SipsBitesandSites

  So have you made your New Years Eve plans yet?  NO?  Well what the hell are you waiting for?  I made my plans over 4 months ago.  You’re way 

behind so get on the (Christmas tree) ball and start planning!  It will be a night to remember as the world welcomes the start of a new decade. 2010 is just around the corner bringing along resolutions a plenty, and high hopes for economic recovery!  So are you just at loss like your investments as to what to do for the big night?  Here are a few options and suggestions from yours truly: 

If you traded in your car for a bike, and are stuck in the festive City of Brotherly love, there is plenty to do.  Restaurants and parties are happening everywhere…..

UNIVERSITY AREA: 

Distrito (3945 Chestnut Street, , www.distritorestaurant.com ) 

• Jose is all about throwing parties…..hmmmm I wonder why….ahem…Mr. Iron Chef So Break out the noise makers and Luchadores because Distrito’s driving in the New Year VW style with a $65 tasting menu.  Rather feast on Margaritas than multiple courses?  No Worries, the regular menu is also available that evening.  Look for: Crab Guacamole; Hamachi Tacos;  Mayan Shrimp A La Plancha; Aged Sirloin with Creamy Poblano Corn Rice and Chimichurri; and the ultra creamy Tres Leches cake for dessert on the special tasting menu.  Add a Tequila Pairing for 30 bucks more.  Reservation times are available for all party sizes from 5 until 11 p.m.; CC is required to hold your spot!   

ART MUSEUM AREA 

London Grill (2301 Fairmount Avenue, www.londongrill.com ) 

• Not into a big tasting menu? Chef Michael McNally will offer their a la carte menu, AND a $45, four-course meal featuring  Roasted Diver Scallop with French Lentils, Black Truffle and Beet Foam;  Goat Cheese Gnocchi with Wild Mushroom and Tomato Chutney;  Roasted Filet of Beef with Sweet Bread and Bone Marrow Ravioli, Creamed Swiss Chard and Port Wine Sauce;  and Wild Striped Bass with Maine Lobster and Chanterelle Mushroom Ragout.  The a la carte and New Year’s Eve tasting menu will be served from 5 until 11 p.m., and just incase you need a late night bite to help coat your stomach for all that champagne (At midnight, guests will receive a complimentary glass of champagne as they watch the Times Square ball drop on live TV), the bar snack menu will be served until midnight. A kids’ menu will also be available. .  I’d reserve now if I were you..

RITTENHOUSE SQUARE AREA- WEST of BROAD: 

Table 31 (1701 JFK Boulevard, , www.Table-31.com ) 

• Celebrate in our city’s shiniest building: The Comcast Center, where one of my favorite Chefs, Chris Scarduzio is cooking up a bunch of special dishes in addition to his a la carte menu: Maine Lobster Ravioli with Prosecco Foam (I’ve had these and they are so damn good); Rack of Lamb with Cannellini Beans, Escarole and Pancetta; and a 48 oz. USDA Prime Porterhouse “For Two.” are the extras, along with $10 Champagne Cocktails.  Party favors and a complimentary glass of bubbly will be handed out at midnight- party on!  And while you’re there, don’t forget to gawk at the free Holiday Spectacular in 3-D on the big screen in The Comcast Center lobby.  Reservations are recommended and being accepted from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. 

 MIDTOWN VILLAGE EAST of BROAD: 

The Crystal Tea Room (100 Penn Square East 9^th Fl. Wanamaker Bldg.  http://www.NYEphilly.com) 

• Hosted by NYEphilly.com, this 4^th annual event is promising to be Philly’s hottest party and full of excitement.  Looking for a big party?  Then this is your venue as the place is planning to pack in 1500+ people.  VIP area, plenty of easily accessable bars, and a band plus, “no long lines” are promised. 8/9pm-2am,  Tickets start at $99 per person and the closer it gets to Dec 31^st, the higher the price goes up, so get on it, if you want to (literally) walk the red carpet they’re rolling out here.

 WASHINGTON SQUARE AREA: 

Chifa (707 Chestnut Street, , www.chifarestaurant.com) 

• Iron Chef Garces’ will tempt you with your choice of three ($55, $75 or $95) tasting menu.  You’ll be transported to Peru through the combination of flavors and ingredients of both Asian and Latin cuisines.  Special dishes for the evening will include:  Hiramasa Ceviche with Ginger, Charred Pineapple, Orange and Mustard Emulsion; Empanada with Jumbo Lump Crab, Sweet Chile Reduction and Shaved Cucumber; Foie Gras Buns with Hoisin Glaze, Pickled Daikon & Carrot, Togarashi Mayo; Lobster Noodle Bowl with Rocoto Cream, Bacon, Parmesan and Green Peas; Rack of Lamb with Spicy BBQ Sauce, Ginger Quinoa and Pickled Cucumber; Coconut Tapioca to sweeten the end of 2009.  Now that’s a stomach full to say the least!  Whether you’re party is big and boistrous or small and intimate, Chifa has got you covered! Reservation times are available from 5 until 11 p.m.; your credit card is required- of course! 

 SOCIETY HILL AREA: 

Xochitl (408 South 2^nd Street, , www.xochitlphilly.com ) 

• Celebrate the Año Nuevo with some Mexican spice! Chef Dionicio Jimenez has a celebrational four-course menu for just $60 per person.  Feed your Tuna Ceviche craving, and get your Falsan fix…what you say..Falson?  Yeah- Falsan con Salsa de Trufa y Hongos = Roasted Pheasant with Porcinis and Truffle Salsa. Langostinos and  Bacalao will be choices too.  The Tamale con Chocolate, Fried Chocolate Tamale with Fruit Salsa is the way to go for your last dessert of 2009.  Served throughout the entire restaurant! Reservations required.  Seatings available from 5 to 11 pm. ¡Feliz Año Nuevo 2010!

 OLD CITY AREA: 

Fork (306 Market Street, , www.forkrestaurant.com) 

• Chef Feury is offering a $65 three-course prix-fixe menu. Maine Lobster Bisque with Terragon Crema will warm you up to start; then choose from Crispy Lamb Confit, Pan-Seared Halibut, Kobe Beef Short Ribs or Roasted Lamb Loin, and a selection of their delectable desserts.  I recently had lunch here and it was outstanding- something I haven’t said about this old-timer in years!  Seatings for the evening are available from 5:30 until 11 p.m Reservations are highly recommended as this place is always crowded. 

 NORTHERN LIBERTIES AREA: 

Bar Ferdinand (1030 North 2^nd Street, , www.barferdinand.com) 

• Chef Michael Thomas has created a special SIX-course menu to ring in the New Year.  And there’s a show!  Live Flamenco Dancing throught the evening and a complimentary midnight toast with Cava (the Spanish “champagne”). Sample the taste of Spanish tapas:  Mushroom Consommé; Spanish Octopus; Smoked Duck Breast with Membrio;  Chestnut Gnocchi with Caramelized Brussel Sprouts, and Candied Chesnuts;  NY Strip;  Halibut  & Lobster with Asparagus, Lobster Mushrooms and Lobster Bisque Sauce; and for dessert, Warm Molten Chocolate Cake. There’s a lot to taste.  An optional Wine Pairing for $25 and a limited a la carte menu will also be offered.  There will be 3 seatings for the evening.  5 p.m. for $55 per person, then jumps to $75 for the later seatings at 7p.m. and 9:30 p.m.  Reserve now!

OUTSIDE THE CITY: 

 If you’ve still got that clunker and are heading out towards the burbs,  you can still satisfy your tastebuds AND make a racket   Checkout thses hotspots: 

Blackfish (119 Fayette Street  Consohocken, PA ,19428  blackfishrestaurant.com) 

• New Year’s Eve: 3 Courses for $55 or 4 Courses for $75. Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the handsome Chef Chip Roman at Blackfish BYOB. Two seating time slots are available; Early: 4:30pm – 6:00pm and choice of 3 courses for $55 OR 4 courses for $75, and even includes a complimentary glass of Champagne.
• Later: 6:30pm and after, only the 4 course menu ($75) will be offered and will also include a complimentary glass of Champagne. Tax and gratuity are not included. Call  for reservations and don’t forget to bring your favoritye bottle of wine. Oh and Chestnut Ravioli and Classic Vanilla Crème Brulee (my fav) are on the menu- YUM!

 

Verdad Restaurant (818 W Lancaster Avene, Bryn Mawr, PA 1901  theverdad.com) 

• Verdad (Spanish for “truth”) focuses on showcasing true Latin flavors: Spanish, Cuban, Brazilian and Mexican. On New Years, Latin inspired cocktails will heat up the night.  The small plates menu will be offered a la carte from 5-11pm.  After dinner they’ll be turning the music up for the After-Party! There will be drink specials from 11pm – 1am; $5 margaritas, sparkling wine, sangria and complimentary butlered hors d’oeuvres. Reserving a table is probably a good idea.

   

Alison Two (424 S. Bethlehem Pike Ft. Washington, PA 19034-2312 http://www.alisontwo.com/)    

• Ring in the New Year with their enticing 4-course dinner, including at least FOUR choices for EVERY course. Optional wine pairings will also be offered. The first seating (before 7 p.m.) is $50. During the second seating, each guest will receive a complimentary glass of bubbly and we’ll celebrate with hats, noise makers and streamers! Make some noise! This second seating is $65. Looks like a Recession can be a good thing- these 2010 – prices are $20 less than last year’s. Prices don’t include tax, gratuity, optional wine pairings. Reservations are a total must for a table,but the bar will be open too where they’ll have special snacks and drinks all evening long! Cheers!

  

If you grew up Across the Bridge and want ring in the NEW YEAR- New Jersey style, then put on the high-hair and leggings at…   

The Crown Plaza Hotel (110 Davidson Ave, Somerset, NJ 08873 www.crowneplaza.com )   

•  The 80’s New Years Bash 2010: New Jersey’s Ultimate 2010 New Year’s Eve Party! Featuring the Best Music from the 1980′s and the present held at the brand new Crowne Plaza Hotel in Somerset, NJ.  Expect a  5-Hour Premium Open Bar; Full Dinner Buffet Reception featuring Penne a la Vodka and Sirloin with a triple peppercorn sauce; a Stand-up Comedy Show with laughing induced by Nick Cobb and JL Cauvin from New York City; DJ Music for more Entertainment; Times Square Broadcast; and Special Hotel Room Packages with room rates at $85 Tickets are currently $150pp  and INCLUDES all taxes and gratuities. For More Information –click here http://www.newyearsbash.net/ 

  

NEW YEARS DAY:  THE HANGOVER CURE  

SOUTH STREET AREA  

Supper (926 South Street, , www.supperphilly.com )   

• Husband-and-wife team, Mitch and Jennifer Prensky invite you to their New Year’s Day, “Hair of the Dog” brunch featuring the Classic Bloody Mary along with several variations including:  Mary, Queen of Scots, Hendricks Gin, Tomato, Spices and Fresh Cucumber; Kentucky Mary, Spicy Tomato Juice with Bourbon and Fresh Mint; and Bloody Caesar, with Clam Juice and Pickled Quail Egg.  But you can’t just drink that hurting-head away, you need some real substance, so Supper’s brunch menu will be served from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.  And get this….. everyone’s encouraged to bring their Christmas puppy  to brunch too, as a portion of the day’s proceeds will be donated to the PSPCA! A Rough night turned into a Ruff day- now I’ll toast to that! 

Hope this helps with your plans…the rest is up to you. Best Wishes for a Happy, Healthy and Bright NEW YEAR! ~Maria   

~The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Filed under: Bites, Events Tagged: | Alison Two, Blackfish Philly, Chifa, Distrito, Fork Old City, New Years Eve Philly 2010, Philly 2010 parties, Supper, The Crown Plaza Sommerset NJ, The Crystal Tea Room, Verdad Restaurant, Xochitl