Yeah, yeah, we know. New Year's Eve is supposed to be a time of reflection filled with hope and promise for the coming year, a time to move forward and leave our struggles in the past. But for those of us resolving to lose weight in 2012, New Year's Eve is a lot like Fat Tuesday -- a last hurrah of excess and indulgence before the fast.
Luckily, we live in one of the richest, most diverse culinary landscapes in America (which is probably how we got so paunchy in the first place), with no shortage of decadent dining options to ring in the New Year. Seriously. The long-ass list we've posted below only accounts for a fraction of Bayou City restaurant action going down on December 31. But while pricing and menus may vary, one thing remains constant: reservations are required.
And if an alcohol-heavy New Year's Eve celebration leaves you feeling a little lackluster come January 1, we've also provided a few food-centric options to get you back up to speed -- or, at least, get you drunk all over again. Happy New Year!
NEW YEAR'S EVE PRIX FIXE MENUS & SPECIALS
Backstreet Cafe 1103 S. Shepherd, 713-521-2239 Four-course prix fixe dinner, complimentary champagne toast at midnight, and live music by Bob Chadwick. $69 per person.
Bistro Provence 13616 Memorial Dr., 713-827-8008 Choose from hour-long three-course "pre-party" seatings at 5 and 5:30 p.m. ($45 per person) or a more leisurely four-course meal with seatings at 6, 6:30, 8, and 8:30 p.m. $70 per person.
Branch Water Tavern 510 Shepherd, 713-863-7777 Four-course prix fixe dinner and Perrier Jouet Grand Brut champagne for $70 per bottle (while supplies last). $60 per person.
Brennan's of Houston 3300 Smith St., 713-522-9711 Brennan's creole New Year's Eve celebration features a special a la carte menu with entrees ranging from $39 to $72.
Chimichurri's South American Grill 1600 West Lake Houston Pkwy, 281-360-0015 Four-course prix fixe dinner with complimentary champagne at midnight. Seatings begin at 5 p.m. $59 per person.
Down House 1801 Yale Street, 713-864-3696 Holiday punch aperitif followed by a four-course prix fixe dinner, champagne toast at midnight, and DJ spinning classic R&B, soul and rock vinyl all night. $80 per person.
Fratelli's Authentic Italian 10989 Northwest Freeway, 713-957-1150 Choose from regular menu or five-course dinner and a glass of sparkling wine. Doors open at 5 p.m. and will remain open past midnight. $39 per person.
Haven 2502 Algerian Way, 713-581-6101 Haven's 2nd seating (after 8 p.m.) features a special menu and live music by Luther and The Healers. $85 per person.
Hugo's 1600 Westheimer, 713-524-7744 Vispera de Año Nuevo (New Years Eve Celebration) features a four-course prix fixe dinner, complimentary champagne at midnight, and live music by Viento. $69 per person.
Giacomo's cibo e vino 3215 Westheimer, 713-522-1934 Vigilia di Capodano (New Year's Eve) celebration featuring a four-course prix fixe dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. $45 per person.
Mockingbird Bistro Wine Bar 1985 Welch, 713-533-0200 Four-course prix fixe menu, party favors, and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. $75 per person / $115 with sommelier's wine pairing.
Nardino Ristorante 14800 Westheimer, Ste. D, 281-496-1022. Five-course dinner with seatings from 3 to 9 p.m. $75 per person.
Prego 2520 Amhearst, 713-529-2420 Four-course prix fixe menu with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight and live music by Danny McKnight. Seatings start at 5 p.m. $60 adults / $10 children.
Ra Sushi - CityCentre 12860 Queensbury, 713-331-2792 "Roll into 2012 with a bang" at the CityCentre location's New Year's Eve party. Includes music by DJ Kaito, $6 sake, and specials on popular menu items like the Tootsy Maki ($5), Crunchy Calamari ($5), Shishito Peppers ($5) and Crispy Spicy Shrimp ($8), as well as a variety of NYE-themed cocktails. 8 p.m. until close.
Rattan Pan-Asian Bistro 1396 Eldridge Parkway, 281-556-9888 Choose from the regular menu or a four-course prix fixe dinner with the option of a wine pairing that includes champagne with dessert. $50 per person ($75 with wine pairing).
Quattro - Four Seasons Houston Hotel 1300 Lamar, 713-276-4700 "Early Bird Celebration" from 6 to 8 p.m. features a three-course prix fixe dinner for $70 per person ($100 with wine pairing), while the "Gala Dinner" kicks off at 8:30 p.m. and includes a six-course prix fixe feast, wine pairing option, live music, and a champagne toast at midnight. $155 per person ($200 with wine pairing).
Skewer's Mediterranean Grill 3991 Richmond Ave., 713-599-1444 Early birds can enjoy a three-course dinner with seatings at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. for $35 per person, but the real party begins at 9:30 p.m. with a four-course prix fixe dinner, live music by Youssef, belly dancing and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. $75 per person.
Ristorante Cavour - Hotel Granduca at Uptown Park 1080 Uptown Park Boulevard, 713-418-1000 Four-course prix fixe dinner and amuse-bouche with option of a wine pairing. $125 per person ($190 with wine pairing).
Tila's 1111 S. Shepherd, 713-522-7654 The River Oaks Mexican restaurant's "Motown New Year's Eve" promises a soulful soiree with a three-course prix fixe dinner, live music, dancing, and party favors. $65 per person.
Union Kitchen 4057 Bellaire Boulevard, 713-661-0025 Ring in the New Year around the world with a three-course prix fixe menu and countdowns at 7 p.m. (London, England), 8 p.m. (The Azores) , 9 p.m. (San Paulo, Brazil), and 10 p.m. (Nanortalik, Greenland) -- complete with noisemakers and hats -- perfect for little party animals with early bedtimes. Regular dinner and kids menu also available. $60 per couple.
