By Seth Fera-Schanes

There are a handful of options to ring in the new year in New York City.

New Year’s Eve in New York City

1.  Club – For individuals age 21-25.  Older readers, please skip to item number 2.  Here is the deal for clubs on New Year’s. Grand promises of all your friends and the “in” crowd gathered under one roof.  Well known DJ spinning records (or most likely hitting play on his Spotify playlist….)  UNLIMITED drinks at the bar.  Food included.  All for the price of $90-$200 a ticket.  If that is your thing (and yes I have done it once) then by all means enjoy.  However, at the end of the night, you will have pushed your way to the bar twice to get two well drinks, had one slice of pizza and after it all wraps up will spend 2 hours on Houston waiting to get a cab.  You can try Uber but with surge pricing expect to pay a lot of money to get uptown (and if you are going to Brooklyn or Queens you might as well just give them a whole pay check.)

2.  Bar – This can go either way.  Some bars charge a cover to get in on New Year’s Eve.  Pass.  There are plenty of bars in the city and with a few advanced phone calls you can find a place that will let you in with no fee.  Find a local bar in a part of town that isn’t located by the Path Train or Grand Central to try and cut down on additional patrons coming in from the tri-state area.

3.  Times Square – This is a New York City website so I have to mention it.  The ball dropping in Times Square is an iconic image to watch on TV.  Beyond that I will let your NYC friends express their thoughts if you suggest this as an option for the night.

4.  Apartment Party –  The expectations for a night out on December 31st never match the end result.  For this reason, I am advocating this option.  It can be a friend’s party of throw your own but the cost and stress savings will be well worth it.  If you decide on this plan, I have included links to a few recipes you can make for the night.

Enjoy and have a happy new year!!

Click on the images to see the full recipe.

Champagne and Pomegranate Mimosas

Seared Diver Scallop with Arugula Pesto and Blood Orange Segments

Smoked Mussels with Goat Cheese

Fig Jam with Goat Cheese on Rosemary Crackers

Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates Wrapped in Prosciutto

Herbed Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppadew Peppers

Vermouth Shrimp with Sauteed Poblano Peppers and Shallots

McClure’s Bloody Mary