saloon 45
what are you doing new year's eve?
Some good reading this week: NYT takes us through the complicated history of the f-word in film and dives into the private equity minds behind mid-century reboots; Cultured called out everyone’s Shaker obsession, and NY Mag’s ins and outs list made me lol twice. They are coming for Substack girls hard here…fetishizing UES culture, ballet flats, and nightgowns are out, which evidently means a massive re-brand is in.
Spent Christmas upstate at Camptown which is veryyyyy Dirty Dancing. On-site is Casa Susanna, which upstaters know and love for good reason (amazing Mexican food but defiantly not the chips and salsa kind, the fermented mole negro kind). I had one of my best martinis ever here. The cabins have heated floors, bergamot toiletries, wood paneling and a fireplace. I meant to write and instead got the flu and watched BBC’s Pride and Prejudice all the way through.
martini at casa susanna, the cabins at camptown
I would be remiss not to mention AD’s best-of list is out, and the photography is so cute…jamie from lazy jamie got a well-deserved shout-out, as did this pig we’ve been obsessed with all year. I got to talk about my favorite robe and the salt and pepper shakers that define my kitchen aesthetic.
Alison Roman’s new cookbook is $38 to save you from takeout maybe ever again. In a food landscape of “simple recipes” and “quick and easy weeknight dinners” with extremely deceptive prep times and the assumption that pomegranate molasses is an obvious pantry item, this brought me great relief. Drop-dead delicious recipes with six obvious ingredients. Kind of a chef’s necessity if that chef loves beans and/or vinegar.
Inspired by this wrapping and this wrapping, buying this because I’ve never seen something like it (if only she would restock), want this book.
Transparently I sort of detest New Year’s because a holiday riddled with reflection is my worst nightmare (nostalgia-averse) but I’ve hacked the malaise by going to Sunny’s in Red Hook, drinking 8 beers over the course of 5 hours and singing Auld Lang Syne with a bunch of strangers at midnight. That’s where I’ll be. If you’re looking for something a little more ceremonial or with a champagne element or not in Red Hook, we’ve assembled a list of (mostly) NYC options for NYE (with important exceptions, see: fish box in Portland). One of these is in a bank and more than three call their events “unforgettable.” The list runs from extremely laidback to weirdly debauched. If the options overwhelm you, you can’t go wrong with Bar Reve, Cervo’s, Cherry on Top, or Rodeo. Happy 2026 <3
Mr. Tuna, Portland, Maine: Pre-order a box full of our favorite fancy fish to enjoy at home. Pickup on 12/31 at the Commissary Kitchen on Ocean St., South Portland.
Cherry On Top, NYC: New Year’s Eve Prom with snacks, punch, slow dances, and a midnight toast for all. Come early, stay late—no cover required.
Cipriani, NYC: Ring in 2026 at Cipriani 42nd Street, presented by Joonbug. Tickets here.
The Maze, NYC: New Year’s Eve party with a DJ set, open bar, and all-inclusive bites. Tickets here.
Old Savings Bank, Brooklyn: Ring in 2026 at one of Brooklyn’s oldest banks with three floors, two stages, and a five-hour open bar. DJ set by @itsthewestend. Presented by Project 91 Events. Tickets here.
Million Goods, Brooklyn: Celebrate with DJ sets, champagne, and a curated selection of caviar. Music and all beverages are included in ticket price. Tickets here.
Layla, Brooklyn: Champagne, martinis, passed hors d’oeuvres, late-night smash burgers, and more Layla favorites. Tickets here.
Somewhere Nowhere, NYC: 4.5-hour open bar, live DJs, and city views. Tickets here.
Bathtub Gin, NYC: Open bar, bathtub burlesque, live DJ, and champagne toast at midnight. Tickets here.
Georgia Room, NYC: 2-hour premium open bar with a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets here.
Bar Contra, NYC: New Year’s Eve 2026 celebration with open bar, champagne toast, and a limited complimentary food menu (9–11 pm). $175 per person. Reservation requests: info@barcontra.com
Cervo’s, NYC: Special seafood set menu for $125 per guest. Reserve here.
Bar Rêve: Premium open bar, live DJ, passed canapés, and a Champagne toast at midnight. Tickets on Resy.
Leo: New Year’s Eve dinner featuring: steak frites, cheeseburger frites, pepperoni slice frites, martini frites, and a midnight toast. Book on Resy.
Rodeo Brooklyn: Free cover, champagne toast at midnight, special DJs spinning all night long.
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