The world didn't end on December 21, giving us even more reason to celebrate our asses off on December 31 as we ring in the New Year. Some New Year's celebrations feel lackluster, but this one is gearing up to be a celebration you won't want to miss. If you still don't know where you're drinking and dining, here are seven more suggestions. See also: - Where to Drink and What to Eat in Phoenix on New Year's Eve - The 11 Best Things I Drank in 2012
Lon's at the Hermosa Swing into the New Year
Ring in the New Year at The Hermosa Inn, where there will be live music by local swing group Forrest Smith and the AZ Alligators. Diners can choose either at three- or five-course dinner with choices such as wild mushroom risotto with garden herbs, Kobe beef carpaccio with truffle vinaigrette, roasted duck breast with black eyed peas, roasted diver scallops with black truffle butter, and champagne tempura pears with blood orange crème brûlée. There will be a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Reservations are available 5 to 10 p.m.; call 602-955-7878. Christopher's & Christopher's Crush For bacchanalian indulgence
Known for its impeccable and scrumptious rotating menu, Christopher's will have a four-course gourmand tasting available for $65 per person, $100 with wine pairings. There will be four to five options available per course. A selection of the menu is smoked salmon panna cotta with Duncan Farms green and caviar, Maine lobster pot pie, roasted venison with bone marrow and currant gastrique, and Gateau Marjolaine. In addition, Christopher's Crush will have an a la carte version of the same offerings. For reservations, call 602-522-2344.
Roka Akor A global gourmet New Year
Celebrate at one of the best restaurants in the country, named as such by Travel + Leisure Magazine. Roka Akor Steak, Seafood & Sushi will be serving a five-course omisoka menu for $98 per person. The first course is Kumamoto oyster with fresh local yuzu. The main course is a yuzu miso marinated black cod that's fried crispy and served with Brussels sprouts with Japanese mustard and bonito. There are two seatings, 6 and 8:30 p.m. An upgraded menu is available for $128 and includes caviar, truffle, and Japanese wagyu, and wine and sake pairings are an additional $30 per person. An a la carte menu will also be available. Call 480-306-8800 for reservations.
BiCE Ristorante Party ahead of the curve If you like to be the first one to try something new, book a table for BiCE Ristorante's Grand Opening on New Year's Eve. There will be two seatings with different price points: $75 for 7 p.m., or $95 for 9 p.m. Both include a four-course meal with several options. For example, diners can choose a classic Caesar salad with Alaskan king crab, homemade lobster ravioli topped with vegetable crisps, veal tenderloin medallions with capers, olives, and fresh tomato sauce served with potato and celery root puree, and flourless chocolate cake with crème anglaise. The 9 p.m. seating includes a Prosecco toast and live entertainment in the upstairs lounge, BiCE 19. Reservations are required; call 480-421-2423.
Petite Maison End 2012 with a culinary bang
From 5 p.m. to midnight, Petite Maison will be serving a four-course menu with dual options. Starters include ahi tuna tartar with quail egg and shaved bonito, lobster and vanilla risotto with dried tobiko, and duck confit strudel with cranberry and chestnut. For the entrée there is a choice of sous vide veal blanquette with rock shrimp and asparagus or roasted sea bass with artichoke puree and braised fennel. Dessert is a trio of sweet confections. Dinner is $85 plus tax and gratuity, and wine pairings are an additional $25. Or, choose the sommelier's vintage selection for $38. Call 480-991-6887 for reservations. Milagro Grill Mexican-American fusion celebration
Arizona Taco Festival Grand Champs Milagro Grill will be hosting a four-course meal capped off by a Champagne toast. The meal starts with a choice of either ahi tuna ceviche or smoked chicken thights with dates, white bans, bacon, and pasilla chile. The main course is either a prime New York steak with chimichurri or pork porterhouse with pear, Manchegomaloti, cabbage, and Serrano. Dessert is a pear coffee cake with dark chocolate and an espresso whip or peanut butter churros with marzipan chocolate crumb and horchata mousse. This New Year's Eve dinner is $55 plus tax and gratuity, and reservations are available between 6 and 10 p.m. Cal 480-773-5844 to book a table.
Kelly's at SouthBridge Be pampered
Pick from several ways to be spoiled at Kelly's at SouthBridge. There will be dinner available for $95 per person at 7 p.m. that includes soup, salad, a main course, dessert, choice of one bottle (per 2 guests) of red wine, white wine, or champagne. Diners can also keep the table for the night to stay and party it up. After 9 p.m., there will be a $40 cover for men; entry is free for women. There will also be a VIP experience available to 50 people. For $200, the evening includes a private buffet from 8 to 10 p.m. and host bar from 8 to 11 p.m., all in two private rooms and an outside lounge. There will be a champagne toast at midnight plus party favors. Large parties might want to consider renting an entire couch area for $1500 and up, including snacks and two to three bottles of premium alcohol. Call 480-393-3205 for reservations.
