Where can you have a nice meal to bid adieu to 2023 and welcome 2024? Check out this list
If you are looking to say “sayonara” to 2023 with an incredible meal, here are some local restaurants cooking up special dishes for New Year’s Eve.
Luminary Kitchen & Provisions
Luminary Kitchen & Provisions is offering two days to toast the start of a new year.
The restaurant at 3121 Hedley Road will serve a five-course meal featuring either a sparkling Champagne or rose toast on Dec. 30 and 31.
The meal features a crispy leek with caviar and creme fraiche, choice of bluefin tuna crudo or harissa-spiced steak tartare, choice of shrimp yakitori or red curry soup, choice of porchetta with date and walnut stuffing or mushroom agnolotti.
For dessert, select either chocolate budino with roasted strawberry ice cream or a sticky toffee pudding with braised apples.
Cost is $85 a person. Wine pairings can be added for an additional $20. Gluten-free and pescatarian options are available with advance notice. To reserve a seat, call (217) 679-1819 or email theluminarychefs@gmail.com.
Joseph's Fine Cuisine
Joseph's Fine Cuisine has two seatings for a five-course New Year’s Eve feast.
The meal features duck confit, an arugula salad with house-cut bacon and Gouda with a honey-thyme vinaigrette, pan-fried seabass with grilled asparagus, seared Australian Wagyu, and a triple dessert with creme brulee, birthday cake truffle and chocolate cake.
Cost is $140 a person. Seatings are Dec. 31 at 5 or 7:45 p.m. Reservations can be made by phone (217) 250-2527 or online www.chefjojocorp.com. The restaurant is at 3153 Hedley Road.
Loukinens on 4th
Loukinens on 4th is celebrating the New Year a day early with a special menu on Dec. 30.
All dinners include an appetizer for two, soup or salad, entree, shareable side dish, and dessert. Cost is $125 a person.
Reservations required. Call (217) 670-1360 to reserve a seat.
The restaurant is at 517 S. Fourth St.
Pao Bistro
Pao Bistro in The Gables is serving a limited menu on New Year’s Eve from 5 to 10 p.m.
Featured entrees range from filet mignon to pork medallion, Pao chicken to cajun pasta, Canadian lobster to Chilean sea bass. Entree prices range from $19 to $49.
A selection of salads, appetizers, and small plates also will be available.
Call (217) 546-4660 for reservations. Pao Bistro is at 2824 Plaza Drive.
Mess Hall Restaurant
The Mess Hall Restaurant has dinner specials for the entire family on New Year’s Eve.
The restaurant, located in the American Legion Post 32 at 1120 Sangamon Ave., is open from 4-8 p.m. Call (217) 523-3415 for reservations.
Featured items include a 10-ounce ribeye steak for $21.99, a gouda-stuffed chicken breast for $16.99 and shrimp scampi served over rice for $16.99. The steak and chicken come with salad, choice of baked potato or blue cheese-smashed potato and roll. The shrimp comes with a salad.
Kids selections include a choice of grilled cheese or chicken strips served with fries and applesauce for $5.95.
New York cheesecake is available for dessert served plain or with a choice of strawberry or chocolate topping. Cost is $4.50.
Broadgauge
Broadgauge in Petersburg is taking reservations for a five-course meal that includes dancing in the New Year.
Entree options include filet mignon, Alaskan halibut, cold-water lobster tail or a vegetable turnover. Round out the meal with scallops ceviche, vegetable empanada, and Caesar salad. Choose between two house-made sweets for dessert – cheesecake with a fresh berry compote or flourless chocolate cake.
Cost is $95. The meal is served from 4:30-9 p.m. Music and dancing in the ballroom from 8 p.m.-1 a.m. There is no cover charge.
Reservations can be placed online at www.broadguage.com/reservations.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Looking for a restaurant to toast the new year? Check out this list