First Party of the Year

In the city that never sleeps, the Metropolitan Opera is the cultural institution that never sleeps. For what institution would be bold enough to throw a fund-raising gala on a night when most patrons are expected to be out of town? The Met's New Year's Eve party drew New Yorkers and lots of people who traveled from afar, knowing full well that the city is the only place to be. More (including photos) in the Jan 2 Out & About column.