Celebrate a Silver Heights New Year’s Eve

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 17/12/2013 (4345 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

As I write this article, I have a very nice view of the first real blizzard to hit Winnipeg this winter. I have shovelled our driveway twice, it’s only 11 a.m., and the forecast is still calling for 10 cm of snow throughout the day. Ugh!

But, instead of whining, I have decided to embrace this day, wrap Christmas presents and thus think about the holidays and, of course, New Year’s Eve.

Bringing in the new year with friends (and singing Happy Birthday at 12:01 a.m. to my mother each year) has always been a big deal for me. We have celebrated in a variety of ways — from wearing long gowns at the Winnipeg Convention Centre to sleigh rides when our kids were young, to sumo wrestling in a friend’s backyard wrestling ring (with rented sumo outfits — so much fun).

Bringing in the new year doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive and you would be surprised how many great options you have right in your own neighbourhood — and we all know how important it is to support our small businesses and appreciate their hard work to enhance our neighbourhoods.

So I made a few phone calls to show you some options on how to party in different ways without a lot of hassles:  

How about at the Royal Canadian Legion, St.James Legion Branch #4 , at 1755 Portage Ave. Never really thought about going there, have you?

Well, not only do they have excellent cheeseburgers but Kendall Wowchuk (Kendall’s Restaurant & Catering) has a delicious dinner planned for Dec. 31 beginning with cocktails at 5 p.m., and a dinner at 6 p.m. that includes roast beef, chicken, meatballs and even a light snack later in the evening. The Legion has already done a great job decorating the dance floor with twinkling lights and the pool tables look quite inviting for a game or two.

Of course there is our famous Silver Heights Restaurant, which never disappoints. Yes, the Heights is well known for its awesome ribs but try the steak Oscar, prime rib, veal and, of course lobster tail on New Year’s Eve. There will be complimentary champagne and party favours to ring in midnight and dancing the band Biivers will play from 10:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.   

Not in the mood to go out and dance or not interested in seeing the clock strike 12?
Well, you can still be festive at our local coffee shop, San Vito and sip the delectable, seasonal lattes they make fresh in-house.  It’ll be open until 9 p.m. on Dec. 31.

Whatever venue you may choose (even watching a good flick while sitting in cozy PJs and dining on buttered popcorn), I wish everyone a very wonderful holiday and I hope 2014 surpasses your dreams for a brighter New Year.

Cheers!

Virginia Sperl is a Silver Heights-based writer.