The return

New Year's Eve is the perfect time for trying the new, according to Victor Scargle, the executive chef at Julia's Kitchen at Copia.

Recipe by Executive Chef Victor Scargle

We were at a holiday party at the Park Avenue home of friends who are well-off. Waiters were offering glasses of Champagne, which was delicious. No surprise there, we figured; they can afford the good stuff. On the way out, we complimented the host on the bubbly, and he brightened. "Follow me!" he said, and he led us to a parlor, where he proudly held up a bottle of sparkling wine. It was a wine store's house brand, and although it was French, it was not real Champagne. Our host flashed a smile as broad as a holiday wreath and proclaimed: "Nine ninety-nine!"

Chicken with cashews in won ton cups, known in Thailand as gai phad med ma-muang, are quickly prepared and make very tasty hors d'oeuvres.

After the Register published the list of New Year's activities last week, we heard from several other restaurants, who wanted their activities included. Here they are:

HYDE PARK, N.Y. -- Contrary to popular belief, entertaining can be hassle-free and fun. Whether you're planning a cocktail party or a formal dinner, serve items that can be made in advance so that you can enjoy the event as well.

The drive from the downtown Napa to Healdsburg's Plaza Park is all of 50 miles if you take Route 128, but the differences cannot be measured simply in miles. Skip busy Route 101 and take the route that takes you through Calistoga then Knights and Alexander valleys.

The Napa Valley Vintners filed a brief last Friday with the U.S. Supreme Court in response to Bronco Wine Company's petition to the high court to appeal the California State Supreme Court's August 2005 refusal to consider an appeal of a decision against the wine conglomerate.

Semper Fi! A red