Where to go for New Year's Eve Dinner?

Joined: 16 Jun 2005 Posts: 3662 Location: Bansko

Today I went on a little fact finding mission for New Year's dinner. Pirin Lodge starts to get fairly booked for the New Year and people are asking where they can go.

Of course, it all depends on what you are up to. Traditional Bansko taverns still celebrate NY like 10 years ago - with lots of food and drink and loud music. If you are into this local style I have two recommendations:

1. "Dedo Pene" - as described on another thread here. They charge 120 Leva per person which includes food and 20 Leva worth of drinks.

2. "Chevermeto" - Their charge is 90 Leva per person, food, drink and live music included.

Both taverns won't have the full load of "chalga" (a kind of gypsy) music like the rest of the Bansko taverns. Chevermeto is bigger and therefore not as loud as Dedo Pene. In Chevermeto you are also more likely to spot Bulgarians and have a chance to participate in their "horo" dancing (an absolute must for Bulgarians). Both taverns are not far from the main square (Chevermeto is closer) and you can pop out and watch the fireworks at midnight (and listen to the bands playing on the square).

In contrast to that J.J. Murphy's, one of the two Irish pubs, will have "business as usual"with the addition of live music. No special menu. You order and pay a la carte. That should be more peaceful and laid back.

I suspect that the "Irish Pub" will have the same setup but have not verified this yet.

The nice Greek restaurant "Amvrosia" at the Premier hotel (behind Pirin Lodge) has a great New Year's eve menu - but they are restricting restaurant access to their own clients.

And then there are all these other places that I call "neither fish nor meat" like the Victoria pizzeria, the "Friendly Bar"and so on. I can't really give you much advice on those since I do not frequent them. You will have to make your own choice there.

Just a little advice if you want to be in a traditional local tavern: people usually book them a long time in advance and when they are booked they are booked. They usually require a 50% down payment at the time of reservation. It looks like business is slower this year and those that I visited today still had seats available. But this is not a guarantee for last minute bookings.

Last year I offered to book you into places like Dedo Pene and pay the deposit for you if you transfer the money to me by Moneybookers. Unfortunately, I received nearly no feedback how you liked your New Year's Evening. But since I will be around I am ready to do the same for you guys this year. But you must give me some feedback afterwards. Whoever is interested in my support should send me a P.M.

Over the next few days I will do more checking and will keep you posted.

Nearly-snowed-in-ly,

Frank

Joined: 15 Jul 2007 Posts: 623 Location: Bansko

If people are interested we will be doing our curry night as usual on New years eve as it is a thursday. I would love to know if people would be up for it.

In the face of 120leva for the mexhana I think a 25 lev curry might be a popular option.

Joined: 02 Oct 2009 Posts: 58 Location: Gorno Dragliste

Nice one Jamesy boy ;-)

Joined: 05 Aug 2007 Posts: 682 Location: Glasgow

Frank wrote:

Unfortunately, I received nearly no feedback how you liked your New Year's Evening.
Frank

Sorry Frank. Embarassed

Many thanks for all your help last year.
We had a great time and would recommend Dedo Pene for New year.

Joined: 05 Aug 2007 Posts: 682 Location: Glasgow

Have a good time over the festive period. Maybe see you later in the new year.

Joined: 05 Nov 2006 Posts: 89 Location: Manchester

Hi Frank,
Thanks from us aswell for your help getting the tickets for Dedo Pene. We had a brilliant night. The staff were amazing, really friendly and attentive. We danced with the Bulgarian people in the restaurant who taught us all the moves! We had sparkling wine at 12 oclock and went outside for the fireworks. We didn't manage to eat all the food or use all the drink allowance. The festive menu was really good and there were lots of musicians throughout the evening which we really enjoyed. Wish we were in Bansko this new year and we would definately go again.

Joined: 28 Sep 2008 Posts: 112

mad wrote:

Hi Frank,
Thanks from us aswell for your help getting the tickets for Dedo Pene. We had a brilliant night. The staff were amazing, really friendly and attentive. We danced with the Bulgarian people in the restaurant who taught us all the moves! We had sparkling wine at 12 oclock and went outside for the fireworks. We didn't manage to eat all the food or use all the drink allowance. The festive menu was really good and there were lots of musicians throughout the evening which we really enjoyed. Wish we were in Bansko this new year and we would definately go again.

and the hightlight of your night, meeting me and Sophie?! Thought so!

I'm sure I sent you an email after the event Frank, but given that I can't find it in my sent items, perhaps I didn't Embarassed

sorry!

Anyway, had a great evening - unlike mad we went over the drink allowance (I was thirsty), but still only spent about an extra Â£20! The walk back up to BRT took ages!!

Joined: 05 Nov 2006 Posts: 89 Location: Manchester

Of course the highlight was meeting you and Sophie!

How could that have slipped my mind.

It was good to meet you and Big Mac and family aswell.

mad

Joined: 29 Sep 2009 Posts: 23

I think JJ murphys will be a safe bet..

Joined: 12 Jan 2007 Posts: 347

Personally I find that the fixed menu at these events gives the restaurant a prime opportunity to gouge you with poor quality, especially on the 'carafe of wine' - homemade vinegar from Uncle Ivo - and 'selection of local spirits' Ivo's rakia/paint thinners. Go for the normal menu a la Murphy's or Slim Jim's curry extravaganza with the added advantage of no gypsy band from Hades.

Its a good idea to book early as most places will get fully booked by early December