New Year's Eve Dining Around Champaign
We don't usually go out for New Year's Eve, but this year I was thinking it might be good to go to dinner. So I started poking around to find out what's happening on that front. Here's the lowdown on some dining opportunities for the last night of 2007:
The Multicourse Dinners
(If you want to go all-out)
Radio Maria: Four-course tasting menu ($50/person; $65 w/wine pairings, $85 with premium wine pairings; menu still a work in progress)
Boltini: Five-course pre fixe dinner ($45/person, includes tax and tip, does not include wine)
Cafe Luna: Five-course dinner for two ($55 for two) Menu not set in stone, but according to the chef, the following are likely possibilities:
Carmon's: Five-course pre fixe dinner ($70/person, $95 w/wine pairings) Menu not totally finalized, but here's a preview:
Ko-Fusion: Not a pre fixe menu, but specials will include oysters Rockefeller, lobster bisque, filet mignon, and Dover sole (live band from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., Champagne toast at midnight)
And if you just want to sit around snacking, drinking Champagne, and generally being seen:
Sun Singer: Pre-for-all Two glasses of Champagne, an hors d'oeuvres plate and a dessert plate (5 to 10 p.m.; $22/couple; party favors; regular menu also available)
What are you doing New Year's Eve?
The Multicourse Dinners
(If you want to go all-out)
Radio Maria: Four-course tasting menu ($50/person; $65 w/wine pairings, $85 with premium wine pairings; menu still a work in progress)
Boltini: Five-course pre fixe dinner ($45/person, includes tax and tip, does not include wine)
Cafe Luna: Five-course dinner for two ($55 for two) Menu not set in stone, but according to the chef, the following are likely possibilities:
- Salad: Arugula & tarragon w/goat cheese, Fuji apple w/blue cheese, or mixed green
- Vegetable course: Marinated olives, mushroom ragout, baked endive, potato gnocchi
- Seafood course: Crab cake, seared scallops, halibut w/Hollandaise, salmon w/tarragon & braised leeks
- Meat course: Flank steak crostini, pork tenderloin w/apples & vanilla sauce, filet mignon in bourbon sauce w/vegetables, apple-braised pork shoulder w/bacon & celery root, duck confit w/green lentils & a sauce I can't mention because I was writing too fast and can't decipher it (wine-berry, possibly)
- Cheese course: Fried goat-cheese balls
- To drink: Two glasses of Champagne included
- Regular tapas menu also available
Carmon's: Five-course pre fixe dinner ($70/person, $95 w/wine pairings) Menu not totally finalized, but here's a preview:
- Amuse bouche: Something involving caviar, possibly paired with vermouth
- Soup course: Curried cauliflower
- Main course: Your choice of steak or fish (sole or pompano) in a preparation involving crab and asparagus
- Salad course: Likely escarole salad similar to what's offered on the regular menu
- Dessert course: Dessert items not finalized, but probably will be paired with Champagne
- Patrons are encouraged to stick around following dinner; though dinner service officially stops at 10 p.m., there will be festivities until midnight
Ko-Fusion: Not a pre fixe menu, but specials will include oysters Rockefeller, lobster bisque, filet mignon, and Dover sole (live band from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., Champagne toast at midnight)
And if you just want to sit around snacking, drinking Champagne, and generally being seen:
Sun Singer: Pre-for-all Two glasses of Champagne, an hors d'oeuvres plate and a dessert plate (5 to 10 p.m.; $22/couple; party favors; regular menu also available)
What are you doing New Year's Eve?
posted by Lisa at 10:04 AM
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11 Comments:
Thanks so much for compiling this list! My wife and I are undecided for our plans, but this list definitely helps narrow the choices down :)
We were planning on going to a Moroccan event they were having at Allerton Park, but it was canceled due to low attendance :(
Thanks for the list! My wife and I are also undecided as above, but this helps a lot. I recently discovered your blog, and having grown up in a culinary household I really appreciate it. You've made me realize that U-C has the gastronomic life of a much larger city.
That's too bad about the Allerton event----I like to see lots of things happening there....
I must say the Cafe Luna menu seems like a great deal and of course you know the food will be great...anyone know what their moving plans are?
The English Hedgerow menu also sounds good though....
I generally don't do New Year's Eve though....even at home....I love a lazy New Year's Day brunch though...
Anthony, glad you found it of interest. It is too bad about the Allerton event. I was going to write it up, but then found out that it had been cancelled.
Derek: Thank you for the comment and the kind words; I appreciate it. Have fun, whatever you end up doing.
Cynthia: I haven't heard any more about Luna's relocation plans. If we're in there Monday night (?!), I'll have to ask about it. New Year's Day brunch sounds great. I'll probably skip it, though, because I always make blackeyed peas + ham, greens, etc., that day, and that's a big enough meal!
Wherever you go, I wish you a very Happy New Year, Lisa :)
You've made me realize that U-C has the gastronomic life of a much larger city.
And for much much lower prices. Makes me wish I were in CU for New Years instead of Chicago, where such menus would cost 150++
Thanks, Maryann!
Melissa: Yeah.
OMG! I should have checked this blog before New Year's Eve. I didn't know that so many restaurants having such Prixe Fixe Menu. I went to Hedgerow Bistro though.
Lek: You went to the Hedgerow New Year's Eve dinner? I'd love to hear what you thought of it. I would have loved to try it.
Overall, I was appreciated by the food they served except the salad course.
My favorite dishes were soup, seafood, and red meat courses.
I have no comment on champagne and wines since I don't drink alcoholic beverages.
I also took many photos, so feel free to take a look :)
http://picasaweb.google.com/TasteofChampaign/HedgerowBistroNewYearsEveDinner
Lek: Thank you so much! Your photos are incredibly good, and I felt like I was actually there eating that fabulous meal. I need to get the camera that you use!
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