If you reside anywhere in the Philadelphia, PA, area, you might consider celebrating New Year’s Eve at several of Philly’s finest restaurants… Here’s an interesting list from which to choose…
Amada (217-219 Chestnut Street, 215-625-2450, www.amadarestaurant.com)
- Featuring Chef Jose Garces’ Spanish tapas specialties, three tasting menus will be offered with the choice of a $60, $75 or $90 option. Some of the exquisite dishes will include: Pulpo Gallego; Crab Stuffed Piquillo Peppers; Chestnut Soup with Foie Gras; Lamb or Lobster a la Plancha with Garlic, Lemon and Parsley; Esparragos con Trufas with Poached Egg and Mahon Crisp; and for dessert, Truffle Ice Cream with Raspberries. An optional Wine Pairing will also be offered for $40. Reservation times are available for all party sizes from 5 until 11 p.m.; a credit card number is required.
Tinto (114 South 20th Street, 215-665-9150, www.tintorestaurant.com)
- For New Year’s Eve, Chef Dave Conn has created a special four-course tasting menu, priced at $85 that will be offered in addition to the a la carte menu. Some of the dishes will include: Arugula Salad with Serrano Ham, Persimmons and Fried Goat Cheese; Crab Montadito with Avocado; Long Island Striped Bass with Sunchoke Ravioli and Saffron Lobster Consomme; Herb-Roasted Veal Chop with Fingerling Potato, White Truffle and Turnips; and a Thyme Panna Cotta for dessert. Reservation times are available for all party sizes from 5 until 11 p.m.; a credit card is required.
Distrito (3945 Chestnut Street, 215-222-1657, www.distritorestaurant.com)
- Experience a Mexican-inspired New Years with a $65 tasting menu, in addition to the a la carte menu. Some of the tasting menu dishes will include: Crab Guacamole with Jalapeno and Cojita Cheese; Hamachi Tacos with Chipotle Remoulade, Avocado and Red Cabbage; Mayan Shrimp A La Plancha with Cremini Mushrooms and Caramelized Pearl Onions; Aged Sirloin with Creamy Poblano Corn Rice and Chimichurri; and for dessert, a Tres Leches cake. A Tequila Pairing will also be offered for an additional $30. Reservation times are available for all party sizes from 5 until 11 p.m.; a credit card is required.
Chifa (707 Chestnut Street, 215-925-5555, www.chifarestaurant.com )
· Sample Chef Garces’ tempting menu combining the flavors and ingredients of both Asian and Latin cuisines with the choice of a $55, $75 or $95 tasting menu. Some of the special dishes 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; and for dessert, Coconut Tapioca. Reservation times are available for all party sizes from 5 until 11 p.m.; a credit card is required.
Xochitl (408 South 2nd Street, 215-238-7280, www.xochitlphilly.com)
- ¡Feliz Ano Nuevo 2010! For New Year’s Eve, Chef Dionicio Jimenez has created a special four-course menu for $60 per person. Some of the menu choices will include: Atun con Hidago de Pato, Tuna Ceviche with Foie Gras and Figs; Sopa de Fideos, Mexican Noodle Soup with Monkfish Liver; Calamar Relleno, Squid stuffed with Chorizo and Lentils; Langostinos con Hongos, Langostines with Mushrooms, Quince and Vanilla; Falsan con Salsa de Trufa y Hongos, Roasted Pheasant with Porcinis and Truffle Salsa; Bacalao Cocinado Dentro de la Calabazza, Pumpkin-baked Cod with Pumpkin Seed Pesto; and Tamale con Chocolate, Fried Chocolate Tamale with Fruit Salsa. This menu will be served throughout the restaurant and reservations are required. Seatings available from 5 to 11 pm.
Zahav (237 St. James Place, 215-625-8800, www.zahavrestaurant.com)
- Chef Michael Solomonov has created a special Mesibah Gedolah Menu, or “Big Party” menu, to be served on New Year’s Eve. Some of the special dishes will include: Hummus-Pitryot with Locally-Foraged Mushrooms and House-Baked Laffa; Borekas with Potato and Black Truffle; Pompano Crudo with Argan Oil, Apple and Fennel; Quail Confit Al Ha’Esh with Foie Gras, Dirty Rice and Kumquats; Spinach Shakshouka with Harissa and Farmer’s Egg; and Kibbutz-Style Dessert of tropical fruits and assorted traditional pastries. The menu price will be $65 per person, excluding tax, beverages and gratuity. Reservations are recommended and will be taken from 5 until 11 p.m.
London Grill (2301 Fairmount Avenue, 215-978-4545, www.londongrill.com)
- In addition to their a la carte menu, Chef Michael McNally will offer a $45, four-course meal featuring menu items such as: 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. A selection of desserts will also be offered. The a la carte and New Year’s Eve menus will be available from 5 until 11 p.m., with a bar snack menu served until midnight. A kids’ menu will also be available. At midnight, guests will receive a complimentary glass of champagne as they watch the Times Square ball drop on live TV. Reservations are recommended.
Rouge (205 S. 18th Street, 215-732-6622, www.Rouge98.com)
- Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2009 at Rittenhouse Square’s original dining destination! Chef Matthew Zagorski will offer a selection of menu specials including: Baby Artichoke Soup with Crispy Artichoke, Lemon Thyme and Greek Olive Oil; Oyster Tartare with Preserved Lemon, Red Onion, Crème Fraiche and American Sturgeon Caviar; Herb-Roasted Monkfish Loin with Braised Cabbage, Duck Confit and Amarena Cherry Gastrique; Roasted Pork Loin with Sweet Potato Puree, Swiss Chard and Bacon Butter. $9 Drink Specials will also be offered throughout the evening as guests dance the night away with DJ Todd Damon from 10 p.m until 2 a.m. A complimentary glass of champagne and party favors will be offered at midnight. Reservations are being accepted for a 7:30 p.m. and a 10 p.m. seating and are highly recommended.
Supper (926 South Street, 215-592-8180, www.supperphilly.com)
- Husband-and-wife team, Mitch and Jennifer Prensky invite guests to sample their local, farm-direct cuisine with a $78 five-course menu. Some of the menu choices will include: Deviled Egg with Black Truffle; Celery Root Soup with Capers, Raisins and Brown Butter Bread Crumbs; Pan Roasted Sea Bass with Blini, Gin Pickled Beets, Salmon Roe and Tonic Butter; Fig Glazed Quail with Bacon, Red Cabbage, Chestnuts and Sage; Filet of Beef and Braised Oxtail with Blue Cheese, Glazed Baby Vegetables, and Port Wine Glaze; and Chocolate Blackout Cake with Mint Chip Ice Cream and Brandied Cherries. Reservations are required and are being accepted from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m.
- On New Year’s Day, Supper will also host a “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 Ceasar, with Clam Juice and Pickled Quail Egg. In addition to the cocktails, Supper’s a la carte brunch menu will be served from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring their puppies and a portion of the day’s proceeds will be donated to the PSPCA.
Oyster House (1516 Sansom Street, 215-567-7683, www.oysterhousephilly.com)
- A Philadelphia landmark, Oyster House will offer guests a $55 pre-fixe, four-course menu. Choices will include: Roasted Oysters with Crème Fraiche and Caviar; Clams Cataplana with Braised Pork Belly, Kale and Crispy Potato; Truffle Crusted Seared Scallop with Celery Root Puree; Split Grilled Lobster with herb butter; Rack of Lamb with Ricotta Gnocchi and Swiss Chard. A $10 additional Raw Bar course can also be added. A champagne toast at midnight is included. Reservations are recommended and being accepted from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m.
Table 31 (1701 JFK Boulevard, 215-567-7111, www.Table-31.com)
- Located in The Comcast Center, Philadelphia boldest landmark, Chef Chris Scarduzio will offer a selection of special dishes in addition to the a la carte menu including: Maine Lobster Ravioli with Prosecco Foam; Rack of Lamb with Cannellini Beans, Escarole and Pancetta; and a 48 oz. USDA Prime Porterhouse “For Two.” Also featured throughout the evening will be $10 Champagne Cocktails. Party favors and a complimentary glass of champagne will be offered at midnight. Guests are also invited to enjoy the free Holiday Spectacular in 3-D hosted in The Comcast Center lobby. Reservations are recommended and being accepted from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m.
Bar Ferdinand (1030 North 2nd Street, 215-923-1313, www.barferdinand.com)
- Chef Michael Thomas has created a special six-course menu to ring in the New Year. Choices will include: Mushroom Consommé with Porcini Ravioli; Spanish Octopus with Salsa Verde, Roasted Garlic and Tomato Confit; Smoked Duck Breast with Membrio, Almond Puree, Frisee and Cabrales Foam; Chestnut Gnocchi with Caramelized Brussel Sprouts, and Candied Chesnuts; NY Strip with Melted Chippolini Onions, Spicy Heirloom Applesauce, and Rioja Demi Glace; Halibut & Lobster with Asparagus, Lobster Mushrooms and Lobster Bisque Sauce; and for dessert, Warm Molten Chocolate Cake with Hazelnut Brittle, Caramelized Bananas and Banana Crème Anglaise. An optional Wine Pairing will for $25 and a limited a la carte menu will also be offered. A $55 5 p.m. seating along with a $75 seating offered at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. will be available. Guests will enjoy live Flamenco Dancing and a complimentary Cava toast at midnight. Reservations are recommended.
El Camino Real (1040 North 2nd Street, 215-925-1110, www.bbqburritobar.com)
- Guests will enjoy Live Entertainment along with optional $75 and $100 all-night food and drink package deals. The a la carte menu will also be available.
Fork (306 Market Street, 215-625-9425, www.forkrestaurant.com)
- Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2009 at Fork, located in the city’s bustling Old City District. Chef Feury will offer guests a $65 three-course prix-fixe menu. Selections will include: Rock Shrimp & Scallop Ceviche with Mango Salsa; Maine Lobster Bisque with Terragon Crema; Crispy Lamb Confit with Glazed Purple Carrots, Pickled Lamb’s Tongue and Black Olive-Infused Oil; Pan-Seared Halibut with Butternut Squash Ravioli, Rosemary Jus and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds; Kobe Beef Short Ribs with Cippolini Onions, Carrot Puree and Pistachios; Roasted Lamb Loin with Red Onion-Thyme Marmalade, Local Wild Mushrooms and Goat Cheese-Potato Puree. A selection of desserts will also be offered. Reservations are recommended and being accepted from 5:30 until 11 p.m.
Noble American Cookery (2025 Sansom Street, 215-568-7000, www.noblecookery.com)
- Welcome the New Year at Rittenhouse’s Noble American Cookery. A four-course menu will be prepared and will include Red Wine-Braised Short Ribs served with Sweet Onion Rice Pudding. Optional Wine, Beer and Cocktail Pairings will be available at an additional cost. Reservations will be accepted for a $50 6 p.m. seating along with a $75 seating offered at 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Bon Appétit!
TAD
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