CULTURE

NYE in NYC

By Nicole Pasulka

This year, instead of dozing off in front of the TV, watch fireworks from the comfort of a 1920s yacht, eat yourself comatose on Wagyu beef, or spend quality time with the some of the best DJs in the city.

New Year’s Eve Gala at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel’s Starlight Roof
Late, great bandleaders Guy Lombardo and Jerry Kravat (also known as Mr. New Year’s Eve) made their names at the Waldorf’s Starlight Roof New Year’s Eve Gala. This is the place to hear “Auld Lang Syne” at midnight. Chef John Doherty’s menu radiates indulgence with dishes like foie gras ravioli in sea urchin sauce. But there’s great New Year’s Eve dining across New York City; you go to the Waldorf for the swank and to join a black-tie conga line. Seating begins at 8 p.m., and the price is US$425 per person.

Beefsteak at Craftsteak
This New Year’s, Craftsteak resurrects a tradition of rugged, carnivorous indulgence: the beefsteak. A throwback to the men’s-only Depression-era practice of putting away endless beer and red meat sans utensils, Craftsteak’s classed-up, female-friendly beefsteak pairs all-you-can-eat Wagyu beef with red wine and, yes, forks. With music by the Stumble Bum Brass Band and a bathtub gin cocktail, Craftsteak understands that a recession doesn’t mean an end to good times. It just means that good times should come at half the cost of last year’s event. Call to confirm price.

The Rub at Southpaw
As in years past, The Rub at Southpaw in Brooklyn hosts the music lover’s New Year’s Eve event. DJs Ayers, Cosmo Baker and Eleven have hip hop, soul and funk covered, and their radically different styles promise music that’s eclectic and always danceable. It’s like partying at a friend’s house, if your friend happens to host what New York Magazine calls one of the best DJ nights in town. This year, at US$40 a head, it’s also one of the best deals in the city.

Tribeca Grand Hotel
Want to avoid Midtown Manhattan crowds but still watch a glowing ball descend at midnight? Head to the Tribeca Grand, where a replica of the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball drops from the hotel’s eight-storey atrium as the clock strikes 12. Artist Darren Vigilant built the 136-kilogram, 11,000-watt ball from 300 light bulbs, the better to illuminate formally attired guests and notable DJs there to party like it’s 2009. Seating begins at 9 p.m., and admission ranges from US$150 to US$300.

Luxury Yacht Manhattan New Year’s Eve Cruise
Sometimes New York City is better experienced from the water. Revellers who prefer not to be landlocked should consider setting sail with Luxury Yacht Manhattan’s four-hour New Year’s Eve cruise through the Hudson and East rivers. There’s no meal on the glass-enclosed 1920s-style yacht, but it boasts one of the best views of the New Year’s fireworks, not to mention an open bar and a hold stuffed with champagne. Plus, the Statue of Liberty has promised to make an appearance. Boarding begins at 9 p.m., and the price is US $325, gratuity not included.

(Nicole Pasulka is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor whose work has appeared in Salon, The Globe and Mail, CBC Arts Online and Bust Magazine.)

TOP PHOTO: CHLOE CRESPI / TRIBECA GRAND HOTEL
WALDORF: WALDORF
CRAFTSTEAK: EDUARD HUEBER
YACHT MANHATTAN: CLASSIC HARBOR LINE