Dinner in Gaslamp Quarter for NYE?

[alinaspokes]

Hi there!

I am heading to San Diego for a long holiday weekend with a friend and we'd like to have a late gourmet dinner and ring in the New Year somewhere in the Gaslamp Quarter. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

[honkman]

It's not in the Gaslamp but not too far away for a cab ride - Wine Vault Bistro. They seem to have a nice NYE menu and they will be open at midnight

Champagne Reception from 8:30 to 9:00
Dinner starts promptly at 9:00
$95.00 + tax and gratuity
Wine Vault & Bistro is pleased to announce a delicious New Year's Eve dinner paired with some incredible champagnes and wines. This later 9:00 seating is for those of you who would like to ring in the new year here at the Vault. Here's the line-up:

8:30 to 9:00: Champagne Reception with Tray Passed Canapés ~ Salmon Tartare ~ Goat Cheese Panna Cotta ~ Cucumber Gazpacho ~ White Cheddar Biscuit + Bacon Jam ~ Artisanal Cheeses
NV Taittinger "Cuvee Prestige" Brut Champagne (5 oz. pour)

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Local Spiny Lobster Salad | Avocado Mousse | Harissa | Passion Fruit | Thai Herbs
2008 Infinity Rhone White Blend (3 oz. pour)
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Potato Gnocchi | Celery Root Puree | Roasted Salsify | Cipollini Onion Confit | Parmesan Froth
2005 Addamo Pinot Noir (3 oz. pour)
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Seared Duck Breast | Glazed Endive | Cipollini Onion Confit | Swiss Chard Cake | Natural Jus
2007 J. Dusi Zinfandel (3 oz. pour)
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Duo of Beef: NY Strip Loin w/ Sunchoke Purée, Porcini Mushrooms + Black Garlic Jus | Braised Wagyu Beef Cheeks w/ Caramelized Onion Chutney + Potato Cake
Duo of Napa Cabs: 2003 Broman Cabernet Sauvignon (3 oz. pour) vs. 2004 Clark-Claudon Cabernet Sauvignon (3 oz. pour)
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Salt Cured Foie Gras Torchon | Medjool Date Purée | Tamarind | Macadamia Nuts | Biscuit
2005 Clos Jean Loupiac (3 oz. pour)
*Gianduja (Hazelnut) Crème Brûlée is available as an alternative to the Foie Gras. Please advise when you RSVP.
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Midnight Toast
2007 Gerard Bertrand Cremant De Limoux (5 oz. pour)

http://www.winevaultbistro.com/

[mjill]

That menu looks awesome. If they can pull it off, that's tough to beat. The Wagyu cheeks, even if the American hybrid is getting me excited just thinking about it right now.

Another reco might be Cowboy Star which is about a block from Cafe Chloe. Those guys know meat and technique there.

[stevuchan]

Pretty sure they can pull it off, I was recently at a sold out (150 or so) 7 course, 10 wine meal that was well executed, not quite sure how they paced the meal so well, very impresive.

[alinaspokes]

Can you tell me what the ambiance is like? Would cocktail attire be appropriate at their venue?

[stevuchan]

Yes cocktail attire is completely appropriate. I've been comfortable at the WV in jeans as well as suit. I would call the ambiance casually elegant. Hope that helps.

[alinaspokes]

This looks great! Thanks so much for the suggestion!

[honkman]

I would make reservation soon if you like oit. They tend to be sold out fast.

[stevewag23]

Cafe Chloe. But I guess it depends on exactly what you are looking for.

[alinaspokes]

Thanks! We aren't looking for any specific food type, just really good food and a champagne toast at midnight. We did the same thing last year in NYC and had a great time.

[stevewag23]

If "really good food" is your main qualifier, then yeah, Cafe Chloe for that part of town.

With Oceanaire as an alternate. Although I recently read on here that their crabcake has changed.

Chloe = smaller and cool for nye
Oceanaire = more flash for nye

Although, I am not sure either will be open at 12am for actually "ringing in" the new year. So I would call before going.