BY ALEX CANTATORE
As you read this, hordes of glitterati are likely packing their bags for lavish invitation-only New Year’s Eve celebrations at nightclubs you’ve never even heard of, but there’s no reason to be envious of their red carpet shenanigans this Dec. 31. Even if you can’t manage to make the flight out to New York, Las Vegas, or Ibiza to ring in 2009, there are a few events right here in Turlock that would make you regret sitting at home to watch Dick Clark and some silly old ball drop.
In fact, Turlock’s lively New Year’s Eve scene is more than some local bars care to partake in. At least one Turlock standard will be shuttering its doors on New Year’s Eve to avoid the throngs of merry revelers.
“It just gets too crazy out there,” said an employee of Al’s Billiards, who will not be open on New Year’s Eve despite the potential money to be made.
Although there may be no consoling those whose holiday plans were staked on a visit to Al’s, there is certainly much to do in Turlock this Dec. 31.
Some restaurants and bars, like Bistro 234 and Staley’s Bar, will be treating the evening just like any other night, offering the same good food, drinks, and fun as they always do.
Others, however, have some lavish events planned.
Wellington’s British Pub heads the list of celebration locations, with a special menu for New Year’s Eve featuring prime rib, chicken Wellington, and a few other special dishes. Along with the only dancing in Turlock, Wellington’s will offer a DJ spinning music from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. and a free champagne toast at midnight, along with the prerequisite complimentary hats and noisemakers.
For those not in a dancing mood, Toscana’s Ristorante at the Tower offers a $50 prix fixe dinner with gourmet foods, choice wine and beers, and a champagne toast at midnight. Mary Boutte’ and the Jazzoni will provide entertainment from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m., but as advance ticket purchase is required you’d best act now to secure your seat.
Vito’s Restaurante and Angelini’s Italian Restaurant will also offer special menus for New Year’s Eve dining. Vito’s menu will include unique dishes prepared specially by the chef for the occasion, not normally available at the restaurant, while Angelini’s will offer a $35 four-course meal that includes a glass of champagne of sparkling cider.
For the Latin lovers, El Charro will be offering 99 cent margaritas on New Year’s Eve. The Mexican restaurant may also feature live music, as they did last year, but as of our deadline the restaurant was unsure if a band would be playing.
The Center Street Grill in Turlock will be offering its standard full menu, with dinner from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. and the bar will remain open until 2 a.m.
“We’ll have some drink specials, some music going,” said Micheal Silva of Center Street Grill. “Nothing real out of the ordinary, but it’ll be fun.”
Despite Silva’s claims to the otherwise, the celebrations in downtown Turlock definitely look to be out of the ordinary on New Year’s Eve. And for those who have a little too much fun, remember, a taxi is just a phone call away.
To contact Alex Cantatore, e-mail acantatore@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2005.
Originally published in the Turlock Journal 12/26/2008.
Retrieved from the Turlock Journal Web site.