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Because of the lingering recession, many of us will be glad to see 2009 receding in our rear view mirrors. On December 31, some will welcome the new year at home with family and friends; others at a favorite neighborhood restaurant, hotel or pub. Following is a brief (by no means complete), rundown of New Year’s Eve options on and near Capitol Hill.
For the Whole Family
Alexandria is among cities hosting a booze-free New Year's Eve. Forty Old Town indoor venues will host live music, with children’s activities starting at 5 p.m. followed by other entertainment at 6 or 7 p.m. Free DASH shuttles and the King Street Trolley will transport participants along King Street. At midnight, a spectacular fireworks show will welcomes 2010 at the George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. First Night tickets are $12 per person if purchased online before Dec. 26; slightly higher if bought later. Children under age 12 are free. Free parking is available at various locations. For more information call 703-746-3299 or visit info@firstnightalexandria.org.
On the Hill
Closer to home, Bistro Bis (Hotel George, 15 E St. NE) will be decked out with black and white balloons. Chef de Cuisine Joe Harran has not finalized his dinner plans. But, in addition to the regular menu, look for festive specials like lobster bisque, foie gras and loin of venison. The five specials may also be ordered as a tasting menu (wine pairings are extra). Dinner goes from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m., and afterwards, diners usually congregate in the lively bar to watch the Time Square crystal ball descend. Call 202-661-2700.
For a more casual evening, the venerable Hawk ‘n’ Dove, 329 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, will offer a special menu with prime rib and the trimmings, along with a DJ playing holiday music, and a midnight champagne toast. From midnight until the 4 a.m. closing time, The Hawk will serve breakfast. Call 202-543-3300.
Tunnicliff's Tavern, 222 Seventh St. SE (across from Eastern Market), is offering a sensibly-priced New Year's Eve. From the extensive menu, choose an appetizer (we like the artichoke/spinach dip), soup or salad; an entree (favorites include jumbo lump crab cakes, meatloaf) and dessert (perhaps homemade bread pudding). Thus fortified, dance the night away and top it off with a champagne toast. Price: $30 per person. Call 202-544-5680.
To party at home with family and friends, Marvelous Market, 303 Seventh St. SE, is the place to stock up on champagne and other festive goodies. Bubbly options include Charles de Fere Reserve Champagne ($16.99), and Botter Italian extra dry prosecco ($17.99). For munching: Trois Petits Cochons truffled mousse ($9.99 for 8 ounces) and our favorite -- Spence & Co. smoked salmon pinwheels ($10.99 for a dozen). Marvelous Market will also cater your fete. Call 202-544-7127.
Do something cultural at the H St. Playhouse/Theater Alliance, 1364 H St. NE, which presents “Black Nativity,” an Afro-centric view of Christmas, written by Langston Hughes in 1961. At director Stephawn Stephens’ DC debut, the audience is encouraged to participate in the play’s joyful gospel music. Although there is no Dec. 31 performance, you can catch the Jan. 1 show at 8 p.m. For tickets call 202-399-7993.
In Nearby Southwest
The Mandarin Oriental will showcase an elegant New Year’s Eve splurge. The new Sou’Wester restaurant is serving a three-course prix fixe dinner from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Price: $75 per person. At CityZen, guests may choose from an early 6-course repast or late seating for seven-courses. Menu highlights: toro (bluefin) tuna sashimi, Jerusalem artichoke agnolotti, herb-roasted prime beef. First seating (5:30 to 6:30 p.m.) is $185 per person; second seating (7:30 to 10 p.m.), is $225. Afterwards, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., the hotel’s Empress Lounge will set the scene for champagne, hors d’oeuvres, dancing and entertainment by vocalists Sharon Clark and Dick Smith, a former Redskin. Premium seating is $240 per couple; regular is $190. Single guests are $100. Cash bar. The Mandarin Oriental is at 1330 Maryland Ave. SW; call 202-787-6868.
Docked at the Maine Avenue Southwest waterfront, the luxury dinner cruise ship Odyssey is welcoming 2010 in style. Guests will begin the New Year with champagne, a full-course dinner, and dancing against a backdrop of skyline views. Price: $199 per person. A similar gala evening aboard the nearby Spirit of Washington departs at 8:30 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres and dinner, returning at 12:30 a.m. Afterwards, the party continues dockside. Price is $149 per person. For tickets and further information on either cruise, call 866-306-2469.
A Downtown Casino
A brief Metro ride away (Red/Blue/Orange lines), Old Ebbitt Grill, 615 15th St. NW is throwing a “Casino Royale” evening with black jack, poker, craps, and roulette. To fuel your play money gambling, Old Ebbitt will also offer a raw bar along with crab cakes, lamb chops and open bar. Hours: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Price: $125 per person. Call 202-347-4801. |
