Eve of ’13

Durham Restaurants Life Ramblings

Sometimes it’s so nice to have no plans. I had really low expectations for last night, and I such a blast in small town Durham. We had hoped to throw a party, but with so many people traveling, it was kind of a fail. And then we tried to coordinate a progressive evening of sorts with different friend groups and it just didn’t come together. So, Matt and I found ourselves with a completely free NYE and a fabulous night was born.

We started the festivities with bourbon drinks after Matt got us a brand new bottle of Maker’s Mark. Yum!

Then, we headed to the hole-in-the-wall mexican place around the corner for $2.50 margaritas. After being in Miami for a few days, Durham prices were welcomed with open arms. I also ordered guac to hold me over to our late dinner.

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Stop number two was a cocktail at the cute Beyu bar. This was honey infused bourbon with amaretto and sour. We made friends with the bartender and took our sweet time:) [Not rushing all the time is a big resolution of mine]

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I was lucky enough to score one of the last tables at Mateo Tapas for a 9pm dinner. My parents took us to Mateo for my birthday and I’ve been dying to go back. It was just as heavenly as I remember and the vibe was perfect for that swanky NYE feeling.

We shared the brussels spouts salad with pear, pecans, and pomegranate vinaigrette – it was just as good as it sounds.

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The two breads we ordered were simple, but delightful: bread with tomato and olive oil and bread with spicy tuna and melted cheese. The spicy tuna was probably my favorite item of the night.

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Also delicious were the short ribs with grits and the trout with serrano ham.

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The small plates were perfect because we weren’t too full to continue the party. We found a spot at the bar at Bull McCabes, where we drank beer to kill the last hour.

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The atmosphere was laid back yet festive – there was a DJ playing 80’s music and noise makers and hats were passed out.

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And free champagne at midnight! Happy 2013!!

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We headed home shortly after the ball dropped, and since we aren’t really into 80’s music, we put on our favorite songs…

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and had a dance party in the living room:)

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To start 2013 off on a grand note, we finished off the last of my birthday cake from the celebration of my 27th year. BEST cake ever.I

I have an exciting year ahead and my biggest goal is to go with the flow, enjoy the ride, breathe, laugh, and let the positives outweigh the negatives.

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  • Caitlin
    January 2, 2013 at 3:25 am

    Who had the Sunset Wheat? Did it not taste exactly like Fruity Pebbles?? 🙂 Sounds like a fabulous way to ring in the new year!

    • Laura
      January 2, 2013 at 9:17 am

      It was actually an Anderson Valley Winter Soltice, which was a bit fruity too!

    • LSandoe
      January 5, 2013 at 1:37 am

      Thank God someone else thinks it tastes like fruity pebbles too. Anytime I tell someone that, they just give me a funny look. I’m with you though, Leinenkugel’s Sunset Wheat tastes jut like adult fruity pebbles 🙂

  • NYC Fit GIrl
    January 2, 2013 at 10:08 am

    Looks like a fun NYE! I also enjoyed a fun NYE with my babe!

  • Susan
    January 8, 2013 at 5:52 am

    Those are super New Year’s resolutions/goals!