/ck/ - Food & Cooking

>Olive Garden is one of several chain restaurants in Times Square selling tickets for New Year's Eve. $400 buys a five-hour party, starting at 8 p.m., with a full buffet, a DJ, dancing, "multiple open bars" and a champagne toast at midnight, according to the Italian-style eatery. But no breadsticks. The restaurant that's famous for its bottomless bucket of bread sticks is keeping them out of sight on New Year's Eve. There's another catch. "A view of the ball drop is limited," the company said, referring to the world famous 12-foot crystal ball that descends at midnight.
"With the cooperation of the NYPD and security, we are hoping to get to see the ball drop from just outside our front doors," said Olive Garden. "But due to security issues we can't sell the tickets on the premise that outside view of the ball drop is guaranteed."
Also, smoking is off limits -- inside or outside the restaurant."You will NOT be permitted to leave the building or step outside for a cigarette," said Olive Garden.

>Or ... you could save a few bucks and watch the ball drop from Applebee's. Applebee's, the family-friendly restaurant chain that typically charges $10 for a steak, is charging $375 for adults and $250 for children to watch the New Year's festivities from its perch on 42nd Street.

>Not to be outdone, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is charging $799 for its New Year Eve's party. Tickets sold out in five days, according to the company.

Are people really this fucking stupid?