FLASHBACK 1994: Ted Scheffler toasts in 1995 on the town. 

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In commemoration of City Weekly's 40th anniversary, we are digging into our archives to celebrate. Each week, we FLASHBACK to a story or column from our past in honor of four decades of local alt-journalism. Whether the names and issues are familiar or new, we are grateful to have this unique newspaper to contain them all.

Title: Eating in the New Year
Author: Ted Scheffler
Date: Dec. 29, 1994

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For the past couple of years I've avoided the terror of not being invited to the right parties and not being seen in the trendiest venues on New Year's Eve by circumventing the issue entirely. I've stayed at home with a few special people and served Spanish tapas, chicken and seafood paella, and washed it all down with cheap but plentiful Spanish bubbly.

This year, however, in an uncharacteristic act of bravery and a constant quest to become a better person, I'll be stepping out on the town to greet 1995. If you choose a similar course of self-flagellation, here is a sampling of some pretty good bets for your midnight ride. (Keep in mind that most prices don't include tax, tip or beverages. Since this list isn't comprehensive, many great venues are left out. Call your favorite establishment for information and prices.)

Those looking for an intimate, romantic New Year's dinner might try the Hilton's Room at the Top, featuring champagne with dinner, party hats and favors, and a piano jazz trio in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. As always, The Tree Room at Sundance will feature cozy surroundings with a unique New Year's menu and two seatings, at 7 and 9 p.m. D.B. Cooper's will also have live entertainment and special versions of popular menu items, including live Maine lobster, shrimp scampi and grilled salmon.

All of the Gastronomy restaurants—Baci Trattoria, Cafe Pierpont, Market Street Grill, et al.—will be serving up their typically good food along with party hats and favors and a festive New Year's ambiance. Looking for the festivity without the alcohol? Windows on the Square will feature a special holiday menu as part of Salt Lake's First Night celebration, a great choice for the family.

Spectacular views of Alta's New Year's Eve torchlight parade and fireworks will complement dinner at The Shallow Shaft. At Alta Lodge, $31.50 will bring you the incendiaries as well as a holiday buffet including roast pig, meats and cheeses, and wonderful desserts. One of my more memorable recent New Year's was an evening spent munching on popcorn, exchanging skier's lies, and enjoying the good vibrations and libations from the friendly bar staff at the Alta Peruvian Lodge—a great setting for a low-key last night of the year. If you can't make it up to Alta, The Canyon Inn at the bottom of Big Cottonwood Canyon will serve a filet mignon dinner with champagne, party favors and dancing to Rough Uncle.

Just deposited that Christmas bonus? You might want to try La Caille's $67 per person New Year's dinner. No entertainment, but a fabulous ambiance. Really high-rollers won't mind spending $100 or $150 per person for the 6 or 8:30 p.m. seatings at Grappa, where each dinner course in this beautiful Park City restaurant will be paired with wines and champagne.

Also in Park City, the Riverhorse Cafe will feature the band Synergy while at The Barking Frog Grille, The Cowdaddies will provide their unique brand of cowboy schmaltz for New Year's diners. Over at the Resort Center, The Coyote Grill will offer a $55 five-course (with an earlier four-course seating from 6:00-7:30) party dinner including favors, a midnight toast and a live band with dancing.

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Back downtown, Red Rock Brewing Company will be serving special New Year's entrees, including roast pork loin with apples and Cajun sausage, steak and Australian lobster tail, filet mignon, and salmon Florentine, while Green Street will offer a $35 prime rib buffet featuring the Disgusting Brothers' classic rock 'n' roll. Club Manhattan has New Year's entertainment by the Beverly Brothers for $75 per couple, with champagne. Or, you might consider dusting off your disco threads and reliving the Studio 54 days as you boogie down to the Disco Drippers at The Zephyr for what promises to be a true party out-of-bounds.

New Year's bargains can be found at The Green Parrot Cafe, where $20 per person (reserve early) will get you into their prime rib or halibut feast with the band Insatiable. And at Port O' Call, 10 bucks will buy you a bare bones, rockin' good time with Mocha Joe and party favors included.

Best Bet: A quiet, intimate Italian dinner at the always dependable and newly face-lifted Caffe Molise, where featured New Year's Eve specials will include cioppino and grilled lamb. Along with champagne, an expanded assortment of Italian wines and grappa will be available. Then hurry over to The Dead Goat or local club of your choice to dance the night—and the year—away.

Happy dining in '95!