Bay Area Restraunts Gear Up For NYE

Dec. 29 - KGO (KGO) -- New Year's Eve falls on Sunday, and that means a bonus day of business for many restaurants that are normally closed. A look at what celebrating the New Year means to the Bay Area's dining establishments.

The city is teeming with tourists and Bay Area residents, all with plans for New Year's Eve.

Angelina Colquitt, New Mexico tourist: "We're going to be at our hotel, the St. Francis, at Michael Mina's restaurant."

ABC7's David Louie: "Owww, that's expensive!"

Angelina Colquitt: "Very nice - we've been saving our pennies."

New Year's Eve is a night for special menus. At Frisson on Jackson Street, the centerpiece will be lobster. Managing partner Joe Hargrave says New Year's Eve caps a strong, three month holiday season.

Joe Hargrave, Frisson Managing Partner: "We've actually seen it the entire fourth quarter, October was great, November completely just destroyed last November, and December has just followed suit. We're just expecting New Year's Eve to just be tremendous."

Those toasting the New Year will get hats and lei's, even a special kit for New Year's morning bloody mary's. The kit features the chef's special spice mix.

However, we discovered one restaurant, Town Hall, where you won't find noisemakers or hats. They've been quietly promoting a quiet dinner -- what they call New Year's Eve for professionals.

Bjord Kock, Town Hall General Manager: "It is a New Year's Eve without the hoopla. We tried it last year, and I've had people commenting, writing me letters and emails afterwards, thanking me for a great New Year's because it was unique - it was different."

While champagne is the usual beverage for celebrations, a San Francisco online merchant says there's a new trend away from the bubbly.

Steve Bachmann, Vinfolio Chief Executive Officer: "There has been a proliferation of very high-quality still wines made -- from California cab's to French burgundies, and I think people are getting more adventurous in terms of what they want to celebrate with."

Others are planning a cruise on the bay to watch the fireworks - but you must bring your own champagne.

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