Ela
Much as we might want to slow it down, the calendar inexorably continues its march forward, leading us into a new year. Reflect on the one just passed and ring in the new with a celebration to remember. Here are our picks for the best parties on New Year’s Eve, and a few ways to recover with brunch on January 1. Happy New Year!
New Year’s Eve
Bistro St. Tropez: Savor one of the best views in the city over a decadent holiday tasting dinner by chef Patrice Rames at this French bistro in the Marketplace Design Center beside the Schuykill. Choose from multiple seatings and enjoy foie gras terrine with black truffle and cognac mousse, house-cured salmon, butter-poached lobster and more ($60 for four courses, $75 for six courses; 215-569-9269).
Chifa: Go exotic and choose from two special menus from chef de cuisine Natalie Maronski, featuring the fusion that’s made this Wash West Peruvian-Chinese one of Jose Garces’ most popular. Think pork belly bao buns, kimchi duck tacos, roasted quail lo mein and other East-meets-West creations ($60 or $75; 215-925-5555).
Ela: The just-opened Queen Village New American from Jason Cichonski is close enough to Penn’s Landing that you can easily stroll over just before or after catching the fireworks to sample the young chef’s inventive holiday fare ($60 for three courses or $75 for four courses, add beverage pairings for $25 for wine or $20 for beer; 267-687-8512).
R2L: Watch the twinkling lights of the city from above during dinner on the 37th floor of Liberty Two. Select from a four-, six- or nine-course tasting menu, featuring dishes like the cleverly deconstructed veal stew Daniel Stern was known for at Gayle. For an even higher perch, hit up the “Penthouse Party” on the 57th floor to partake in a premium open bar and stationed hors d’oeuvres ($75–$150, depending on time, $150 “Penthouse Party”; 215-564-5337).
Village Belle: Right on Front Street, Joey and Lou Campanaro’s Queen Village Italian has a prime view of the fireworks. Catch the sights at a 6 or 9 PM seating, featuring a classic four-course meal of lobster bisque, shrimp cocktail, strip steak and dessert, as DJs spin tunes throughout the night ($75 or $125, add $50 for open bar; 215-551-2200).
Zahav: Named for the Hebrew word for “gold,” Michael Solomonov’s modern Israeli is a perfect place to go all out for a holiday meal you won’t soon forget. Four courses run the gamut from old-world to newish combinations like fluke crudo with labaneh and caviar or hummus with spicy beef and pickled artichokes. Be sure to save room for the chocolate-hazelnut babka with orange-vanilla ice cream ($65, add $35 for beverage pairing; 215-625-8800).
New Year’s Day
Federal Donuts: This Pennsport hot spot may have just invented the new best way to combat a night of partying: twice-fried chicken wings. Choose from za’atar-dusted, garlic-chili-glazed or other flavors, and top them off with some coffee and fresh-fried donuts. Your recovery will be swift (267-687-8258).
Paramour: The build-your-own Bloody Mary bar is reason enough to make it out to the suburbs when you awake from the previous evening’s escapades. Over 20 sauces, olives, house-pickled veggies, beef jerky, shrimp and more are available to garnish your vodka-tomato beverage, and if you have room, there’s also quail-egg sliders or blue corn pancakes for brunch (610-977-0600).
Supper: After spending New Year’s Eve with friends and family, make it up to those who keep you happy all year long: your pets! Bring your furry one to Mitch Prensky’s South Street New American, where he’ll be serving his now-traditional “Hair of the Dog” brunch to humans and their best friends (215-592-8180).
