The list of things to do on New Year’s Eve just keeps growing every time we put up one of these posts. Here’s the next dozen or so things to do, if you can’t find an event to go to on New Year’s Eve, don’t blame us.
• The Publican has a prix fixe menu including PQM prime rib, chanterelle pasta and bourbon bread pudding, from 5:30 to 10:30; it’s $55 per guest, plus a seafood collection course for $35 per guest; call 312.733.9555 or visit Open Table to reserve. And New Year’s Day brunch the next day will include favorite dishes from years past, plus Terry Alexander behind the bar.
• Roka Akor rings in the New Year with three five-course omakase menus, including dessert and a champaigne toast. The first one, with seatings from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m., is $85. the second (8:00 to 11:00) is $125, and the late night one, 11:00 to 2 a.m., is $45. Wien and sake pairings for each are $30. Call 312-477-7652 for reservations.
• SushiSamba Rio is bringing a special bottle of Maboroshi Kurobako sake, “which won first prize at a the National Sake Competition in Japan in 1948 and has since been the celebratory sake of the imperial family of Japan.” It’s all part of a carnaval-style celebration with everything from drummers to samba dancers, which offers regular seating from 6 p.m to 10 with no minimum, and from 10 p.m. to close with a $30 surcharge. See the menu here.
• Tru will be offering two seatings this New Year’s Eve; an early seating, at 5:00PM, which will feature an intricate six-course Collection ($165) and the later seating, at 8:30PM, features an eight-course Collection ($275). We understand champagne and caviar will be involved. Email truparties@leye.com or call 312.202.0001 ext. 230.
• At L2O, two special menus will be served ($195 and $235, respectively). Wine pairings are available for each, in addition to the extensive list of wine, champagne, and cocktails. For reservations, call Meredith Merens at 773.868.0002 or email L2Oparties@leye.com
• The Fabulous Fish Heads will be rocking the oyster bar at Shaw’s Crab House, which will be serving from 11:30 a.m. to midnight, while in the main dining room there will be the a la carte menu plus specials like Dover Sole and stone crab, from 4:30 to 10:30 seatings, followed by a champagne and oyster toast at midnight. Call 312-527-2722.
• The Violet Hour will have open seating from 6 p.m. to 8:30, then reservation only from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; $120 per person includes unlimited sparkling cocktails and a special holiday punch. Email eden at theviolethour.com
• Storefront Company will have a four-course tasting menu at a seating from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. for $62, and the same menu plus a welcoming reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres between 9 and 10 p.m. for $78.
• Hash House a Go Go will be serving its brunch menu all day, dinner menu in the evening till 1 a.m. and brunch again the next day, depending on whether you need to fuel up or recover. During dinner, you will get a complimentary glass of champagne with any entree.
• Vie has a four course and then some dinner for $125 plus $50 wine pairings, beginning with mMaine lobster, as well pan-roasted baby Barramundi, CDK Ranch beef tenderloin and a Goldin artisan goat cheese “certoux.” Call 708-246-2082.
• Or here’s an idea that sounds pretty good— Pecking Order will be open for fried chicken takeout only from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dinner packages for two or four are priced at $30 and $55 and include chicken plus two or four sides.
