Best Restaurants for New Year's Eve

Best Restaurants for New Year's Eve

As a former chef, I really miss cooking on New Years Eve. I know it sounds funny but my best New Year's Eve memories are of busy kitchens and toasting with the brigade. It's a fun night to cook because people are willing to try new things and spend a little more than they might otherwise, so for a chef it means playing with premium ingredients to create those lasting memories. This year, we've picked out five restaurants that we're sure will ring in 2012 on a bright note...
 

Ocean House, Watch Hill

If you want a tour around the world this New Year’s Eve but can’t afford one, look no further than the Ocean House in Watch Hill. The Ocean House is one of the most beautiful settings in the state and on New Year’s Eve they are hosting a black tie gala called “Around the World in 8 Cuisines” featuring eight food stations set-up all over the resort. Each station features a different country and the foods that are popular in that country. One thing that you can count on at the Ocean House is the food will be as beautiful as the view. The culinary team at the Ocean House features top-notch chefs using local ingredients to produce food from around the world with a local flavor. They will have entertainment throughout the resort and the cool thing is you can also get a room for the night so you can enjoy the open bar without the need for the designated driver. 1 Bluff Ave. Watch Hill, 584-7000, www.oceanhouseri.com

 XO Café, Providence

One of the great food stories of 2011 was the re-birth of the long missed XO Café. We loved the food and atmosphere in this little bistro and we were sad when it went away. We were hopeful that the memories were justified and we are happy to report that XO is back! For New Years Eve , XO is featuring a French-infused menu featuring local faves such as Blackbird Farm beef tartare with quail egg and truffled brioche; Bomster scallops make an appearance with seared tenderloin and lobster risotto and truffles. Monkfish is featured with duck confit and roasted ratatouille dressing. For desserts, XO is featuring two French classics: a coupe

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

and crème brulee. The coupe is filled with housemade ice cream, Chantilly cream, and toasted almonds. The crème brulee is a tasting featuring different flavors served with pear chutney and spiced walnuts. If your reservation is around midnight, you can toast 2012 like you’re on the Left Bank. 125 North Main St. 273-9090, www.xocafe.com

Gracie's, Providence

We have long been a fan of Gracie's owner Ellen Gracyalny's attention to detail when it comes to her Downcity restaurant. But her party-planning aplomb is particularly spectacular on New Year's Eve, when Ellen and the Gracie's staff pull out all the stops. This year's celebration sounds as decadent as ever -- a masquerade ball complete with formal attire, a jazz band and a deejay, and lots of champagne. The highlight, of course, will be Chef Matt Varga's farm-to-table cuisine, which will be offered at stations throughout the restaurant and will include passed hors d’oeuvres, artisan cheeses and a full raw bar, as well as entree selections. The downstairs private dining room will be dedicated to Pastry Chef Melissa Denmark's sweet treats. Tickets to the event are $150 per person and will sell out. 194 Washington St, 272-7811, www.graciesprov.com

Aspire, Providence

If just a little adventure is what your are looking for on an otherwise traditional New Year's Eve, we suggest Aspire at the Hotel Providence. It starts with Executive Chef Gregory Krol's five-course menu, which includes chocies such as oxtail consumme, duck gnocchi, desconstructed beef wellington, and, for dessert, warm Dr. Pepper pound cake ( "trust us" it says on the menu next to this choice--we like the chef's confidence!). Don't worry -- traditionalists will find choices they like, too, from potato leek soup to salads, steak, a lobster-stuffed salmon and a chocolate trio for dessert. The entertainment, too, promises to be alternative, with popular performance artist and singer Spogga helping to ring in the new year. Dinner is $69 per person, $95 with wine pairings, and the hotel is offering a special room rate of $239 should you care to make a night of it.
311 Westminster St, 521-3333 www.aspirerestaurant.com

Muse by Jonathan Cartwright at Vanderbilt Grace, Newport

For those of us who don't live on Aquidneck Island, the beauty of this time of year is that Newport is devoid of tourists and it feel far enough away to classify as a getaway. Throw in a restaurant with a world-class chef at the helm and the gorgeous mansion-turned-boutique-hotel that is Vanderbilt Grace and you have a winning combination for a New Year's celebration. Chef Cartwright's menu for this night is nothing short of spectacular, and features some of his signature-style dishes that makes him such a force on the culinary landscape. New England ingredients shine on this menu -- lobster, scallops, hailbut, artisan cheeses. Mixed in are chocies that, too, will delight: a trio of foie gras, beef tenderloin, venison, smoked salmon. $150 per person. Each course is available with wine pairings for an additional $85. 41 Mary St, 846-6200, www.vanderbiltgrace.com

For more New Year's Eve coverage, don't miss GoLocalTV fresh every day at 4pm and on demand 24/7, here.