Welcome to a bold, new year… if you’re reading this you successfully made the transition with the rest of us. Hope the hangover isn’t too bad!

The biggest celebration in town happens at the Seattle Space Needle, and while photog Michael Brunk isn’t keen on on crowds or traffic, he does like fireworks!

With that in mind he wandered up to the West Seattle side of Elliott Bay just before midnight last night looking for a vantage point to make photos of Seattle greeting the New Year. We think you’ll enjoy the results.

You can click individual thumbnails to view the full-size photos.

Looking back at 2011, we’re very thankful for such lively local news, so many great events, worthy local causes as well as such an engaged readership – THANKS!

We’re very excited about taking a major step forward in 2012 with SoKing Radio, our new Internet Radio Station that we’re aiming to launch sometime in January. We’re in beta testing now, and you can get updates on the progress on our Facebook Page here (and please “Like” us there if you haven’t already).

Also, if you haven’t taken our survey about our new media venture, please do so here – every opinion counts and we’d love to know what you want in a local radio station!

Celebrate New Year's Eve for just $5 at Advertiser Mick Kelly's Irish Pub!

It’s New Year’s Eve weekend (Happy New Year everyone!), and there’s surely going to be a lot of partying going down in the general B-Town area; here are just some of the local haps that will be ringing in the ominously-awaited 2012.

If we’re missing something please email us details and we’ll add it!

SATURDAY, DEC. 31st (New Year’s Eve!):

• MICK KELLY’S IRISH PUB: Celebrate New Year’s Eve For Just $5!

• ELMER’S PUB (15027 Ambaum Blvd SW; 206-439-1007): Kickstart at 9pm; no cover charge, bring ID; free champagne at midnight, expecting a good crowd
• GOODTIME ERNIE’S (15747 Ambaum Blvd. SW) Let’s ring in the New Year with all our friends! D. WACO BAND starts at 9pm – No Cover! We’ve got lots of fun planned! https://www.facebook.com/events/349740615040337/
• VINO BELLO (636 SW 152nd St – F Burien, WA 98166 ;206-244-8466: “Nuthin’ but Bubbles Tasting & Live Music” Noon – 8pm: Stop in, try before you buy and stock up on your celebration bubbles! Taste Noon – 8pm Live Music featuring Andy Eades 6pm- 8pm Bar to close at 9pm; More info here http://www.facebook.com/events/288293397881850/
• TIN ROOM BAR/THEATER (923 SW 152nd St. Olde Burien 206-242-8040): New Year’s Eve Party; champagne at midnight. “Hangover 2″ playing in Tin Theater at 7:30 p.m.
• THE MARK RESTAURANT & BAR: “Join us at Mark Restaurant & Bar as we host a Murder Mystery Party. Sign up and get your Character. Theme this year is “LIGHTS! CAMERA! MURDER! $45 per person (includes: Three Course Dinner – Prime Rib and Salmon, Champagne at Midnight and Party Favors – No host bar – plus tax & gratuity) PACKETS AVAILABLE. Pick early and get your pick of characters. Starts at 8:30 pm New Year’s Eve – Bring yourself or a Group – it is a FUN EVENT!
• SCOTCH & VINE (22341 Marine View Drive S, Des Moines; 206-592-2139) “Put on your festive holiday attire and join us for an evening of dining and dancing with live jazz/blues music by Brian Lee and The Orbiters. Includes a cocktail, appetizers, buffet dinner, party favors and some bubbly to ring in 2012. Make your reservation today…info@scotchandvine.com or 206.592.2139. $50* – limited seating; plus tax and gratuity. More info here: http://www.facebook.com/events/304073599605526/

SUNDAY, JAN. 1st (New Year’s Day):

• Brrring In 2012 With Burien’s Annual Polar Bear Plunge At Three Tree Point
• Start The New Year With A ‘Walk N’Talk’ Through Gregory Heights Sunday

MONDAY, JAN. 2nd:

• Local Film ‘The Day My Parents Became Cool’ To Air On KCTS Monday Night
• Enhance Fitness Classes Resume Tuesday, Jan. 3rd At Des Moines Field House

Be safe everyone!

BTB Advertiser Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub will be holding a New Year’s Even celebration on Dec. 31st, fearing $5 cover charge, champagne toast, party favors, and DJ Ken.

“Come celebrate 2012 with the Mick Kelly’s team,” reads a flier.

They also encourage you to become a Mick Kelly’s VIP Club Member, by texting mickkellys to 90210. Members receive exclusive offers and event announcements.

Please note that there will be a Dress Code Enforced, which means no sports gear, ballcaps, casual attire, excessively baggy clothing, and no sneakers or tennis shoes.

Mick Kelly’s is located at 435 SW 152nd Street in Burien, and can be reached at 206-246-2473.

More info at http://mickkellysirishpub.com.

BTB Advertiser Bistro Baffi Italian Cuisine will be holding a festive six-course New Year’s Eve Dinner, with two seatings on Thursday, Dec. 3st.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Bistro Baffi Italian Cuisine Six-Course New Year’s Eve Dinner

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 31st at either 5pm-7:30pm or 7:30pm-closing

COST: $100 per person, includes six-course dinner

RSVP: Reservation required and space is limited – please call (206) 244-0737 for your reservation today.

INFO: From their website:

Join us for a festive New Years Eve Dinner!

We are serving six course dinner.

Appetizers

• Stuffed mushrooms with prosciutto, roasted peppers, sun dried tomatoes, asparagus and pecans, served with spicy pink sauce.
• Caprese with fresh imported Buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and extra virgin olive oil.
• Lobster ravioli, served with truffle oil , Alfredo sauce and wild mushrooms
• Chef Michael’s Caesar salad

Main Course:
Choice of:

• New york Steak with fresh herbs
• Fillet Mignon wrapped in prosciutto with Barolo wine reduction
• Chicken Oscar, with crab meat and Bearnaise sauce
• Catch of the day , yet to be caught

Dessert

• Chef Michael’s award winning Tiramisu

Date: December 31st, 2009

Time: book your reservation for either of our two seating’s 5-7:30 or 7:30 -close

Reservation required. $100 per person, includes 6 course dinner.

Space is limited , please call (206) 244-0737 for your reservation today.

Would you like to have a “Blogvertorial” Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by nearly 50,000 interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

The grand finale of 2009 as well as to the first decade of the 21st century is this Thursday night, Dec. 31st, and here’s just a taste of what’s going on in the general Burien area for New Year’s Eve 2010.

First off, keep in mind that law enforcement in King County will be out in full-force, conducting their “X-52″ DUI patrols around the area, so get a designated driver, walk, ride your bike or take a cab if you’re going out.

Secondly, we recommend calling your establishment of choice prior to just showing up, just to make sure that they’re open and that everything’s hunky dory.

And if we haven’t listed something else you know of, please email us so we can add it to our list!

BURIEN:

Bistro Baffi Italian Cuisine (BTB Advertiser), 15217 21st Ave SW Burien; (206) 244-0737
Six-course New Year’s Eve Dinner for $100 per person, with two seatings on Thursday, Dec. 3st: 5pm-7:30pm or 7:30pm-closing.

Collier’s/The House Restaurant (BTB Advertiser), 643 SW 152nd Street, Burien; (206) 420-3338
New Year’s Eve Dinner/Party; music begins at 9pm; serving 4-course Prix Fixe dinner until 9pm, then it’s time to bring in the NEW YEAR! During dinner they will host music by Jim Locklear, then at 9pm Jim will be joined by chef Will Collier and his former bandmate, Allan Tegelburg. House Specials on tapas and wine! “If you plan to join us for dinner, reservations are strongly recommended.”

Mick Kellys Irish Pub, 435 SW 152nd Street;
 (206) 246-2473
DJ Ken@ 10pm, champagne toast at midnight, No cover.

The Mark Restaurant, 918 SW 152nd Street, Olde Burien; (206) 241-6275
New Year’s Eve Murder Mystery Party – this event will be fun for everyone…for the shy or the outgoing. Join us as we navigate you through “Murder at the Four Deuces” with gangsters, hit men, politicians, entertainers, molls and many other interesting guests in attendance. THIS IS A TOTALY NEW MYSTERY FROM LAST YEARS. Price is $45 per person and includes Dinner, Toast at Midnight, Party Favors and of course…murder! You must register ahead of time and receive your character packet!

Elmer’s Pub, 15027 Ambaum Blvd SW Burien; (206) 439-1007
Live band Grey Sky Falling, champagne toast at midi and music until 1:30am.

The Tin Room, 923 SW 152nd Street
, Olde Burien; 
(206) 242-8040
No cover, Dinner Specials, Champagne toast at midnight.

Side Street Kitchen & Bar, 717 SW 148th St (206) 402-5428
No cover, will be open until at least midnight.

DES MOINES:

NEW – “SALTY PAGAN” BLUE MOON RITUAL TONIGHT!
Possibly the most interesting NYE festivity will be a “Blue Moon Ritual,” followed by New Year’s Eve Party from 7pm on at the Saltwater Unitarian-Universalist Church (25701 14th Place So., Des Moines); will include food, dancing and merriment. Participants are invited to bring “1. An idea of what you would like to be rid of and an idea of what goals you have for the coming year. 2. A white candle or a white flower or something silver. 3. CD (If you would like to hear your own music played), as well as potluck finger food (items such as sandwich, vegetable, cheese, fruit, or pickle trays, beverage or other snack item). Dress from casual to fancy and everything in between, and childcare is available for this event.

Butler Bar & Grill, 22341 Marine View Drive South
, Des Moines; (206) 429-3709
$5 cover, “Cory Wild’s Band” is playing starting around 9pm; Champange toast at midnight, $1 shots, door prizes, and a raffle for $250 Butler’s gift certificate.

Mandarin Kitchen, 22612 7th Avenue South
, Des Moines; 
(206) 878-8511
Karaoke, drink specials and great food.

Lighthouse Bar, 22239 Marine View Drive South
, Des Moines; (206) 824-4920
$10 prime rib $5 shots – Washington Apple’s Apples, Crown Royal, Jägermeister, Jose Cuervo tequila, Smirnoff vodka, Captain Morgan & $5 long island iced teas. 10pm on complimentary late night snacks, not to mention pool and comfy couches.

Here’s a list of some New Year’s Eve parties and events going on in the greater Burien area Wednesday night (if you know of any other parties/events, please email us ASAP and we’ll add it!):

THE MARK RESTAURANT & BAR: 914 SW 152nd • (206) 241-MARK:

• Interactive, 1920s-style Murder Mystery Party, $35
• Call 241-MARK for Reservations
• More details here

BISTRO BAFFI: 15217 21st Ave SW • (206) 244-0737:

• Festive 6-course New Year’s Eve meal
• Call 244-0737 ASAP for Reservations

MICK KELLY’S IRISH PUB: 435 SW 152nd Ave • (206) 246-2473:

• DJ starts at 10pm
• Midnight toast
• The usual Irish accents & wacky fun

THE TIN ROOM BAR: 923 SW 152nd • (206) 242-8040:

• No cover
• “Mellow” celebration
• Midnight toast
• The usual great drinks
• Excellent bartenders & servers

ELMER’S PUB: 15027 Ambaum Blvd SW • (206) 439-1007:

• Live band “X35″ starts at 9pm+
• Cover charge is $3 for singles or $5 for couples
• Cost includes champagne & party favors at Midnight

BREAKTIME RESTAURANT & LOUNGE: 635 SW 152nd Street • (206) 243-6810:

• Live music with Andy Burnett starts at 8pm
• No cover charge
• “Big party – the place will be packed so get here early!”

VINO BELLO: 636 SW 152nd Street • (206) 244-8466:

• NO party, but Michelle says: “Swing into Vino Bello on Wednesday 12/31 for some New Years Eve drink specials or to pick up the perfect bottle of bubbly. We’re not partying until midnight but we’ll be open until the ball drops in New York!”

WIZARDS CASINO: 15739 Ambaum Blvd SW • (206) 444-6100:

• Bar open
• Party favors
• Champagne toast
• Drink specials
• TVs on (to watch Dick Clark?)
• Midnight countdown
• Regular casino action

PARK PLACE GRILL: 17821 1st Ave South Normandy Park • (206) 988-1200‎:

• Special menu dinner: $15.95
• Light music from 6-9pm
• 9pm Karaoke starts
• Midnight toast
• No cover charge

WAYNE’S WORLD: 1832 S 120th Street Boulevard Park • (206) 433-8658‎:

• Band “Sister Ray” starts at 9pm
• No cover
• Drink specials
• Midnight toast

MCMURPHY’S: 11069 16th Ave SW, White Center • (206) 431-1916‎:

• Karaoke starts at 9pm
• No cover charge
• Drink specials
• Jello shots
• Free appetizers

BENZ RESTAURANT & SPORTS LOUNGE: 12004 14th Ave South • (206) 444-0720‎:

• Party 8pm+
• No cover
• “Might have Karaoke” starting at 9pm
• Midnight toast
• Free appetizers

TRIANGLE TAVERN: 9454 Delridge Way SW, White Center • (206) 763-0714‎:

• Potluck dinner around 6pm
• Karaoke starts at 9pm
• No cover

BREWSKY’S BAR & GRILL: 9635 16th Ave SW White Center • (206) 764-3946‎:

• Live Band 9pm+
• No cover

The Mark is both a fine restaurant and a fun bar, located in a renovated historic building at 914 SW 152nd (see map below).

We know it well because a) we’re frequent customers and b) we had our Halloween Karaoke Party there!

Speaking of parties – The Mark is hosting a very special New Year’s Eve, 1920s-style interactive “Murder Mystery Party” starting at 8:30pm on Dec. 31st!

Here are the details:

• Join the fun as you navigate through “Murder at the Four Deuces” with gangsters, hit men, politicians, entertainers, molls and many other interesting guests in attendance.
• Price is $35 per person and includes dinner and a toast at Midnight and of course…murder!
• You must register ahead of time and receive your character packet. There are a variety of characters to choose from, including background ones, main/active characters, minor roles or just bystanders – it’s totally up to you. The night’s fun is based on the 1920s era, so “Flapper Wear” is encouraged for women and suits for men.
• This should be a popular, fun evening, so get your tickets or reservations now by calling 206-241-6275.

So…check out their Ad on the right sidebar, call and get tickets for their New Year’s Eve Party, and be sure to tell ‘em The B-Town Blog sent you!

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