As millions of viewers settle back to watch Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, thousands of folks will have endured an epic battle for a sideline view. The privilege of watching the ball drop in person generally runs spectators several hours in the freezing cold and a head full of confetti. The hectic experience may ultimately pay off with a few minutes of unbridled excitement when 2016 arrives. But what of those folks who wish to enjoy a “fine” dining experience in the process?
On this special occasion, tables at Times Square eateries arrive at a premium, and chain restaurants are no exception. The New York Post dug up menu prices for this year’s event, and the least bang-for-your-buck appears to land with Olive Garden. Their outrageous package costs $400 per head, which doesn’t even promise their usual experience. The meal omits the most recognizable detail of an Olive Garden throwdown — the breadsticks.
No breadsticks!
Still, the restaurant shall be packed with revelers who will enjoy drinks, a buffet, and the most important zip code that New Year’s Eve has to offer. The view will be “limited” from inside, so clientele will (ironically) end up watching the ball drop on live television. Yet the experience of feeling the Times Square rush, well, that’s something people enjoy.
Other Times Square restaurants cashing in on the holiday include Ruby Tuesday ($349 to $1,699) and Bubba Gump Shrimp ($799). The real winner (regardless of food quality) is Applebee’s, which does offer a view and charged $375 in 2013. Still, no breadsticks.
(Via New York Post)
