Looking for a place to ring in the New Year? It’s not too late to make your reservation. What better way to sweep out the old and bring in the New Year than to enjoy a fabulous dinner and holiday cheer at one of the following restaurants? Make it a night to remember whether you’re having a romantic dinner for two, or partying with family or friends. 
Arguably one of the most romantic restaurants in town, Quiessence is the perfect place for an intimate dinner for two. Pulling out all the stops, Chef LaPrad has created perhaps his most decadent menu ever. The four-course menu includes a foie gras terrine, truffled wild mushroom lasagna or pumpkin soup with crab, mangalista proscuitto, and choice of pan roasted duck breast, baked cod, or prosecco poached cotechino sausage, and amaretto pear trifle or entremet cake. $95 per person; Add $55 per person for sparkling wine pairings. For reservations call 602-276-0601. http://www.quiessencerestaurant.com/
Executive Chef Lee Hillson and Executive Pastry Chef Travis Watson of T. Cook’s at Royal Palms have created an incredible four-course meal exclusively to help you usher in 2012. With too many menu items to mention, here are a few teasers to tempt your palate. Lobster bisque with caviar mascarpone. Asparagus with poached egg and shaved truffle. Pasta carbonara with wild boar ragout. Vegetable shepherd’s pie or spice rubbed halibut with roasted eggplant couscous cake. For sweet endings, cranberry & tart upside down cake or warm flourless Nutella cake with a mango ‘Mimosa’, Gianduja fondue, hazelnut truffles and Bailey’s Irish cream gelato. $125/person for early seating; $150/person for later seating. For reservations call 602-808-0766. http://www.royalpalmshotel.com/
If you’re looking for a French country bistro, look no further. Petite Maison is located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. In light of the holiday, Chef James Porter has prepared a special four-course meal that features your choice of butter poached Maine lobster and vanilla risotto, or duck confit, slow roasted pork belly, sea bass, or filet mignon, with crispy hazelnut and dark chocolate berry Salpicon for dessert. $85/person; $30 for optional wine pairings. For reservations call 480-991-6887. http://petitemaisonaz.com/
If you’re planning on hitting the downtown party scene, stop in at Cibo first for a casual dinner celebration. Set in a beautifully restored 1913 bungalow in Phoenix’s Roosevelt Historic District, the Italian inspired New Year’s eve menu will include a choice of soup, salad, pasta, dessert and a glass of champagne all for $30/person. Call 602-441-2697 to reserve your spot. http://www.cibophoenix.com/
Lon’s at the Hermosa offers an early three-course menu or later seating with four-courses. Chef Jeremy Pacheco dazzles with choices of starters the likes of kobe beef tartar or roasted pumpkin soup, followed by entrees such as grilled beef tenderloin, or roasted maple leaf duck breast, or Mediterranean Orata “Seabream” made with black truffle sunchoke puree. No matter which seating you choose, dessert will be decadently delicious. 
First seating: $85/person; Second seating: $150/person; Late Night Desserts & Champagne Toast from 10:00 pm – 12:30 am: $25/person. Call 602-955-7878 to make your reservation. http://www.hermosainn.com/lons/
You want to party, but don’t want to pay a lot. Zinburger has the answer. Dinner for two for only $40! Burger & salad, share a side and slice of pie. Includes a glass of wine, draft beer, milk shake or non-alcoholic beverage per person. You can even bring the kids (kids meals available). http://www.foxrc.com/zinburger.html
There are plenty of restaurants prepared to help you celebrate the anticipation of wonderful new things to come in 2012. Too many to mention here. Check with individual restaurants for more information.
If you celebrate a little too exuberantly, please make sure to let someone else do the driving. Be safe. Happy New Year!
