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Community Corner

Ringing in the New Year in Merrick

You don't need to go far to celebrate the arrival of 2010: Here's a few last minute ideas on where to party in Merrick when the clock strikes midnight.

Is the clock ticking on your New Year's celebration plans?  Patch searched out some Merrick hot spots to ring in 2010.

R.S. Jones, known for its unique comfort food and welcoming country music/cowboy themed atmosphere, will be serving dinner from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with food from its regular menu, as well as specials.  The restaurant is also hosting a special New Year's Eve closed party starting at 9 p.m.  The reservations-only party features choices from a special menu including the restaurant's signature sweet potato bisque, aztec roast pork, and homemade desserts including chocolate pecan pie and more, priced at $59.95 (bar, sales tax & gratuity not included).  Hats, noisemakers, champagne toast are also included.  At of Tuesday, R.S. Jones reports that they have sold-out their closed party event however the bar with food service will be open to walk-ins.  Cash and Amex accepted.

Co-owners Margaret Mueller and Carole Olkoski will do their best to accommodate customers that evening. 

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"R.S. Jones has been open for 16 years and our customers often feel right at home," said Megan Israel, a server/bartender at the restaurant.  "Our New Year's Eve party, and other events throughout the year, are always very popular.  We try to always make things fun and festive."

The Treehouse Sports Cafe offers a local pub atmosphere with its centrally located long bar and cozy dining area.  On New Year's Eve, the pub is offering a special holiday menu which includes choice of appetizer, soup, entrée and dessert all for $32.95 per person plus tax and 18% gratuity.  At midnight, enjoy a champagne toast and noisemakers.  Regular menu will also be available.   

Find out what's happening in Merrickwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"New Year Eve's is not what it used to be," said Ashley Centineo, bartender at the Treehouse.  "People are concerned about tighter DUI laws so they opt to stay home or have house parties.  All the same, we still expect a nice crowd Thursday night."

George Martin Group's Grillfire offers up its unique blend of classy, cozy and warm atmosphere with a full hopping bar and restaurant. While Grillfire isn't planning any special activities for New Year's Eve, its patrons can count on their regular favorites like coconut crusted crab munchkins, slow-roasted double-cut pork chops, specialty burgers, sandwiches and salads, as well as special menu items. The restaurant takes reservations for parties of all sizes.  

"We'll be busy New Year's Eve as we've taken a lot of bookings for Thursday night already," said Christina Gales, one of the regular servers at Grillfire. 

Nicholas James Bistro offers the taste and culinary adventure of Manhattan right here in Merrick. Executive chef and owner Kevin Liebov is offering up a special New Year's Eve prix fixe menu featuring a full three-course meal, with mouth watering options such as seafood provencal, onion crusted chicken breast, chocolate mousse cake, and more.  The prix fixe menu is priced at $32.95 per person plus tax and gratuity with seatings at 5 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

In addition, Nicholas James is offering a full menu of specials for New Year's Eve with specific seating beginning at 5 p.m. and the last seating at 9:30 p.m.  Reservations are recommended.  No menu substitutions or coupons accepted that evening.

"We're offering lots of customer favorites with added twists for New Year's Eve," said Michael Angelinio, general manager of Nicolas James. "For added entertainment we'll have a very talented acoustic guitarist, Michael Duca, playing from 6 p.m. and through the evening." 

At Brooks & Porter Steak House, reservations are already fully booked for dinner on New Year's Eve, however the restaurant's expansive bar from which food service is available, is open for walk-ins.  Patrons dining at Brooiks and Porter will enjoy the grand high ceilings and paneled décor while partaking of board specials including surf 'n turf, Chateaubriand for two, and prime rib.  This popular nightspot will also feature its regular live D.J. starting at 9:30 p.m.

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