As the final hours of 2015 tick off the clock, here are a handful of restaurants around the Garden State offering special menus and plenty of bubbly to toast the occasion Watch video
The farewell bash for 2015 is just days away, but those not hosting or attending a party still have time to make reservation for dinner and a midnight toast. Here is a sampling of 10 places around New Jersey in which the food offerings will set the table for a memorable final night of the year.
Seekers of an elegant, classic country evening (8 p.m. to 1 a.m.) will find it here with Aubry Champagne cocktails, followed by a four-course seated dinner, DJ, dancing, plus a Champagne toast at midnight. $90 per person (exclusive tax and gratuities). 115 Old Highway 28, Whitehouse Station, 908-534-4011.
For those who do not feel like waiting until midnight, this popular family-friendly spot is hosting a Midnight in Dublin celebration from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. featuring a regular menu of scratch-made Irish pub classics and new tavern favorites. When the clock strikes midnight in Dublin (7 p.m. here), guests will partake in a celebratory toast complete with bagpipers. Reservations are required. 98 Kingsland Road, Clifton, 973-284-0200; 1200 Route 17, Ramsey, 201-962-7602.
How does five hours of live music, a raw bar, light buffet and live music on New Year's Eve sound? The Pig & Prince will be welcoming guests from 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. for an all-inclusive "Re-Envision Prohibition" bash. Admission is $99 per person plus tax and gratuity. For tickets, call 973-233-1006 or e-mail tickets@pigandprince.com. The Historic Lackawanna Railroad Station, 1 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair.
Chef Anthony Pino and chef de cuisine Justin Antioro (a "Hell's Kitchen" runner-up) are crafting a very special menu in which guests will enjoy a three-course dinner at 5 p.m. ($60), four-course dinner at 7 p.m. ($90) or four-course dinner and toast and party favors at 9:30 p.m. ($110). 953 Bloomfield St., Hoboken, 201-222-8399.
Chef/owner Francesco Palmieri has big plans for New Year's Eve: a four-course dinner for $60 person ($20 extra for filet mignon) that includes a glass of sparkling wine, peach bellini or prickly pear royale. There will be four seatings starting at 5 p.m. 412 Bloomfield Ave., Bloomfield, 973-337-6421.
This one, in what was formerly known as the Pier Shops, is being billed as "the biggest NYE event on the East Coast with six parties under one roof and room for 3,500 people." Each attendee will receive a bottle of sparkling wine, with the goal of breaking the Guinness Book of World Records for the most corks popped at midnight (the current record stands at 2,778). Tickets start at $50. VIP passes start at $80 and include five hours of open bar, express entry, upgraded liquor brands and a buffet. 1 Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic City, 609-225-9593.
The retro-swanky Continental at the Playground at Caesars is hosting a special New Year's Eve celebration. For those seeking a smaller scale celebration, this popular restaurant on The Playground's dining level is hosting a separate event from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. featuring an a la carte menu, a DJ throughout and toast at midnight. As an added bonus, guests will have a clear view of the fireworks over the Atlantic Ocean. 1 Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic City, 609-674-8300.
Salvatore Scarlata, the chef/owner of this intimate and cozy cucina, is rolling out a special prix fixe menu featuring appetizers and entrees inspired by his northern and southern Italian roots. There will be desserts and some wine as well, with seatings taking place from 4:30 to 10 p.m. 21 Phillips Ave., Lawrenceville, 609-896-4444.
This French brasserie located steps from the Atlantic Ocean will pair the scenic setting of dining by the sea with a four-course feast featuring multiple selections paired with a toast, live music and party favors starting at 8:30 p.m. The cost is $110 for the second seating (exclusive of tax and gratuity). The 6 p.m. seating is $55 per person. 23 Ocean Ave., Long Branch, 732-759-2900.
The team at this Burlington County restaurant is changing things up with a special a la carte holiday menu featuring steaks, seafood and Italian classics, with all dinner entrees served with a choice of soup or salad. The children's menu also includes a choice of soup or salad and ice cream for dessert. 876 Centerton Road, Mount Laurel. 856-235-5737.
Contact Bill Gelman at bkgelman@hotmail.com.
