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Topic: What are you doing New Year's Eve?
| Author | Message |
| wineaux | Posted – 1/3/2008 2:13:12 AM | show profile Hey Astera....I've been on that boat before, for a wedding, years ago. And, just saw it cruising around when I was on my friend's sailboat when I was over in Newport Harbor this summer watching a regatta. I wish they hadn't encased the back of the boat in glass, and had left it the way it was when I went on it for that wedding. It's such a gorgeous boat. I have family in town, and we rang in the New Year at home, with a really delicious meal of crabcakes, veal, sauteed veggies, champagne and lots of chocolate. And lots of other liquor. Went to bed way too late and the head hurt the entire next day. Went to the Met today and stared at all the Rembrandts and the Vermeers. And stared some more at all the modern art. It was so crowded I thought I might faint. Strolled a little through Central Park and stared at all the indulgent shops on Madison, and had a divine cup of lavender white chocolate cocoa at this clever chocolate shop. Then went to the Village and had dinner at an Indian restaurant the size of my living room that is literally half full of Christmas lights. They practically touch your head even while you are seated. And, the tables are so close together that the guy behind me should have bought me a drink for getting that close to my cleavage. The best part of the restaurant was walking up the steps that led to the entrance. There is another, almost identical Indian restaurant right next to it and the two hosts sling mud at each other and desperately yank on your sleeve to get you to cross their prospective thresholds. I was happy to take the train home. COLD out there today. |
| wineaux | Posted – 1/3/2008 2:17:25 AM | show profile OH, and writeson, Congratulations!!!!! That is some serious champagne popping news! I'm glad he got that ring out of his pocket and on her finger. Foto...I like your idea about the reality show. I would watch that one, rapt with attention. |
| writesonwater | Posted – 1/3/2008 2:32:20 AM | show profile Wineaux, I love your description of your city outing. Sounds delightful! Thanks for the congrats. Looks like an August wedding in NY. I have been researching everything from what the groom's family does -- rehearsal dinner ideas, anyone? -- to what the groom's mom wears. I'm hoping that The Bride will have enough attendants that he can ask his brothers to be groomsmen, and seriously thinking about renting a tux for my hubby -- I'd love to see all four lined up in their tuxes. I'd love to be able to do what my bro-in-law did last year in Jersey -- borrow a beach house for out of town guests to crash at -- but that would be over the top I think considering all our other expenses. I'm open to ideas on rentals mid-Long Island, anyone? |
| fake.it.til.you.make.it | Posted – 1/3/2008 5:07:06 AM | show profile Hey Astera, I might have seen your boat that night... My husband and I were eating dinner at Villa Nova overlooking the water in Newport -- and it was a lovely evening. Food was delicious, which was a special treat, considering he's such an East Coast Italian food snob :) |
| foto | Posted – 1/3/2008 10:03:45 AM | show profile Wineaux, maybe this reality show idea should be a live webcam on Mediabistro. Now that would be a source of conversation on OT. They could call it Mediahouse or Mediaswap. What do you think? |
| pamelabeth | Posted – 1/3/2008 11:18:44 AM | show profile hi, wineaux! i've been to one of those indian restaurants (don't remember which one; it's funny that the owners have animosity, 'cause aren't the place and menus just about identical?). yes, they are small. as you know, "jeez, there's no room to breathe in here" is a motto of nyc. sounds like a nice day. congratulations, writes! that'll be a nice focus for the new year. |
| wineaux | Posted – 1/3/2008 1:24:57 PM | show profile I've been to Villa Nova too, years ago. Before the fire. They had such a dizzying wine list back then. I went to a place in Lido that was really spectacular last time I was in town. Sabatinos? I think they make their own sausage, or at least I assume they do, b/c it was so flavorful. Those Indian restaurants are indeed identical. Christmas lights and the host's shtick, and a menu that are damn close. My cousin took us there, and he has eaten at the one we went into many times. I asked what made him choose one over the other and he just shrugged and said the first one he chose was so good he never attempted the other one. It was pretty tasty, I must admit. And fifty bucks for dinner for four made it taste even better. But, you have to bring your own booze, and I was not in the mood to go trolling for a liquor store in that icy wind. My sibling lives in So Cal, is very high maitenance (she was perfectly happy hanging out on Madison Ave) and was not too pleased with the rather close quarters, but I thought it was fun. I felt like I was eating, perched on the branches of a Christmas tree. And they played a disco Indian happy birthday song for a neighboring table, while flashing the lights on and off. It was like being apart of a carnival. And the waiters were pretty charming too. I noticed as we walked out the door that the hosts were chatting rather affably, despite their rivalry. |
| wineaux | Posted – 1/3/2008 1:24:58 PM | show profile I've been to Villa Nova too, years ago. Before the fire. They had such a dizzying wine list back then. I went to a place in Lido that was really spectacular last time I was in town. Sabatinos? I think they make their own sausage, or at least I assume they do, b/c it was so flavorful. Those Indian restaurants are indeed identical. Christmas lights and the host's shtick, and a menu that are damn close. My cousin took us there, and he has eaten at the one we went into many times. I asked what made him choose one over the other and he just shrugged and said the first one he chose was so good he never attempted the other one. It was pretty tasty, I must admit. And fifty bucks for dinner for four made it taste even better. But, you have to bring your own booze, and I was not in the mood to go trolling for a liquor store in that icy wind. My sibling lives in So Cal, is very high maitenance (she was perfectly happy hanging out on Madison Ave) and was not too pleased with the rather close quarters, but I thought it was fun. I felt like I was eating, perched on the branches of a Christmas tree. And they played a disco Indian happy birthday song for a neighboring table, while flashing the lights on and off. It was like being apart of a carnival. And the waiters were pretty charming too. I noticed as we walked out the door that the hosts were chatting rather affably, despite their rivalry. |
| wineaux | Posted – 1/3/2008 1:25:37 PM | show profile I don't even know how that turned into a double post. Sorry! |
| writesonwater | Posted – 1/3/2008 3:21:43 PM | show profile Thanks, Pamelabeth! My husband and I are laying odds its Ireland or Hawaii for a honeymoon. I'm thinking Ireland -- how is it in August, anyone? |
| keltoi2 | Posted – 1/3/2008 4:50:45 PM | show profile Congrats, wow! My wife and I honeymooned in Ireland in September 2005, and the weather was not a problem. It rained about 4 days in the 2 weeks if I recall, and only one of those days was a serious rain. The others were of the "Don't like the weather? Wait 5 minutes, it will change for you" variety. So you pop into a pub for a pint or two. Not a bad alternative. The temp ranged from shirtsleeves to heavy sweater/jacket, but usually mid to high 60s by day, a little cooler by night. It was my 5th time over and my wife's first. We had a blast. |
| writesonwater | Posted – 1/3/2008 5:35:45 PM | show profile Thanks, Keltoi! She's a real Irish girl through and through, so that might appeal. The adventure angle is the wild card -- they're both avid outdoorists, so there's an outside shot they'll pick something rugged. |
| keltoi2 | Posted – 1/3/2008 5:37:38 PM | show profile Oh--and the 3 times I've been there in August I had one visit of perfect weather, mid-70s, no rain; one visit mostly clear, a little rain, 60s-70s; and one visit, lots of rain and overcast but still a great time. |
| keltoi2 | Posted – 1/3/2008 5:39:56 PM | show profile In that case, the South and West of Ireland's a great choice--lots of fine hiking, biking, etc. And it's only a 6-hour post-wedding flight to Ireland rather than a 10- to 12-hour post-wedding marathon to Hawaii. |
| writesonwater | Posted – 1/3/2008 11:05:32 PM | show profile That sounds great! I'm working with great restraint to follow the etiquette I found on line for mothers-in-law -- to wear beige at the wedding and keep my mouth shut ... One of my tasks was to make contact with the bride's family. Nicely, her mom called me first. She thought Ireland sounded good too... |
| Astera | Posted – 1/4/2008 12:34:00 AM | show profile Wow, everyone sounds like they had wonderful New Year's celebrations...engagements, dancing, festivities, dinners out. We should celebrate like this more often! Wineax, I'm pretty sure Sabatino's does make its own sausage. I had some at a party recently, and it was very tasty. And fake.it, I'm always looking for good restaurants in the OC area. I'll have to try Villa Nova! Happy 2008, everyone! |
| wineaux | Posted – 1/4/2008 1:20:09 AM | show profile We had a great dinner in the OC over the summer. It was a very stylized (sp) Mexican place in a strip mall in Newport, in a tiny canyon. My sibling wanted us to go to a place in Laguna called Javier's, but they were closed for a private party. We wound up at a place not too far from Fashion Island, (sort of a canyon-ish area in Newport Coast, close to Del Mar). They had a really wonderful assortment of fish tacos a la carte, and the absolute best churros I have ever had. They made them fresh, and served them with melted chocolate and berry dipping sauces. Positively SINFUL. Still hot enough to make your fingers sting. Everything about that place was heavenly. I'll find out the name from my sister, if you want to know. Have you tried Plums, on, I think Newport blvd? Really good for lunch. I don't know if Haute Cakes is still in Newport for desserts, but it was pretty damn good, and a pretty presentation, too. Zov's in Tustin was a fun experience. Homemade soups (golden lentil) and a Tahini chicken pita that is craving enducing. Good bakery, if a little on the pricey side and a little too flouncy for my taste, on the decor side. And, Enrique's for Mexican in L.B. Homemade salsa! Good enchiladas. And La Creparie on 2nd street is o.k. Cher's daughter has a place called Christie's (her name) on 2nd that we frequented when we lived there. Great bar. Orange had a great Cuban restaurant, but I can't remember the name. Right in the square, and it was an old staple that anyone from around there would know about. They had this dulce de leche cake that was mind blowing. Churchill's is pretty good at the Queen Mary. I had a great steak and good duck confit there. The real thing, which is always impressive when they figure out what real duck confit is. In Orange, the Hobbit used to be fun. Fantastic wine list, and a pre fix menu. More like an adventure than a night out. I'd suggest going with a group. It used to be kind of hard to get into. David Wilhelm.....he had a great restaurant in Laguna that I used to like. I think his wife took it over in the recent years. Very close to Forest Ave. and very chic. Can't remember the name. 5 1/2 feet in Laguna! Good sushi. Asian Fusion food too, and very yummy and fresh. Dizz As Is!!!! Another good Laguna staple for restaurant faire, and music, too. Good Jazz. I had a nice meal at Amelia's on Balboa island a couple of years back. Very romantic. The husband wasn't impressed, however. I thought is was lovely, and the service was fantastic. My recommendations are a little dated. It's been years since I lived there, and only get back once or twice year now. Ask me about N. Cal and I'm more currently informed. And most currently, CT and Manhatten. I'm learning as I go, and having a ball doing so. |
| wineaux | Posted – 1/4/2008 1:34:12 AM | show profile Oh, and Pamela, I was talking with my cousin, and he said that the murmur in the Village is that the restaurants are owned by one and the same, and the host fighting is yet another ploy to drag in the masses. They say they share a kitchen, too. I am inclinded to dismiss that! I really like the idea of the two fighting each other with such enthusiasm for every group that passes their staircase. It made for a fine show. It actualy made my night, so I refuse to believe it was staged. After listening to my sister bitch about leaving places that sold singular chocolates for $5 apiece and knitted hats for $200, I am all for a flavorful meal with a free and cheerful sideshow. |
| fake.it.til.you.make.it | Posted – 1/8/2008 2:26:52 AM | show profile Orange had a great Cuban restaurant That's Felix's at the Circle. I love that place! It's also nice to eat outside there on a summer night. Right across the way on the other side of Chapman at the Circle is a small Lebonese restaurant called Byblos Cafe, which is family run. Their food is lovely and so is the service. They also opened a new Mexican restaurant on the s. side of Glassell called Gaby's, which is pretty good, and a yummy gelato place on the n. side of Glassell called Cafe Lucca. Another good place I recommend is Christakis Cuisine in Tustin on Newport and Irvine Bl. Authentic Greek cuisine, small place. I could go on and on... :) |
| wineaux | Posted – 1/8/2008 3:21:08 PM | show profile Wow fake it...I've eaten at ALL of the places you mentioned, and can recommend them all. I forgot about how great Byblos was. They are such a nice family, too. |
