The way 2016 played out, 2017 surely has to be better, right? Right. We won’t judge readers if they just want to stay home, play Prince records and cry, but why not kick 2017 off in style? We’ve scoured the web for the best local events, and whether readers are in the mood for a fist-pumping blowout or simply a quiet dinner with friends, we feel like there’s something here for everyone.
Patrick Ponsaty has been one of San Diego’s greatest chefs for some time. This year he opened his own, eponymous restaurant: (6106 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe). For this New Year’s, Ponsaty’s is offering two seatings—a five-course tasting menu at 5 p.m. featuring smoked wild salmon, foie gras torchon, pan seared scallops, filet mignon and a “decadence au chocolate” dessert. The 7:15 p.m. seating will add three courses: an egg surprise appetizer, butter roasted dover sole and a Roquefort Papillon Noir cheese. The dinners start at $75 per person and thereís a $30 corkage fee. Make reservations at ponsatys.com.
If the restaurant scene is not what you want for New Year’s but you want a superb and celebratory meal, usher in the New Year with Culinary Hedonism Supper Club. Starting at 9 p.m., the New Year’s gathering is held at a private residence and features Jon Staenberg, owner of Hand of God Wines in Argentina. Staenberg will pair wine and Champagne from his vineyard with the courses. The New Year’s Brunch begins at 11 a.m. and features Justin Gittelman, founder of the San Diego-based Local Juice Company, and a six-course brunch ($150 plus gratuity) featuring pairings of cold pressed, organic, vegan juices and optional champagne. To attend either of the dates, RSVP directly to the Chef at peter@culinaryhedonism.com.
Another great option for New Years is Kitchen 1540 at L’Auberge Del Mar. Chef Nathan Lingle is offering a high end, California-inspired New Year’s Eve menu ($125 per person, $40 supplemental with wine pairings, plus tax and gratuity) featuring a raw oyster amuse bouche followed by three savory courses and a dessert, all with wine pairings. The first-course options include duck prosciutto with farmer’s market greens, ricotta fritters with pickles and lamb carpaccio. For the second course choose among lobster bisque, pork belly and raviolo with farm egg and truffle. Third course dishes include Baja striped bass, Iberian pork and Wagyu tenderloin. The feature dessert is caffé corretto made with dark chocolate, amaretti, espresso mousse and amaretto ganache. For reservations call 858-793-6460.
New Year’s Day is, ultimately as important as New Year’s Eve and at Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant Chef de cuisine Tyler Nollenberger has created a meal built around a dish with ingredients considered “lucky” to bring in the New Year. The lucky dish features ham hock-braised black-eyed peas served with buttermilk chive cornbread, Applewood smoked ham and molasses braised greens. Beans and greens are traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day in some cultures to represent coins and money, respectively, leading to prosperity for the New Year. Recommended pairings for the holiday dish include BANKERS’ Bloody Mary with brunch, and Sloe Ryed cocktail with dinner. You know, hair of the dog. Reserve by calling 619-231-0222 or online at bankershillsd.com.
Read more at http://sdcitybeat.com/culture/new-years-eve-guide-2017/ also featuring the best in options for live music, really big parties and other cool events!