First Meal Out: New Year's Brunch at Absinthe

Zack F./Yelp

Where: Absinthe, 398 Hayes (at Gough)

When: Sat., Jan. 1, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Cost: A la carte pricing, as noted

Why it's likely to be special: Mina protégé Keough is a Boston boy, so his taking up of the American idiom (including Boston baked beans) should be surefire. On the other hand, bar manager Carlos Yturria has a firm grasp on Left Coast sensibilities in drinks like the Freddy Mercury (prosecco, gin, pan-roasted star anise, cardamom, ginger, and lemon), which should totally have the power to rock you

Menu highlights: Moroccan spiced lamb chops ($19); spice-rubbed Cornish game hen ($17); Boston baked beans ($3); black-eyed peas with smoked ham hock ($5)

Reserve: Call 551-1590