Where to Ring In the New Year in Chicagoland

Still mulling over how to ring in the new year? Here are a few suggestions from our friends at Blast PR:

An Eight-Course Evening of Elegance The Blanchard 

Spend New Year’s Eve (or the Eve of the Eve) at The Blanchard, Chicago’s Jean Banchet-awarded restaurant, for a French-inspired culinary celebration. Chef Ryan Burns is preparing an eight-course tasting menu that is at once familiar and modernist – while many of the tastes and techniques are classic French, the presentation and ingredient pairings gently break a few traditions. Featured selections include Smoked Salmon Bathed in Edwards Country Ham consommé; Pacific Fish Crudo (Florida White Grapefruit, Ossetra Caviar); Venison (Tartare, Matsutake, Salsify, Black Currant); Sturgeon (Monkfish Liver Mousse, Muosseron Mushroom); Squab (Crispy Corn, Dried Marigold, Winter Greens); Harbison Cheese (Apple, Spruce, Birch). The final courses includes Florida Citrus Parfait (Horchata Snow, Mexican Chocolate, Scotch Essence) and Preserved Parsnip (Chocolate, Chicory, Black Lime). 

The 8-Course Prix Fixe Menu is $90 per person. Wine pairing is available for $45 or $75 for premier wine pairing (tax and gratuity additional). The menu is available on December 30^th and December 31^st. Dinner will be served in two seatings each evening: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 –10:00 p.m.

Reservations: (872) 829-3971 or on OpenTable

The Blanchard is on a tree-lined cul-de-sac just West of Clark Street across from the Lincoln Park Zoo. 

The Blanchard | 1935 N Lincoln Park W, Chicago, IL 60614 | theblanchardchicago.com

Ring In the New Year at Carlucci With Wine, Pasta and Song! 

Carlucci, the place to party in the West Suburbs, is celebrating with some delicious additions their seasonal a la carte menu and two toasts to the “Nuovo Anno” – one when the clock strikes twelve in Rome (5:00 p.m. in Chicago), and one when at midnight in Chi Town. The place will be rockin’ to the tunes of the “Crosstown Classics” from 8 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. 

Call for Reservations from 5pm-10pm: (630) 512.0990

Carlucci | 1801 Butterfield Rd, Downers Grove, IL 60515 | carluccirestaurant.com

The Chocolate Sanctuary Celebrates Twice: With Afternoon Tea And A Midnight Toast 

Join Lake County’s destination for cocoa-inspired cuisine made with the season’s freshest ingredients, the area’s premium meats and the world’s finest chocolate. The menu includes cocoa-infused entrees and appetizers, Certified Angus steaks and a variety of scratch-made dishes including seafood selections, savory soups, delectable house-made desserts and a variety of options with and without the restaurant’s namesake ingredient.

The Chocolate Sanctuary is celebrating on the Eve of the Eve with a Children’s Celebration Tea on Saturday December 30th from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The party will feature a selection of scrumptious sweet treats and savory delights! A countdown to Noon will be commemorated with a sparkling juice toast! Party hats and tiaras will add to the fun!

Adults $21 | Children $12

The restaurant’s New Year’s Eve celebration includes a specially prepared menu from Executive Chef Jeff Tomchek alongside a la carte selections from their regular menu, a special dessert prepared by Pastry Chef Haily Turso, and a midnight champagne toast.

Reservations only: 224.944.0808, the least seating is at 10:00 p.m.

The Chocolate Sanctuary | 5101 Washington St, Gurnee IL | thechocolatesanctuary.com

Escape to A Midwinter Night’s Dream at The Lunatic, The Lover & The Poet 

Sommelier Tom Powers, owner of Randolph Street’s acclaimed The Lunatic, The Lover & The Poet is hosting a whimsical wine-filled New Year’s Eve at his multi-tiered wine-bar and restaurant. Escape into a world of Shakespearian imaginings where the lunatic, the lover and the poet come together for one enchanted evening. Many a bottle will be corked, large format selections will abound, and guests can choose to dine on a la carte items from the restaurant’s seasonal menu, or enjoy a four-course prix fixe dinner with paired wines for $65 plus tax and gratuity. 

Make reservations by calling (312) 775-0069. 

The Lunatic, The Lover & The Poet | 736 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661 | thelunaticloverpoet.com

A “Blind Pig” Speakeasy-Themed New Year’s Eve Bash with Porkchop



Porkchop is throwing a Prohibition Party to honor the illicit “Blind Pig” speakeasies that helped ease the pain of everyday life when there was a constitutional ban on alcoholic beverages.While there’ll be no bathtub gin, tickets give partiers access to food and booze – including an open bar from 9 til midnight. Revelers will feast on an array of sliders, wings, cornbread and grilled sweet corn (AKA “elotes”). Of course, there’ll be a whiskey toast at midnight and party favors for all who make reservations. Music will abound at every location – some live, some DJ’d some through the sound system. Check the website for details. The party goes from 9pm until close. 

$40 tickets include the buffet and booze until midnight. $60 gets you all that AND top shelf drinks. Save $10 if you purchase your tickets by 12/15, save $5 if you purchase your tickets by 12/25.

Tables first come, first served, bottle service upon request with table.

For locations and contact info visit chicagoporkchop.com (available at West Loop, South Loop, Hyde Park, Bolingbrook, Glenwood, and Merrillville)

End the Year Victoriously at Chicago’s Victory Tap

Ring in an “Old School” Italian New Year at Chicago's Famous The Victory Tap, Chicago’s Italian Steakhouse & Tavern. This iconic neighborhood establishment is fronted by a welcoming behemoth of a bar that will be serving classic cocktails throughout the evening. Diners will enjoy classics from legendary Chef-Owner Joe Farina, Chicago’s preeminent practitioner of Chicago-Italian cuisine. Selections include his famous homemade meatballs that are made fresh daily, parmesans, classic brick chicken and smaller versions of Chicago’s beloved Armand’s pizza. The menu also features classic pastas, prime steaks and chops, and fresh seafood. There will be a champagne toast at midnight.

Reservations Recommended: (312) 496-3862

Victory Tap | 1416 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605 | victorytapchicago.com

Elmhurst Has New a Spot – And a New Reason – To Celebrate The New Year

Victory Meat & Seafood, a steakhouse and seafood house serving a selection of prime meats and seasonal fish, has opened its doors in the heart of downtown Elmhurst. Ring in the New Year at their spacious bar while enjoying a champagne cocktail (or two) and a partaking in a midnight champagne toast! The kitchen is helmed by legendary Chicago chef Joe Farina, who invites diners to enjoy his curated selection of prime meats and exceptionally fresh oysters and seafood. The vibe is Nantucket-casual-meets-city-chic neighborhood eatery. The restaurant also offers an impressive selection of classic cocktails, wine and beer.

Reservations Recommended: (630) 359-5599

Victory Meat & Seafood | 116 N York St, Elmhurst, IL 60126 | victorymeatandseafood.com