater Martini (vodka, peach schnapps, raspberries and champagne), Gin Jiggle (gin, lemon and champagne) and Poinsettia (Grand Marnier, pomegranate and champagne). The New Years Eve dinner is priced at $65 per person, or $75 with wine pairings. For more details and to make reservations please visit AVE 5 in San Diego.
Arterra: The always elegant Arterra Restaurant at the Del Mar Marriott is offering a celebratory three-course menu for New Year’s Eve San Diego hotel guests and in-the-know locals.
For your first course, choose either the Rustic Lentil Stew with spiced shrimp and cornbread croutons; or Cabrales Tart with roasted endive, frisee salad, honey roasted figs, marcona almonds and sherry vinaigrette.
The second course choice is easy – enjoy the decadent “Surf and Turf” with a petite filet and spiny lobster tail, potato mousseline, roasted root vegetable and cognac jus.
The finale third course offers your choice of Catalan Flan with roasted quince compote and pumpkin seed lace; or Fried Chocolate Pies with warm orange glaze, milk chocolate soda and cinnamon ice cream float.
Bonus: guests who dine at Arterra will receive complimentary admission to the “Resolve” New Year’s Eve Party in the Arterra Lounge. For more details and to make reservations please visit Arterra in Del Mar.
Buca di Beppo: Having the kids for the holidays doesn’t have to be a bust. Take the whole family to Buca di Beppo for a stylish yet kid-appropriate family-style New Year’s Eve feast.
On December 31, Buca di Beppo is offering a five-course menu that includes your choice of an Antipasti, Insalate, Pasta, Entrée and Dessert along with a champagne toast and party favors for a set price per person.
A few of our favorite menu items range from the Chicken Cannelloni – pasta tubes stuffed with chicken, spinach, ricotta and mozzarella cheeses with a hint of lemon zest and nutmeg, baked on a bed of rosa sauce; to the Linguini Frutti Di Mare with shrimp, baby clams, mussels and calamari tossed with spicy red clam sauce and imported Italian linguine; and of course the Colossal Brownie Sundae –twelve decadent chunks of freshly-baked brownies layered with six scoops of vanilla bean and chocolate gelato, topped with caramel and chocolate sauces then buried in mounds of whipped-cream, topped with a cherry.
As always, all Buca di Beppo dishes are made to share with the whole family. On New Year’s Eve, the price per person is $45, and children aged 10 and under may dine for a special price of $20. For more details and to make reservations please visit Buca di Beppo in San Diego.
Stone Brewery: If your idea of a gourmet holiday feast is an endless menu of all-you-can-drink local craft beers, then Stone Brewery’s New Year’s Eve Celebration is definitely for you.
From laser shows and DJs to a live performance by The Classic Jazz Trio, Stone sets the scene for a fun-filled holiday party. Fill yourself up on delicious goods served buffet-style, such as a Chef’s Sushi Bar with spicy tuna rolls, oyster shots and caterpillar rolls; Carving Station with roasted lamb and prime rib; Fresh Seafood and Oyster Bar, House Made Pastas, Open Fire Chestnut Roasting, Desserts and more.
As for the drinks, Stone is hooking you up with a selection of complimentary craft beers all night long, plus three additional drinks of your choice. How much local beer can you consume in one night? I guess we’ll find out on New Year’s Eve. The Stone Brewery Celebration is $150 per person. For more details and to buy tickets now please visit The Stone Brewery in San Diego.
