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Photograph: Zafferano

What will New Year’s Eve dinners in Singapore look like this year?

Without epic countdowns and dazzling firework displays, restaurants all around are changing up the way they approach the last meal of 2020

Fabian Loo
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Fabian Loo
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As it seems, ending the year with a bang is off the (dinner) table this December.

The annual New Year’s Eve display of fireworks is the latest to fall victim to the ongoing pandemic. For the first time since 2005, there will be no dazzling display of fireworks to light up the sky at Marina Bay; instead, the fireworks will set off at various heartland areas across Singapore.

That, along with existing safe distancing measures, means that restaurant operators in Singapore have to re-look their annual New Year’s Eve offerings. What was once glitzy, late-night celebratory affairs will now have to be pared down – in groups of no more than eight come the arrival of Phase 3, and no serving of alcohol past 10.30pm.

“It is an incredible impact for what used to one of the most important nights for us,” says Martin Bém, founding managing director of Level33. The rooftop microbrewery is used to hosting midnight dinners, complete with free-flowing alcohol and unblocked views of the countdown fireworks. There will be none of that this year. Martin adds: “The early closing time does not even allow our guests to welcome 2021 in an F&B venue; no glasses of champagne to welcome the new year.”

Without the allure of fireworks, or the ability to raise a toast at the stroke of midnight, many F&B and nightlife operators are finding new ways, and reasons, to keep up the revelry.

An intimate celebration
Photograph: Daniel Chia

An intimate celebration

Martin from Level33 believes that smaller, more intimate celebrations are the way to go.

“Given the situation we are going through and looking at most of the other countries around the world, the simple fact that we still have the chance to dine out in small groups is appealing,” he says.

Which is why on December 31, there is a four-course set dinner option, with two seating timings available ($138 at 5pm/ $188 at 8pm). “We have a much more approachable menu with fewer courses,” explains Martin, adding that there is even the option to continue the celebrations at home with a complimentary gift of wine, Prosecco, or beer.

Dressed to impress
Photograph: Zafferano

Dressed to impress

Others are finding new ways to impress guests. At Zafferano, managing director Vadim Korob shares that the restaurant is changing its focus to provide “a gastronomic experience” instead. Seasonal ingredients are freshly flown in to prep its dinner menu ($148/$398), featuring scallops and sea urchin from Hokkaido, live Alaskan king crab, Sicilian red prawns, and more.

The main dining room and outdoor lounge will also be dressed in “festive sparkle” to add to the charm and ambiance.

Similarly, the Sky Lounge at Ce La Vi will come decked out with sparkles and exotic wall hangings. According to the spokesperson, the usual live DJ set will also come replaced with a curated playlist of R&B and house music to “ensure the atmosphere is not affected”. Props will also be set out on each table to keep guests entertained.

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No booze, no problem
Photograph: Ce La Vi

No booze, no problem

Don’t want to head home too early? Sky Lounge at Ce La Vi will remain open till 1am. It will stop serving alcohol past 10.30pm, and will instead switch to a sober menu of non-alcoholic beverages. All while tucking into a lavish selection of a la carte bites – oyster topped with caviar, pan-seared foie gras, wagyu prepped over the binchotan, lobster roll, and more.

Spreading the joy
Photography: 1-Altitude

Spreading the joy

1-Altitude might be used to hosting big year-end parties, but this year, it will convert its rooftop bar into a scenic dining spot (from $180) instead. “This will be the first in 10 years that we will not be planning the usual countdown party format,” says business manager Immelia Izalena.

The parties might have been tabled, but Immelia shares that they are keeping the festivities going, by way of a 10-week long celebration for its 10th anniversary. She explains: “We now have several interesting collaborations and offerings as part of the line-up, instead of what would have been a weekend of parties.”

Level33, too, has a similar approach. Instead of cramming the merrymaking to just one night, it has since rolled out an ‘advent calendar’ of promotions – one where customers can partake in the festivities at their own time, in the days leading up to the end of the year. Pints might go for just $10 come December 22, or sold in threes for $20.21 on December 29. It is a different countdown of sorts, one that culminates in champagne flutes going for $10 on 31 December.

Vadim from Zafferano believes that despite the lack of fanfare, New Year’s Eve dinners are still important. He says: “It will always be a symbolic day, even without the fireworks.”

Make the most of December

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