Only a tiny minority of Sonoma Valley residents are likely to feel sad about leaving 2008 in the dust. After the turmoil of the past few months, the idea of a fresh start in 2009 is truly something to celebrate.
Local restaurants, night clubs and other venues are serving up a smorgasbord of ways and places to ring in the New Year Wednesday night (and into Thursday morning). The following is a list of what we know is scheduled around Sonoma Valley on Dec. 31.
• The Harvest Moon Café is serving a special Spanish-themed dinner before rolling up the rugs for dancing to DJ music, complete with complimentary tapas and a midnight toast. Seatings at 6 and 8 p.m. for dinner, dancing at 10 p.m. $55-$65 for dinner, $14 for dancing. 487 First St. W. 707.933.8160.
• Saddles Steakhouse at MacArthur Place will present a simple and elegant menu for New Year’s Eve, along with a full bar. 5:30-9 p.m. $49.50 for adults, $25 for children 12 and under. 29 E. MacArthur St. 707.933.3191.
• Sante at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn offers an extensive nine-course tasting menu for New Year’s Eve, with vegetarian options available. $250, includes a bottle of sparkling wine per couple plus a New Year’s keepsake gift. 7 p.m. Highway 12 and Boyes Boulevard. 707.939.2415. For specifics, visit Fairmont.com/Sonoma.
• Estate restaurant will serve a five-course dinner. Full bar available. $65 for dinner, $87 with wine. 400 W. Spain St. 707.933.3663.
• The girl & the fig has a few New Year’s Eve specials lined up, along with the regular menu and full bar. 111 W. Spain St. 707.938.36234.
• The fig café & wine bar in Glen Ellen will serve a prix fixe menu for dinner and dessert. $34.95. 13690 Arnold Dr. 707.938.2130.
For sheer entertainment, check out these New Year’s Eve bashes.
• Murphy’s Irish Pub is ringing in the official Irish New Year with the Celtic fusion band Greenhouse, and then celebrating the New Year in real time with Sonoma’s own The Carrtunes, playing a mix of rhythm and blues, swing, jazz, folk-rock and country. Irish New Year’s celebration from 3 to 5 p.m., Sonoma New Year’s Eve from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. No cover. 464 First St. E. 707.935.0660.
• The Lodge at Sonoma will ring in 2009 with “Jazz on Broadway,” featuring the Dana Land Quartet. Party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. 9:30 p.m. $25. 1325 Broadway. 707.935.6600.
• Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grill presents the Jami Jamison band on New Year’s Eve, featuring Dennis Cordellos, Keith Ridenhour and Terry Domingue. Cover includes glass of champagne. Meritage will also feature a New Year’s six course tasting menu. 8:30 p.m. $20 for music, $125 for tasting menu, party favors and wine. 165 W. Napa St. 707.938.9430.
• El Verano Inn is hosting Kurt Crasper and the Wolftickets for a night of blues. Call for show times and cover information. 705 Laurel Ave., El Verano. 707.935.0611.
• The Moose Lodge will host an evening of classic rock tribute music by Backtrax. Call for show times and cover information. 20560 Broadway. 707.996.3879.
• The Jami Jamison band will be at Sonoma Meritage. The band plays swing, blues and dance classics.
• New Years Eve happens twice at Murphy’s Irish Pub, first with Greenhouse at 4 p.m. to coincide with the celebration in Ireland, then again that evening with the Carrtunes. The Carrtunes have some very talented vocalists and play a variety of folk and Americana.
• Backtrax will be at the Moose Lodge. The band plays classic rock cover songs
• Showcase The Band will be at Steiner’s Tavern, playing a variety of music from 1950s rock and roll to Latin.
• Kurt Crasper and the Wolftickets will be at the El Verano Inn for a night of rockin’ blues.
The day after: For those up to it on New Year’s Day, there’s a hiking tour at the Tolay Lake Regional Park in Petaluma, followed by lunch with new friends. The tour will be moderately strenuous. 11 a.m. $5 for parking. Tolay Lake Regional Park is on Cannon Lane off Lakeville Highway in Petaluma. To reserve a space, call 707.565.2730.
*For more in-depth coverage of New Year’s Eve menus, please read Kathleen Hill’s column on page 16 in today’s edition of the Sun.
