12 Great Places to Celebrate New Year’s Eve
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Where to celebrate on the last night of the year? It all depends on your mood, of course. Whether you want to go upscale with foie gras or get down and dirty with a beer, we’ve got a dozen fantastic ways to celebrate. Make your reservations now.
Retro fun
Prefer to reminisce than look ahead? Then these restaurants’ soirees are how you’ll want to celebrate: Gracie’s in Providence is celebrating the New Year and its 12th anniversary with a 1950’s themed bash. Think “Grease” and “Happy Days” and break out the saddle shoes and poodle skirts – guests are encouraged to come in 50’s garb. Executive Chef Mathew Varga has created a special 1950s-influenced five-course menu. There will be live music live and 1950s-themed libations too. 272-7811, www.graciesprov.com.
Christie’s in Newport is celebrating with a “Blast from the Past” masquerade ball, which kicks off at 8 pm and features dancing, cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres. The waterside restaurant encourages retro masquerade attire and prizes will be awarded for the best-dressed duo. $60 per person. 846-8018, www.41north.com.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTDon your best “Mad Men” frocks and head down I-195 to White’s of Westport for crooner Michael Dutra and his “Strictly Sinatra” show. Dutra and his 12-piece band look and sound amazingly like the real thing – even we Doubting Thomases have become converts. $59 per person includes prime rib buffet, hors d’oeuvres, noisemakers, champagne and post-midnight Chinese buffet. 508-675-7185, http://www.lafrancehospitality.com/whites-of-westport.
Wine and Dine in the Capital City
Several of Providence’s top chefs have been working hard on offerings to help you welcome 2011 with style and a full belly.
Cook and Brown Public House (above) in Providence will feature three sittings. The first, at 5 pm, is three courses; the second, at 7 pm, is four courses; and the third, at 9:15, is five courses. There will be optional beverage pairings and the third seating will include a complimentary toast to celebrate the arrival of the new year. 273-7275, www.cookandbrown.com.
Across the street, Chez Pascal will feature a four-course pre fixe dinner heavy on what Chef Matt Gennuso does best – hearty, locally-sourced and artfully prepared comfort food – think pork, duck, beef and seafood in various forms. $75 per person. 421-4422, www.chez-pascal.com.
Descend the hill into Downcity for dinner at the always-decadent Local 121, where their five-course pre-fixe special menu starts with Whitye Barn Farm Robust Popcorn and offers entrees such as Arctic char, Vermont pheasant or New England Lobster. $70 per person includes admission to the deejay and dancing downstairs. 274-2121; www.local121.com.
Make the Last Night an Overnight
These local hotels have top-notch restaurants and will treat you to a special rate when you stay and play on New Year’s Eve: The Hotel Viking’s Grand New Year’s Gala features a four-course, local-seafood-heavy menu expertly prepared by Chef Kevin Thiele and – our favorite part – an old-fashioned penny candy buffet stocked with Squirrels, Bit‐O‐Honey, Hershey’s Kisses, Penny Candy, Jelly Beans, Boston Baked Beans and more. There’s live music and dancing, too. $125 per person. 847-3300, www.hotelviking.com.
The Marriott Providence Downtown has a range of package deals from $35 to $389 that include various combinations of accommodations, Charlie Hall’s Ocean State Follies show, dinner and drinks at the Bluefin Grille and live music. You can check them all out at www.marriottprovidence.com or call 272-2400.
Rock and Roll All Night
If your idea of the perfect celebration includes your favorite jeans, a cold beer, your best buddies and loud live music, pick one of these places: Rock ‘n’ roll cover bands are much-loved in Rhode Island, and one of the best is called Something Else. Guitarist/vocalist Dean Venticinque and his long-loyal followers will do the count down at Ladder 133 in Providence. This circa-1880s fire station features killer chili and one of the best margaritas in the city if champagne’s not your thing. 272-7427, www.ladder133.com.
Roots and blues lovers should check out The 201 in downtown Providence, where the craft beer selection is tops and The Silks will be holding court until 1 a.m. This must-see local band has been earning high praise for its unique and enticing style. 454-4581, www.the201providence.com.
At McGuire’s Tavern in Smithfield, order some Irish nachos and a Guinness and wait for Amanda Nelson’s killer version of “Me and Bobby McGee” to get you and the crowd riled up. Nelson and her band Superbad go on around 9, and there are darts and pool to keep you happy between sets. 349-2088, www.mcguirestavernri.com.
Sam Adams and conga lines are on tap at the Narragansett Café in Jamestown, where 5-Flavor Discount will take the stage to welcome the new year. Locals are fans of the pub’s Black Angus New York Strip dinner for less than $20. 423-2150, www.narragansettcafe.com.
