Comfort food for the day after

There’s nothing like a post-mortem over drinks and good food that fills your stomach, especially after a New Year’s Eve bender. For some comfort food post-partying, try these Brooklyn favorites and start the New Year’s off right.

Aunt Suzie’s
247 Fifth Ave.
718-788-AUNT

This Park Slope restaurant has been providing generous portions of Italian-American favorites for more than 20 years, and through it all has remained pretty affordable. Its pasta dishes are just like Grandmas made them, too.

S & B Restaurant
194 Bedford Ave.
718-963-1536

This cozy Polish restaurant in Greenpoint serves up grub you’d expect from a diner, as well as kielbasa, pierogis and other meaty, greasy food sure to warm you up. Come to think of it, this might be a good stop to hit the night before, too.

Dumont
432 Union Ave.
718-486-7717

What do most people want when it comes to comfort food? Some really good mac and cheese. And Dumont’s in Williamsburg fits the bill (they call it the Dumac and cheese. Aww.). It comes with cheddar, guyere, Parmesan, bacon and radiatore pasta. That also makes us go yum.

The Brooklyn Star
33 Havemayer St.
718-599-9899

This Southern-themed restaurant in Williamsburg presents American comfort food at its finest, and has quickly won fans for its hearty food. From the corn bread to the chicken-fried steak to the mac and cheese, you better come here ready to eat.

–Meredith Deliso

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Wining and dining this New Year's Eve

By Meredith Deliso

The choice of what to do for New Year’s Eve can be agonizing. For those looking to eat, we’ve narrowed it down a bit for you. To follow, some highlights of restaurant specials in Brooklyn to ring out ’09, depending on what you might be in the mood for.

Big Helpings
Patricia’s Pizza and Pasta of Williamsburg only opened in the past couple months, but is winning fans for their authentic Italian cuisine. Go it family style at the homey spot and share among the restaurants pasta, chicken and fish offerings. Or get a full dinner for $50 a person, from wine to dessert. Located at 35 Broadway. Call 718-218-9272 for reservations (recommended).

Down in Bay Ridge, Goodfella's is making it a party this New Year’s Eve with a five-course dinner and open bar for $65 a person, complete with party favors, DJ and karaoke. Better get working on “Auld Lang Syne.” Goodfella's is located at 9606 Third Ave. For more information, call 718-833-6200.

For pizza, head to Motorino in Williamsburg. The Neapolitan pizzeria will be providing a $35 prix-fixe menu, including a pie with black truffle and taleggio cheese. For a toast, bottles of prosecco will be available for $30 a bottle, or $8 by the glass. Located at 319 Graham Ave. Call 718-599-8899 for more.

Tres…Dos…Uno…
Celebrate Spanish style at Casa Pepe, which will be serving their regular menu, plus some specials, this New Year’s Eve. The Bay Ridge restaurant offers Spanish and Mexican cuisine, so bring your friends and order a bunch of tapas for the table. And make sure to get the paella. Located at 114 Bay Ridge Ave. Reservations suggested for larger groups. Party rooms are also available. Call 718-833-8865 for more.

Little D went the way of the dodo this year, making room for Fonda, with contemporary, urban Mexican fare that seemed to fill a void in Park Slope’s dining scene. For New Year’s, the little spot will be have a special prix fixe menu with three seatings – 6 p.m. ($45), and 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. (both $65). Tables can share the salad and guacamole family style, and choose among the entrees and desserts. Chef Roberto Santibañez recommends the oxtail mole de olla, and for the vegetarians, roasted polbans with spinach and goat cheese. And for dessert, you can’t go wrong with a citrus tres leches. Located at 434 Seventh Ave. Call 718-369-3144 for reservations (required).

Another newish addition to Brooklyn, Bay Ridge hot spot Trace should be a party, as they serve their regular menu of modern Mexican fare (until 11 p.m.). A DJ will be on hand to provide the sounds, so after eating, continue to enjoy the atmosphere at the bar. Located at 8814 Third Ave. Call 718-921-9500 for more.

Bar Food
With a name like Beer Table, you wouldn’t expect much beyond beer enthusiasm. But the Park Slope spot also has a keen palate, and on New Year’s Eve, you can imbibe, as well as indulge. Their three-course menu includes a spicy black eyed pea salad, Bamberg onion (stuffed with pork and topped with bacon) and potatoes, and Bayley Hazen Blue with honey and hazelnuts. Seatings are at 8 p.m. ($45) and 10 p.m. ($55). Call 718-965-1196 or e-mail info@beertable.com to make a reservation. Located at 427 Seventh Ave.

New to ’09, The Vanderbilt in Prospect Heights has won fans for its sophisticated pub grub. On New Year’s Eve, the restaurant will be offering a four-course prix fixe for $68, with an optional wine pairing for $40. The restaurant is located at 570 Vanderbilt. Reservations for the back room, while the front bar room will be accepting walk-ins. Call 718-623-0570 for more.

For the Foodies
Buttermilk Channel has big plans New Year’s Eve. The Carroll Gardens bistro will run its regular menu along with “some decadent, extra-fancy additions,” including a whole-roasted chicken with foie gras and a lobster pot pie, as well as a stout cake made with Otis Stout from Brooklyn’s Six Point Brewery for dessert. For the toast, sip on sparkling Blanc de Blancs from Schramsburg. Located at 524 Court St. Call 718-852-8490 for more.

Grrrr...
Ring in the Year of White Tiger at Moim, a Korean spot in Park Slope that will be offering a prix fixe three-course dinner for $20.10 (ha), as well as live jazz from the Seung-Hee Trio, playing standard and pop arrangements. Located at 206 Garfield Pl. Call 718-499-8072 to make a reservation (recommended).

Seafood
Christmas Eve is a big fish night for some, but for a new tradition, head to The Pearl Room for some gourmet seafood offerings. The Bay Ridge spot will be providing a four-course meal, including an open bar, for $128 a person. Located at 8203 Third Ave. Call 718-833-6664 for reservations.

Classic Cuisine
For a wide array for choices for all the different tastebuds in your group, these Bay Ridge places can’t be beat. For a restaurant with a view, head to Restaurant 101, which overlooks the Verrazano Bridge. The spot will be serving their full menu all night, with a champagne toast at midnight. Located at 10018 Fourth Ave. Call 718-833-1313 for reservations.

The Greenhouse Café is ready to celebrate New Year’s all night, with multiple seatings from 4 pm. on. For you late birds, enjoy a complete dinner and open bar for $85 per person with their 9:30 and 10 p.m. seatings. Located at 7717 Third Ave. Call 718-833-8200 for reservations.

And, for the meat lovers, the Bay Ridge Manor breaks out their choice cuts for New Year’s Eve, with their full carvings on the menu. Dinner is $95 per person and includes an open bar and unlimited bubbly. Located at 476 76 St. Call 718-748-8855 for reservations.

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Countdown in Brooklyn

By Meredith Deliso

For all the talk of cutting back during the recession, Brooklynites are still partying strong. Just look at the sold-out concerts at venues like the Music Hall of Williamsburg, or the packed parties that transpired this past Halloween.

New Year’s Eve shouldn’t be any different, and for those looking to make a night of it, here’s what’s going on in a neighborhood near you.

Rock ‘N’ Soul
Boogie with Obits, Eli Paperboy Reed & The True Loves, and other special guests at the Bell House for this December 31. Subway Soul Club DJs will be on hand to get you dancing until the wee hours of the morning as well. There will also be food vendors for when you get hungry, free champagne with admission to quench that thirst, and party favors and door prizes just for the fun of it.Tickets are $30 in advance, $40 day of the show. At 8 p.m. The Bell House is located at 149 7th St. For more information, call 718-643-6510.

Warehouse Parties from Party People
For New Year’s Eve, Winkel & Balktick bring you their Warehouse Alchemy Magnum Opus, fancy words for a night to make you forget the booms and bursts of the past 10 years, and go into the New Year in style with dancing, DJs, interactive art installations, lounging, activities, games, elixirs, cuisine and merrymaking. The party duo will transform their warehouse in Sunset Park into a “clandestine celebration laboratory just for the occasion.Tickets are $20 through December 25, and $100 or $250 after. The location of the warehouse is given upon RSVP.

Dance until you sweat in Gowanus, as MeanRed hosts an all-night dance party at the Old American Can Factory. The Rub, known for their funk, soul, and R&B classics parties, will be sure to get you moving.The party happens from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. at the Old American Can Factory (232 3rd St.). Tickets $25.

Gemini and Scorpio take a break from their Russian Baths parties for The Bootleggers’ Ball, a New Year’s Eve speakeasy ball in a Carroll Gardens warehouse befitting the mood. Party-goers can expect “the intimacy of a daring cabaret mixed with the intrigue of a vintage costumed ball, expansiveness of a warehouse dance party, excitement of live brass, a splash of fine cocktails, and just a dash of illicit adventure and unpredictable moments,” according to the organizers. Come dressed in depression glamour and dance to old-timey jazz. The party is from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., and is 21 and over (25+ recommended). Tickts are $30 in advance, $40 at the door, $50 VIP, and $20 after 2 a.m. Check in is at Green & Green Insurance Co. (450 Union at Bond Street).

Best of Downtown in Brooklyn
Galapagos Art Space welcomes a Downtown cast, as comedian Mr. Murray Hill hosts a variety show at the DUMBO space. The cast includes burlesque beauty Dirty Martina, nightlife performer Julie Atlas Muz, comedian Bradford Scobie, Neal Medlyn, the “Paris Hilton of performance art,” crooner Bridget Everett, musician Kenny Mellman, and performer ‘Lill Miss Lixx. And, when midnight strikes, look up, as champagne will descend from the ceiling. After raising your glasses, stick around for the after-party with DJ Mel Huckabee. Tickets range from $25 to $100. The party starts at 10:30 p.m. Galapagos Art Space is located at 16 Main St. For more information, call 718-222-8500.

Party with a ‘Vue’
Ring in the New Year atop the Le Bleu in Park Slope in the Vue Restaurant, dancing to music spun by the live DJ, munching on hors d’oeuvres made by celebrity chef Chris Cheung and watching the ball drop at midnight on one of eight flat-screen panels.The $75 admission includes a five-hour open bar from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. After 1 a.m., bottles are 20 percent off. Admission is $25 after 12:30 a.m. The Vue is located at 370 Fourth Avenue. For more information, call 718-625-2177.

Glitz, Glamour and Gambling
Get a taste of Las Vegas in Brooklyn when Brooklyn collective Block Association, in conjunction with fashion boutiques Brooklyn Circus, Private Stock and Pedigree Sneaker Gallery host Casino Royale. This coming from the fashion set, expect a glammed-up party, equipped with red carpet photo-ops, as well as black jack tables, three floors of dancing and a complimentary midnight champagne toast. Dinner is also served until 11 p.m. The party’s from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. at No. 1 Front Street in DUMBO. Tickets $30 in advance or $50 at the door. The dress code is, as they describe it, black tie/fashionably elegant, so break out your best duds for this one. For inspiration, head to Brooklyn shop Harriet’s Alter Ego, which belongs to the Block Association.

Ballroom Dancing
The newly renovated grand ballroom at the Dyker Beach Golf Course is ready for its first New Year’s Eve party. Live entertainment, dinner and dancing will be on the menu for this elegant affair, as well as a few live views of the countdown on screens throughout the room.Tickets are $150, and includes dinner, a full premium open bar and party favors. For reservations, call 718-836-9722 ext. 224.

Circus celebration
OK, here’s a free one for you. The Coney Island Circus Sideshow makes a special trip north to ring in the New Year. Scott Baker, Serpentina, Kryssy Kocktail, Adam “The First Real Man” Rinn, The Executioner and Dick Zigun will bring the goods to Radegast Hall & Biergarten in Williamsburg, along with musical guest Bad Buica. The show starts at 10 p.m. and is free. Radegast Hall is located at 113 North 3rd St. For more information, call 718-963-3973.

Lighting up the Sky
Also free: While Times Square usually draws the biggest crowds for its fireworks display, over in Prospect Park, you can honor the evening in a traditional fashion with fireworks and live music at Grand Army Plaza. Best locations for fireworks including anywhere in Grand Army Plaza, inside the park on the West Drive, and along Prospect Park West between Grand Army Plaza and 9th Street. And, or course, anyone with a rooftop view.The festivities begin at 11 p.m., with the show at midnight.

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This week in 24/Seven

Each week we'll preview what you can expect in our 24/Seven print edition, out Thursday for you southern Brooklynites and Friday for the downtown neighborhoods.

Highlights include:

New Year's Eve: Our guide tells you where to wine, dine and party this New Year's Eve, from Williamsburg to Bay Ridge, plus where you can drag your tired self to the next day for some comfort food.

Food: We take in Goodfella's, a Bay Ridge staple, for good reason.

Columns: Pumps & Pleats heads to Ace Luggage, which helps you fly in style, while the Klutz tries her mom's lasagna, and The Reporter's Table breaks out a favorite: pasta primavera.

For these stories and more, pick up a copy in your nabe or check back here later today!

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Skip this dismal 'Road'

"The Road"
2 1/2 Stars

By Joe Maniscalco

Look, I’m as misanthropic as the next guy – probably more so given the sad state of society – but even I was yearning for a heaping bowl of good ‘ol Christmas schmaltz and eggnog chaser a third of the way through director John Hillcoat’s “The Road.”

Counter programming is one thing – but come on, is Dante’s 10th, 11th and 12th circles of Hell really the alternative to singing chipmunks and magically reformed misers?

Make no mistake, “The Road” is a well-acted, and for the most part well-crafted piece of cinema.

Viggo Mortensen turns in a powerhouse performance as the desperate but courageous dad who valiantly fights to protect his only son in a dying world turned inside out.Nevertheless, “The Road” is one excruciatingly painful experience. Underline those words and remember them if you take away nothing else from this modest space: excruciatingly painful.

How bad is it? Well, familial murder and suicide are just the starters.

From there, “The Road” moves on to famine, cannibalism, the apocalypse and some really other nasty stuff I don’t even want to mention here.

Pass the popcorn and the Twizzler’s – yeah right!

After an unexplained cataclysm, Mortensen’s unnamed hero and unnamed son both hit the open road on foot with nothing but the faintest glimmer of hope ahead of them, and roving bands of Palin-esque rednecks at their backs.

The influence of “Deliverance” is, indeed, long and profound.

The only discernable turning point in the plot involves our hero, who in his zeal to protect his beloved son, slowly begins to lose some of his luster – and even sadder still, some of the boy’s respect as well.

The bleakness of Hillcoat’s universe is so complete that by the time he’s decides it’s okay to throw his audience even the tiniest bit of relief – in the final minutes of the unrelenting two-hour affair – it comes off as unbelievable, and totally incongruous with the world the director has painstakingly created.

“The Road” is hard. You just have to ask yourself how badly do you really want to avoid Tiny Tim once again intone “God bless us, everyone.”

“The Road.” Rated R for some violence, disturbing images and language. Starring Viggo Mortensen, Kodi Smit-Mcphee, Robert Duvall. Guy Pearce, and Charlize Theron.

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The Weekend: 12.18-12.20

The holidays are in full swing (only 8 days to Christmas!), and Brooklyn's feeling the spirit. Here's a look at what's happening near you.

Friday, December 18

Game on: The Blip Festival is in full swing at the Bell House (149 7th St.) in Gowanus, featuring chiptune or 8 bit music made using old gaming gear. Tonight sees Pioneer Null Sleep at 11:20 p.m. Check here for the full schedule. Located at 149 7th St. Tickets $15

Music: The Honey Brothers make it a family affair, with a show tonight Brooklyn Bowl (61 Wythe Ave.) in Williamsburg. At 9 p.m. Tickets $10.

Saturday, December 19

Shopping: Do some last minute holiday showing at the Brooklyn Lyceum's holiday fair, today and tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free admission. The Lyceum is located in Park Slope at 227 Fourth Ave.

Aerial Art: Suspended Cirque bring the holidays to new heights with their new show, "The 12 Acts of Christmas," tonight and tomorrow at Galapagos Art Space (16 Main St.) in DUMBO. At 8 p.m. tonight, 3 and 7:30 p.m. tomorrow. Tickets $20, $10 for children and seniors.

Dance Party: Let loose at a steamy dance party at the Russian Baths tonight. rom 7-2 a.m. at Featuring Balkan music, tarot readings, poolside dance floor, hookah lounge and pierogies. Tickets range from $35 to $85. At Banya (602 Coney Island Ave.) in Kensington.

Sunday, December 20

Cookies: There are two events for cookie monsters today: the Cookie Takedown at the Bell House (6:30 p.m., $10), and the 2nd Annual Me So Hungry Cookie Contest & Sing-A-Long. at Union Pool (484 Union Ave., 9 p.m., free) in Williamsburg. For the latter, expect music with your milk and cookies, as local musicians like Brooklyn duo This Frontier Needs Heroes and Justice of the Unicorns will play.

All In Good Fun: It's Chanukah versus Christmas at this annual event at The Way Station (685 Washington Ave.) in Prospect Heights. Brooklyn's DJ Mikey Palms will be spinning all night for this epic holiday battle royale featuring Santa Pat Fondiller and his helper elf Erica Crawford behind the bar serving up HE'BREW Beer and Gentile craft brew. Special performances by Rosie 151 and Lil Miss Lixx, plus free latkes and Christmas cookies. From 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Free.

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Join the 'in crowd' at the Brooklyn Children's Museum

While school’s out (December 24-January 3, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily), the Brooklyn Children’s Museum is the “in” place to be, during their annual Winter Break Festival - World of Celebrations.

Back by popular demand, this year’s festival boasts unique interactive family programs exploring toys, holiday customs, and seasonal traditions from across the globe like a toy inventors’ workshop, making peace doves, decorating gingerbread people, and much more (The museum is closed December 25 and January 1). All special programs are included with Museum admission.

Featured holiday programs include: Winter Wonderland (January’s installment of the Blooming Babies toddler workshop series), Beastly Feasts (December’s family science Chase Wonder Why Workshop) and Family Celebrations: Holly Jolly Decorations.

Don’t forget to stop by the new visiting exhibition Top Secret: Mission Toy, a perfect place to discover playthings from around the world through January 3.

December 26 and 27
--Family Celebrations: Kwanzaa (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) ages 5 and under. Find out about seven principles of Kwanzaa, or nguzo saba and make your own Kwanzaa-inspired work of art to take home.

--Harvest Gifts (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) Ages 6+. Join in exploring mazao (the gathering of crops), a central theme of the Kwanzaa holiday. Kwanzaa not only commemorates ancient African harvest festivals, but also celebrates the rewards that come when a community works together. Discover your own harvest gifts, as you plant your own seed to take home and grow.

--Meet and Greet Creatures of the Sea (noon-12:30 p.m.) All ages. How does a sea urchin move? What does a starfish eat? Discover how diverse life really is under the sea by exploring animals up close and personal.

--Family Celebrations: Kwanzaa (2:30-3:30 p.m.) Ages 5 and under. Find out about seven principles of Kwanzaa, or nguzo saba and make your own Kwanzaa-inspired work of art to take home.

--Chase Wonder Why Workshop: Beastly Feasts (3-4 p.m.) All ages. For the holidays share feasts with family. Join in Neighborhood Nature and explore animals feasting right in their own habitat. Discover a variety of animal adaptations and survival methods with BCM’s live animal expert.

--Circle Time (4:00-4:30pm) All Ages. Come hear stories from around the world.

December 28 & 29
--Hope for Peace (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) Ages 5 and under. Doves are an ancient symbol of peace. Come spread the message by decorating a snow-white bird in the preschoolers’ Art Studio, where we will display your masterpiece during the holiday season.

--Holiday Snapshots (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.) Ages 6 and up. Create a snapshot of your family and decorate your own unique picture frame.

--Meet and Greet Creatures of the Sea (noon-12:30 p.m.) All ages. How does a sea urchin move? What does a starfish eat? Discover how diverse life really is under the sea by exploring animals up close and personal.

--Festive Films (1:30-2 p.m.) All Ages. Warm up this winter season with a good movie. Join for a variety of seasonal and holiday films.

--‘Tis the Season for Giving: Toy Inventor’s Workshop (20-3:30 p.m.) All ages. In Top Secret: Mission Toy explore toys from around the world. Little inventors can put their thinking caps to the test as we create marvelous toys that zip, bop and whirrrr.

--Hope for Peace (2:30-3:30 p.m.) Ages 5 and under. Doves are an ancient symbol of peace. Come spread the message by decorating a snow-white bird in the preschoolers’ Art Studio, where your masterpiece will be displayed during the holiday season.

--Festive Films (3-3:30 p.m.) All ages. Join for a variety of seasonal and holiday films.

--Circle Time (4-4:30 p.m.) All ages. Come hear stories from around the world.December 30 & 31--Holiday Snapshots (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.) Ages 6 and up. Create a snapshot of your family and decorate your own unique picture frame.

--New Year’s Celebration (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) Ages 5 and under. Get ready for the New Year with hands-on activities brought to you by the number 2010.

--Meet and Greet Creatures of the Sea (noon-12:30 p.m.) All ages. How does a sea urchin move? What does a starfish eat? Discover how diverse life really is under the sea by exploring animals up close and personal.

--Festive Films (1:30-2 p.m.) All ages. Join for a variety of seasonal and holiday films.

--‘Tis the Season for Giving: Toy Inventor’s Workshop (2:00-3:30pm) All ages. In Top Secret: Mission Toy explore toys from around the world. Little inventors can put their thinking caps to the test as we create marvelous toys that zip, bop and whirrrr.

--New Year’s Celebration (2:30-3:30 p.m.) Ages 5 and under. Get ready for the New Year with hands-on activities brought to you by the number 2010.

--Festive Films (3-3:30 p.m.) All ages. Join for a variety of seasonal and holiday films.

--Circle Time (4-4:30 p.m.) All ages. Come hear stories from around the world.

January 2 & 3
--World Passport Workshop: Magnificent Camels (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) Ages 6 and up. See how the people of Bikaner, India celebrate the ships of the desert during the annual Camel Festival. Create our own charms and other decorations believed to protect travelers and display wealth on long journeys across the desert.

--Blooming Babies: Winter Wonderland (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) Ages 18 months- 2 ½ years. Create a winter wonderland landscape with puffy paint, as you learn what people from different cultures wear to keep warm during the winter months.

--Meet and Greet Creatures of the Sea (noon-12:30 p.m.) All ages. How does a sea urchin move? What does a starfish eat? Discover how diverse life really is under the sea by exploring animals up close and personal.

--Can’t Catch Me (2:30-3:30 p.m.) Ages 5 and under. Come hear the classic tale of the Gingerbread Man, then decorate your own version of that “quick” little cookie…if you can catch him.

--Kitchen Chemistry: Food pHun (1:30-2:30 p.m.) Ages 6 and up. Put your taste buds to the (litmus) test as you explore acids and bases in the science kitchen.

--Circle Time (4-4:30 p.m.) All ages. Come hear stories from around the world.****The Museum is at 145 Brooklyn Avenue (at St. Marks Avenue); call 718-735-4400. Admission is $7.50.

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