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Ring in the new at brunch

By Alexis Korman

5:58 PM EST, December 19, 2007

You survived the count down to midnight, avoided the crowds at Times Square, and drank your fair share of champagne. Instead of hiding out in bed the next day nursing a hangover, why not continue the celebration and head directly to brunch? Restaurants around town are offering a variety of festive New Year's Day options. Here are a few best bets.

Shelly's Tradizionale
This midtown Italian eatery, with a new seafood-centric focus, is offering a New Year's Day brunch from 11am-4:30pm. Upon arrival, diners will receive a complementary bellini, and can order alcohol-absorbing items like the chocolate chip French toast ($15.25) with fresh berries or a number of egg dishes, most for under $20. All brunch items are served with a bloody mary, mimosa, or bellini and fresh bakery basket.(41 West 57th Street; 212.245.2422)

The Carlyle Restaurant

This luxurious UES restaurant in the Carlyle Hotel offers a stylish, if pricey, New Year's Day buffet-style brunch. For $100 per person, the luxe options include butternut squash veloute, half lobster Parisienne, nibbles like pâté, artisan cheeses, and prosciutto with grapes and figs, along with decadent desserts like crème brulee or pecan pie with whipped cinnamon cream. Seating times are noon and 2:30pm. (35 E. 76th St; 212-570-7192)

Hakubai Restaurant
Brunch doesn't have to always include eggs and French toast. Expand your horizons at this Michelin-rated restaurant, located inside the Kitano Hotel, serving a traditional Japanese Osechi brunch on New Years Day for $80 per person. During the six course meal, served from 9am-2:30pm, diners will enjoy an assortment of Japanese hors d'oerves, simmered dishes, soup, and a special dessert. Reservations are strongly recommended. (The Kitano New York Hotel; 212 885-7111)

Le Singe Verte
This eclectic French brasserie in Chelsea will serve its affordable, popular brunch from noon-4pm on New Year's Day. Hearty dishes include merguez (spicy lamb sausage) with fried eggs ($13.50) and creative twists on old brunch favorites, like the crab cake benedict ($13.50). Drinks are an extra $8, but when was the last time you had a kir royale with your omelet? (160 Seventh Avenue; 212-366-4100)

BLT Market
For a restaurant located inside the Ritz Carlton, Laurent Tourendel's latest place offers a surprisingly affordable brunch menu from 11:45am-2:30pm on New Year's Day. Carb-phobics should avoid the wonderful Central Park Basket, filled with an assortment of fresh baked goods like the lemon pound cake and pain au chocolate and opt for protein-rich egg dishes, like the Monterey jack scramble ($17) served with tomato compote and chorizo. Innovative cocktails include the tomato basil martini or the peach salsa bloody mary ($14). (1430 Avenue of the Americas; 212-521-6125)

Bar Martignetti
There's no need to wait for the booze to wear off before heading to brunch--this laid-back Soho bistro begins serving New Year's brunch at 4:30am. Popular a la carte options include brioche French toast ($12) with apple compote and classics like burgers and fries. (406 Broome St; 212-680-5600)