Out with the old, in with the new
For every dancing fool ringing in the new year by working up a sweat, there is a dining fool ringing in the new year by eating like a pig. So, yes, my reservations were made long ago, but no, I’m not telling you where I’ll be dining. (Rest assured, it’s not the Space Needle.) There are many options in Seattle for NYE dining, some of them seriously decadent.
* Place Pigalle, in Pike Place Market, is hosting a tasting menu which includes Oysters on the Half-Shell with Champagne Mignonette, Butternut Squash & Lobster Bisque with Lobster Medallions, Steak au Poivre Vert, etc. [LINK]
* Flying Fish Restaurant, downtown, is presenting a special New Year’s Eve menu that includes Seared Duck Breast, Smoked Big Eye Tuna, and Pancetta Wrapped Sturgeon, among other tasty tidbits. They’ve also stocked up on sparkling wines and champagne for the occasion. [LINK]
* The late Canlis crowd will be dining on seven courses, including Amuse Bouche, Fois Gras Torchon, and Washington Squab; early diners will have to console themselves with a mere five courses, including Blue Fin Tuna, Beef Tenderloin and Maine Lobster. Oh, the humanity! [LINK]
* Maximilien In The Market also offers two seatings, with two options for each course of their holiday Prix Fixe menu, including Oysters on the Half-Shell with Champagne Mignonette or Gérard & Dominique Saumon Fumé, and Lobster Bisque or Pork Confit en Salade. Sip B&B after dinner and enjoy the featured entertainment, French cafe music by Rouge. [LINK]
* For felice Anno Nuovo, Il Bistro is offering a four course Prix Fixe with more options than I really care to type out. Except for this: Gnocchi – Fresh House Made Potato Dumplings, Butternut Squash, Drunken Figs and Duck Confit. Oh, whimper. [LINK]
New Year’s is the holiday that makes up for a year’s worth of restaurant newsletters in one’s email inbox: almost every restaurant is doing something special, but quite a few are “invitation only”, i.e. you have to be on the mailing list to confirm your reservation, get the free bottle of wine or complementary dessert, et cetera. If putting on 10 pounds in one night appeals to you, visit the website of your favorite local restaurant(s) and sign on to their mailing list, in preparation for next year’s gustatory excess.