These Berkeley and Oakland restaurants still have seats available for New Year’s Eve 2011.
Ajanta
1888 Solano Avenue, Berkeley CA 94707
510.526.4373
http://www.ajantarestaurant.com/
(Note from FJK: One of the most gourmet and tastiest Indian restaurants in the Bay area. Very much a white table cloth establishment)
Open from 5:30 to 9:30 PM. Serving the regular a la carte menu plus a $25.00 three-course “Best Of The Best At Ajanta” Chef’s Tasting Menu with a main course that includes Galina Shakooti, Lamb Rib Chops, Methi Machi and Badal Jaam. A vegetarian prix fixe option is also offered for $22.00.
Gather
2200 Oxford Street, Berkeley CA 94704
510.859.9180
http://www.gatherrestaurant.com/
Seating from 5:00 to 10:00 PM. Serving a $75.00 four-course prix fixe menu with choices, vegan and omnivore selections for each course, and wine pairing available for an additional $25.00.
Italian Colors
2220 Mountain Boulevard, Oakland (Montclair Village) CA 94611
510.482.8094
http://www.italiancolorsrestaurant.com/
(a note from FJK -- this is my neighborhood trattoria, always a good meal.)
Seating from 5:00 to 10:00 PM. Serving a special holiday a la carte menu that includes Green Scarves Lasagna with grilled vegetables, and fried sweet onions; Duck Breast seared medium rare with butternut squash ravioli, braised Swiss chard, and duck jus; Dungeness Crab Stuffed Filet Mignon with au gratin potatoes, baby vegetables, and bordelaise and béarnaise sauces; Butter Poached Lobster Risotto with chanterelle mushrooms and saffron; Sea Scallops with turnip puree, blood orange gastrique, and baby vegetables; 72 hour Braised Short Rib with mascarpone polenta, chipolin onions, roasted root vegetables, and Chianti sauce; and Salmon en Croute or fresh fish napoleon, sweet pea puree, baby vegetables.
Joshu-ya Brasserie
2441 Dwight Way, Berkeley CA 94704
510.848.5260
http://www.joshu-ya.com/
Open 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM serving their regular a la carte menus. Complimentary hot sake during dinner service.
Lake Chalet
1520 Lakeside Drive, Oakland CA 94612
510.208.5253
http://www.thelakechalet.com/
(Note from FJK: Great views of Lake Merrit. Haven't eaten there yet, but have had enjoyed my meals at its sister establishments Park and Beach Chalets in S.F.) Seating from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Regular a la carte menu served until 5:00 PM when a special holiday a la carte menu becomes available. Guests ordering three or more courses from this menu will receive a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. Holiday special entrees include Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna; Braised Beef Short Rib; Breast Of Chicken; Lamb; Black Angus New York Steak; and Scallops.
Origen
2826 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley CA 94705
510.848.9200
http://www.origenberkeley.com/
Seating from 5:30 to 11:30 PM, bar open until 1:00 AM. Regular a la carte menu plus a $65.00 five-course prix fixe menu with optional wine pairing or sparkling wine pairing available. Holiday entrée choices will include Lobster and Cheese Purses over butter stewed quince; Scallop and Avocado Ceviche with pomello, watermelon radish and housemade flat breads; and Blue Hubbard Squash Gnochi in a braised duck ragu with housemade Mascarpone. Complimentary sparkling wine toast at midnight.
Revival Bar & Restaurant
2102 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley CA 94704
510.409.6274
http://www.revivalbarandkitchen.com/
Seating from 4:00 to 11:30 PM, bar open until 1:00 AM. Holiday a la carte menu and artisanal champagne cocktails. Special menu items will include Oysters with Meyer lemon marmalade, persimmon and pomegranate salsas; housemade Brandade; local Crab Bisque; Winter Salad; housemade Porchetta; Chestnut and Chanterelle Ravioli with parsnip cream; Bouillabaisse; and goose fat fried potatoes. Live music beginning at 9:00 PM, party favors, and complimentary sparkling wine toast at midnight.
Spenger’s Fresh Fish Grotto
1919 Fourth Street, Berkeley CA 94710
510.845.7771
http://www.spengers.com/
(Note from FJK: Always fresh and delicious. Get the fish!) Open 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM; bar is open until midnight. Serving regular a la carte menu. Complimentary sparkling wine toast at midnight. A specialty of the house is personalized private parties.
