Lisa and I just wanted to wish our forum members the Happiest of New Years. Let's hope that in the coming months these new vaccines they've come out with will knock this Covid back down to size, and give all of us our lives back.

I'll be spending it at home with my wife, children and family as we always do. I haven't bounced to Manhattan nightclubs for many years already. In years where I owned and operated my own restaurants and nightclubs we would sometimes celebrate there. It became a big "private party" so to speak. Great memories! But overall I feel that bringing in the new year is meant to be spent with the people you love. Out with the old, and in with the new as they say. And for sure this 2020 has overstayed its welcome.

But we still celebrate much the same as if we booked a top joint. Jumbo shrimp cocktail and Clams Oreganato up front. Then Filet Mignon and lobster tail, sautéed string beans, roasted baby potatoes, insalata misto, sautéed mushrooms, etc, etc. My wife also prepared some "cosi dolce" as well, for afterwards that represents the sweetness of life itself.

I've also got a few nice ice-cold bottles of bubbly for us. Dom Perignon Rose' in the refrigerator for midnight when the ball drops in Times Square.

A few games of poker and blackjack. Maybe some Bingo (or "la tombola" as we say in Sicilian) to boot. And we're good. Lol

It isn't like the old days when we lived in the old neighborhood and all our beloved family was still alive. I miss those precious days for sure. My precious dad and mom, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, my siblings, neighbors popping in to join the celebration. We used to average 25-30 +/- people around the table. It was a typical large Italian-style celebration. We would start about 6pm or so, and go till the wee hours of the next morning. 4-5am was the norm back then.... all the while the iconic Guy Lombardo and his Orchestra playing on TV. Lol, It was great stuff!

But I was taught well. I learned the ways of our "tribe" so to speak. So nowadays I try to carry on those hallowed traditions for my family the best I can. Now my children (all grown up btw), and their children are doing the same. I am very proud of them to say the least.

Lisa told me that she too is enjoying filet, lobster, and some bubbly as well with her immediate family.

In closing let me say that wherever you are in this world. However, and whomever you choose to celebrate the evening with, Happy New Year 2021 to you and yours! God bless!

..... Lisa and "The Other Guy!"