Still looking for the perfect place to ring in 2014? The Bay Area has entertainment to satisfy all types and moods on New Year’s Eve. From lavish dinners to live music to midnight fireworks, here are ten of our haute picks.
San Francisco Symphony
New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball
Ring in the New Year at the city’s most elegant celebration, the New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball with the San Francisco Symphony. The event stars the San Francisco Symphony, conductor Michael Francis, mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke, and baritone Kelly Markgraf. Everyone attending the event receives a complimentary mask as they enter the beautifully decorated lobby. Beginning at 8 pm, The Martini Brothers entertain and perform their “swingin’ cocktail music” in the lobby. Starting at 9 pm, the San Francisco Symphony performs Viennese classics and songbook favorites on stage in Davies Symphony Hall. Following the Symphony concert, guests are invited to celebrate and dance on the Davies Hall stage to The Peter Mintun Orchestra.
Immediately following the Symphony performance, guests will enjoy complimentary sparkling wine, desserts, savories, and party favors. Hit Waves offers additional entertainment with songs from 1920-2013 in the First Tier lobby.
A special pre-concert dinner package includes a cocktail reception beginning at 6 pm followed by a sumptuous three-course dinner (wine included) in the lobby of the War Memorial Opera House. The dinner package also includes sparkling wine served in the Loge Level lobby at intermission. Parking is included. To purchase the special pre-concert dinners for $160 per person call the San Francisco Symphony’s Patron Services department at (415) 864-6000.
St. Regis Hotel
For those looking to ring in the New Year in style, The St. Regis San Francisco invites guest and locals alike to celebrate with an exclusive Midnight Masquerade Aficionado Experience, which pairs overnight accommodations at the city’s most captivating address with the opportunity to toast the new year at the San Francisco Symphony’s glamorous party.
Midnight Masquerade Aficionado Package
Midnight Masquerade includes two front row tickets to the San Francisco Symphony’s Masquerade Ball concert featuring guest artists Sasha Cooke and Kelly Markgraf. Guests will then enjoy access to an after party where La Marca Prosecco will be flowing alongside desserts that taste as good as they look. Get your groove on with Hit Waves on the First Tier, or harken back to the golden age of the 1930s with the Peter Mintun Orchestra and dance on the stage of Davies Symphony Hall. Spirits are at their brightest at the stroke of midnight when the new year is on the brink, and anything is possible.
After a spectacular night of dancing, guests will enjoy overnight accommodations in one of the hotel’s luxurious Metropolitan Suites, complimentary valet parking, and breakfast for two in Vitrine, the hotel’s signature restaurant. The Midnight Masquerade Aficionado Package is available for $2,100 for stays on December 31 only. Reservations can be made by calling 415-284-4070.
Dinner at Ame
Ring in the new year at Ame, the St. Regis hotel’s Michelin starred restaurant, with a specially designed prix fixe menu. The exceptional five-course New Year’s Eve menu will showcase seasonal New American dishes at two seating times. The first seating will begin at 6:00 – 6:30 p.m. and will be offered for $150 per person with a wine pairing option to compliment each course for an additional $78 per person. The second seating will begin at 9:00 -9:30 p.m. and will be offered for $175 per person with a wine pairing option to compliment each course for an additional $78 per person. The second seating will include a complimentary glass of champagne at midnight. For additional information or to make a reservation, please call 415-284-4040 or visit www.amerestaurant.com.
Top of the Mark
Dinner and Dancing Affair
The legendary Top of the Mark restaurant and bar, is located inside of the the InterContinental Mark Hopkins boasting a near 360 degree view of the San Francisco skyline, will be hosting a New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dancing affair from 7:30 pm- 1:30 am. The festivities will include hor d’oeuvres, a bottle of Chandon Imperial and a 6-Course luxurious dinner, followed by live music and dancing, and finally, a Chandon Rosé toast at midnight! The evening is $375 per person or $425 per person with window seating (not including gratuity or sales tax). Formal attire is requested.
Bluestem Brasserie
‘60’s High Society’ New Year’s Eve Dinner
What better way to ring in the new year than with an elegant ‘60’s High Society’ New Year’s Eve dinner brought to you by Bluestem Brasserie! Located steps from Union Square on Yerba Buena Lane in the heart of downtown San Francisco, the restaurant is offering guests a New Year’s Eve menu inspired by the 1960’s but with their own unique and elevated twist. Two seatings are available: 5pm (3-course menu, $75 per guest) and 8pm (4-course menu with Champagne and NYE favors, $110 per guest).
Hotel Vitale
New Year’s Eve fireworks over San Francisco
Located just steps from the Embarcadero, Hotel Vitale is the ideal vantage point to take in the New Year’s Eve fireworks over San Francisco Bay. Joie de Vivre’s waterfront boutique property features great views of the Bay Bridge, Treasure Island and the historic Ferry Building. To welcome 2014, Hotel Vitale is having a 60s-themed celebration this Tuesday, December 31, and is accepting last-minute bookings for its overnight Catch a Room If You Can package.
La Urbana
Celebratory 8-Course Tasting Menu to Ring in the New Year
La Urbana will offer an eight course New Year’s Eve tasting menu! Inimitable Mexican creations will be being served at La Urbana on the evening of December 31st to ring in 2014. All dishes will be unique and will incorporate some tradition with a few creative twists. The restaurant will be open at 5:30PM with a final seating at 10:30PM. This eight course tasting menu is $95 before 8PM and $125 after.
Napa Valley Wine Train
All-Aboard” Napa Valley Wine Train’s Blackjack Ball
See if Lady Luck is on your side this New Year’s Eve. The Wine Train’s Blackjack Ball is being designed to recreate the elegance and class exuded by international spies, Monaco, and martinis. Enjoy a sparkling wine reception, gourmet dinner through the moonlit vineyards, and Blackjack Ball at the Station complete with casino tables, DJ, and dance floor. Start the new year off right with a sparkling wine toast at midnight! Complimentary shuttle service to select Napa Hotels. For reservations visit winetrain.com or call direct at 800-527-4121.
Long Meadow Ranch Winery & Farmstead
Fourth Annual New Year’s Eve Dinner Celebration
Long Meadow Ranch Winery & Farmstead will host its fourth annual New Year’s Eve Celebration, featuring Executive Chef Stephen Barber’s four-course family-style prix-fixe dinner menu, Long Meadow Ranch wines and new Cabernet Sauvignon grappa, excellent cocktails and festive live music by the Isaac Carter Band. In addition to the special New Year’s Eve prix-fixe menu, guests have the option of selecting dinner items from Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch’s daily menu.
Guests will enjoy dessert to the rollicking sounds of the Isaac Carter Band while the countdown to 2014 begins. At the stroke of midnight, guests will ring in the New Year with a toast. The party runs from 5 p.m. – 1 a.m. and costs $65 per person for four-course menu; $85 per person with wine pairings.
Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar New Year’s Eve Dinner
Toast to 2014 with Special a la Carte Selections for New Year’s Eve Dinner
The Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, a Forbes Four Star property with stunning views, nationally recognized Vista Blue Spa and popular restaurant Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar, will offer New Year’s Eve a la carte specials in addition to its full menu for diners interested in ringing in the New Year at this popular waterfront restaurant showcasing dramatic ocean views. Chef James Waller has carefully prepared an approachably festive menu showcasing the best local ingredients and sustainable seafood from Monterey County. Some features include a full bar, classic cocktails and even a champagne flight with Oysters on the half shell.
Sent Sovi Restaurant and Wine Lounge
Annual New Year’s Eve Dinner Party at Sent Sovi
Heading south for the winter? Spend an amazing New Year’s Eve dining experience in lovely Saratoga! Sent Sovi will be hosting their Annual New Year’s Eve Dinner in their charming dining room. A luxe-six-course tasting menu is being offered at $125 (exclusive of beverage, tax, and gratuity). This menu features nods to past Sent Sovi dishes, as well as a preview of new ideas for 2014. For a more casual option, visit the cozy Wine Lounge (situated ‘next door’ to the dining room) and enjoy special “bubble flights”, small plates and complimentary gougerès.
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