Hayes Valley's chicken-on-a-stick-themed Nojo (pronounced "No, Joe!") stands as one of the best restaurants of 2011. Although tucked inside an aesthetically-blah apartment complex, chef Greg Dunmore's fare is anything but. The delicate Japanese grub, served in small-plate portions, is as shocking (fried chicken skin on a stick, "spam" rice balls) as it is comfy (duck breast teppenyaki, bacon-wrapped scallions). Which is why you should snap up a reservation at this searingly-hot spot for dinner come New Year's Eve.

The New Year's Eve "kaseki" menu (by reservation only) is as follows:

- Osechi-Ryori:
Uni, Fermented Black Beans & Chervil
Sesame Tofu
Kumomoto Oyster & Soy Gelee
Salmon Wrapped in Daikon Tsukemono

- Dungeness Crab & Chestnut Salad, Mutsu Apple Vinaigrette

- Chawanmushi, Chives & American Sturgeon Caviar

- BBQ Monkey Faced Eel, Ginger & Crispy Rice Cake

- Grilled Duck Breast, Braised Daikon & Sansho Jus

- Soba, Matsutake Broth & Meyer Lemon

- Soy Milk Ice Cream, Matcha Green Tea

- Yuzu Custard, Frozen Yogurt & Black Sesame Crumble

- Fruit Gelee

First Seating: 6pm ($78 per person for food; $118 per person with beverage pairing)

Second Seating: 9pm ($90 per person for food; $140 per person with beverage pairing)

Nojo: 231 Franklin (at Hayes) S.F., 415-896-4587

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