As I write this there are only two other reviews and I am surprised that they're highly negative. It was like we were at different events. I can't recall a better New Year's Eve party.
--The building was stunningly gorgeous
--Everyone was dressed to the hilt...I've never seen so many people so elegantly dressed
--I dreaded that I would experience ungodly lines at entry, coat-check, and especially the bar (as a slimy way to deter people from consuming the free alcohol) and that the drinks would be watered down, as all were the case at a nightmarish Aykut event I attended six or seven years ago. But there were essentially no lines anywhere...I think I waited 3-4 minutes max for a drink, and half the time just walked right up to a waiting bartender. The bartenders were very upbeat and friendly and everyone was in a good, party mood. The drinks actually seemed stiffer than I usually get at a paid bar.
--The music was quite good. I am a rocker and not into techno/nightclubby music but my date and I couldn't help but move to it and hit the floor.
One caveat is that this was a night of a big storm, with highways 101 and 92 being closed since mid-day due to flooding, so the crowd was probably smaller than expected. I hope they take this into account when determining staffing levels for the event next year so we don't wind up with night-killing long lines. But I've definitely pegged this as my go-to event for next year. Polar opposite of the Aykut events, and better than MOANY at the Regency Ballroom which was okay and cheaper but definitely downscale. read more
