Dining out around First Night
First Night presents built-in dilemmas — beyond the weather, of course. You want to join in the open-air celebration, catch some music or theater, and definitely see the fireworks. But you also want to dine well, not a hotdog from a stand but a festive meal. After all, it’s New Year’s Eve. For some, that means a formal, many-coursed extravaganza, maybe with dancing as a bonus. For others, that’s too constricting and might cut into the fun Boston has to offer.
Finding a way to squeeze everything in takes strategy and mapping. Say you’re planning to watch the parade through the Back Bay early in the evening and then hope to walk to dinner before heading out for theater events at the Hynes Convention Center or some music near Downtown Crossing. Or maybe the only event that means Boston and First Night to you is the Finale, the spectacular fireworks over Boston Harbor at midnight. A leisurely meal that stretches late into the evening will be just the prelude.
What’s crucial is a plan. Don’t think the six of you can duck into longtime favorites Locke-Ober downtown or Icarus in the South End and be seated. Both are hosting private parties and are closed to the public. There’s even a private party at the almost brand-new Bin 26 Enoteca on Beacon Hill.
That doesn’t mean you’re left out in the cold. Azita Bina-Seibel, chef and co-owner of Bin 26 with her brother Babak Bina, says their other Beacon Hill restaurant, Lala Rokh, is open New Year’s Eve, serving both the regular Persian menu and a prix fixe. ‘‘People are getting tired of this prix fixe idea,’’ Bina-Seibel says. ‘‘We didn’t want to make it so formal that people can’t come in’’ when they want to. Some guests arrive in casual clothes on their way to First Night events, and others are dressed in tuxedos and party dresses on their way to fetes nearby. Although she won’t settle on the prix fixe or its cost until the last minute, Lala Rokh’s regular menu includes such dishes as a whole lamb shank in tomato sauce with dill and fava beans; and slow-cooked veal with basmati rice, lentils, currants, and dates. 97 Mt. Vernon St., Boston. 617-720-5511. lalarokh.com
Domani Trattoria in the Copley Square Hotel on Huntington Avenue is another place where a flexible plan for New Year’s Eve could mesh with First Night. Chef and co-owner Rene Michelena describes it as ‘‘loose so that people can come in before or after First Night.’’ Although reservations will be taken, there will also be room for walk-ins. The a la carte menu will be offered as well as a $65 a person prix fixe, which includes pheasant consomme with chestnuts and chanterelles; fettucelle with celery root and truffle Bolognese; and grilled lamb chops with braised leg, escarole, and saffron. Michelena also promises champagne specials to round out the festivities. 51 Huntington Ave., Boston. 617-424-8500. copleysquarehotel.com
There is a range of options at 29 Newbury on Newbury Street, another good location to either start or round out a First Night excursion. Dinner — served a la carte with such dishes as crostini with caviar and smoked salmon; lobster fettuccine with vodka-infused tomato cream; and ribeye au poivre with garlic-mashed potatoes and oyster mushrooms — will be served until 10 p.m. At 11, the restaurant will morph into a lounge where the bartenders will mix a new martini menu with a champagne cocktail called the 29 Poinsetta among other drinks. A bar menu will be offered with small plates of such dishes as braised short ribs in an Asian glaze; pizzetta with arugula, Asiago cheese, and pesto; and crispy crab cake with red curry vinaigrette. The party goes on until 1 a.m., giving you extra time if you need it to get to all those New Year’s kisses. 29 Newbury St., Boston. 617-536-0290. 29newbury.com
Now that the North End is more connected to the city, the restaurant-rich area could be an easy focus to mix in with other events. Jose Duarte, chef and owner of Taranta, is another believer in giving his guests options for the evening. Although Taranta has some reservations already for large parties, ‘‘We’ve never been really busy on New Year’s Eve,’’ he says. This year, Duarte is offering the regular a la carte menu that melds the cuisine of Italy and South American ingredients with such dishes as cassava root gnocchi with a green lamb ragu, and brined pork chop with a sugar cane and rocoto pepper glaze. Specials will embellish the menu. Duarte says he and his staff have been aging ribeyes in the restaurant kitchen and will serve 15 to 20 orders of them as ‘‘Flintstone-sized, end-of-the-year treats.’’ Throw in some champagne, prosecco, and confetti, and call it a party. 210 Hanover St., Boston. 617-720-0052. tarantarist.com
Marco also breaks the mold by offering a family-style feast that would work well for a group of family or friends. The dinner, which is $65 for an early seating and $70 for a later one, including a champagne toast, features plenty of choices, from fresh mozzarella and prosciutto; clams casino; rigatoni Bolognese; lobster cannelloni; grilled swordfish with braised greens; and whole roasted tenderloin. Or have a little of everything. The restaurant plans a ‘‘Rat Pack’’ theme, so you’ll dine to the strains of Frank (Sinatra), Dean (Martin), and Sammy (Davis Jr.). 253 Hanover St., Boston. 617-742-1276. marcoboston.com
For some romantics, though, nothing works but the whole works. Top of the Hub in the Prudential Center is over-the-top in many ways. With the city splayed out like a carpet beneath the restaurant’s wrap-around windows, guests can enjoy a five-course dinner replete with lobster; sauteed foie gras; and grilled beef tenderloin. Champagne toast, live music, and, yes, dancing will be part of the evening. All for $250 each, and the view is free. Then you can watch First Night unfold before you from 52 floors up.800 Boylston St., Boston. 617-536-1775. selectrestaurants.com
