New Years Eve
While I am certain that the less than ideal weather contributed to a number of cancelled dinner reservations on New Years Eve, it was very, very apparent that the econony reared its ugly head and made it a difficult night for many restaurants.
My wife and I, along with our 2 sons, went to Barcelona in New Haven. Having been on vacation until Sunday night, we didn't make reservations until Monday evening (8:45). When we called, we were told that pretty much all time slots were still available. When we got there, at least half of the tables were unoccupied. We did have a very enjoyable meal (and we appreciate restaurants that offer their regular menu on NYE!), and by the time we left, around 11, most tables were filled and the bar area was quite busy, but on any other New Years Eve, I am sure they would have turned the tables at least twice.
Another telltale sign of less than ideal conditions was getting an email blast from Ibiza on Monday afternoon announcing that they still had openings.
Again, you have to wonder just how long many restaurants will be able to endure the horrible economic environment...
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No too many, but what do you expect. Ibiza is a great restaurant and I hope that they will still be there. But a lot of places have been milking us dry over the past years because now all of a sudden it's the "in thing" to dine in downtown New Haven. Over priced menus, no parking... they all have a lot to worry about.
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re: triggs73
I think your comment is a little broad, many downtown New haven restaurants have fair and reasonable pricing with some great and diverse dinning choices. Believe it or not some places even have parking or validate in nearby lots.
BTW, there are also plenty of suburban restaurants who take no prisoners when it comes to pricing food and drink.-
re: chefstu
oh of course they do. No doubt about that. I heard the same situation about Leon's for New Year's Eve, booked something like 300-350 and 1/2 cancelled. Some clients of mine that went said that the food was so so and that last years "Chef Menu" was probably the best thing going for price vs.quality.
Which restaurant was it??? They toned down there usual $75 prix menu to @ $45 just so they could pack the house in. Great idea for a last minute effort.
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