Tag: Beacon Hill

Where to Dine on New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day Brunch 2017
Our readers are already searching our past posts to figure out where to dine on New Year's Eve in Boston. It's time for you to grab a reservation at a special place! (From now on we'll just update this post for future years, so you can come back here anytime for our latest information.)

And, since it was popular last year, we're adding a few places we think might be great for starting off 2017 with friends and family around a brunch table.

We all have our ideas of the perfect New Year's Eve.
- Are you looking for a place to ring in 2017 with a happy crowd?
- Will you be out and about dropping in on events or house parties?
- Or will you make a reservation for a quiet dinner before popping a cork for a private celebration?
- Is a walk to view skating on the Frog Pond more your style?
We'll leave the New Year's Eve reservation for those of you who like to be part of a bigger celebration, while we spend the evening with some sparkling wine, good food, and great companions. However, we have gathered resources to help you find a place for any kind of New Year's Eve you'd like.

Everyone can begin at Open Table. They maintain a list of special New Year's Eve celebrations at area restaurants.

You can put a time into the reservation box on the main page and see what's available. Remember, many places have special prix fixe menus for occasions like this and some may require a credit card to hold a reservation.

The site Boston Chefs always posts a listing of its member restaurants that have special plans for New Year's Eve. Here is their New Year's Eve list. And, here's the list for New Year's Day. We'll update this section as we spot new information from these sources.

We'll add updates with other lists, as they become available, from trusted sources around town. Please remember that when we provide a link to a list, we are just giving you a resource. It doesn't mean we are recommending the restaurants on that list. These summaries often include places we love, but since other publishers have different standards, their list may include restaurants we would never recommend.

We Do Recommend!

There are restaurants that have planned a special New Year's Eve menu but have built their reputations on high-quality food. These are places where you can expect to have a wonderful meal any day of the year.
- Select Oyster Bar offering a 3 course New Year's Eve menu all day Saturday, December 31st alongside their full regular menu this NYE.
- Coppa will be serving their regular a la carte menu throughout the evening for revelers who want to end the year with a meal full of familiar favorites.
- Row 34 Chef Sewall will be serving the regular dinner menu with luxurious additions, like Ossestra caviar service or plates like potato latkes with caviar and salmon pastrami.
- Bistro du Midi is offering two seatings at two prices with two prix fixe menus.
- Craigie on Main early seating for a five-course prix fixe menu, with optional add-on wine pairings. Or, if you're ready to celebrate into night, choose the later seating for a six-course menu and Champagne toast.
- Grotto on Beacon Hill, and Marliave downtown all join that list of places sticking with the food you love.
- La Morra in Brookline will serve a three-course prix fixe menu with a glass of Prosecco!
- Myers + Chang will add special items to their regular menu and serve it all Dim Sum style.
Where are you spending the evening? What's your favorite way to celebrate? Come back on January 1st and tell us about your New Year's Eve.

New Year's Day Brunch

Here is a list of brunches from the members of Boston Chefs. Our pick from this list would be Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel.

Open Table did not have a New Year's Day Brunch list when we prepared this post. We put a request in for a table at 11:30 a.m. to come up with our recommendations.
- Craigie on Main decided to do away with their regular Sunday brunch, but they will have brunch on a few selected holidays like New Year's Day.
- Petit Robert Bistro would be a great place to enjoy the beginning of a new year with a gang.
- Eastern Standard will be open with their great brunch menu.
- La Voile on Newbury serves a lovely meal and is a great way to start the year.
To be notified of updates to this post, sign-on to the comment feed for this post or follow us on Twitter for updates.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: Photo: iStockphoto.com

Related articles

SELECT Oyster Bar: Our First Taste

Notes on a New Year's Eve Toast with Bollinger Rosé
December 21, 2016
Where to Pick Up Take-Out for Summer Events Like Shakespeare on the Common

Tonight is opening night for Shakespeare on the Common, so it seems like the perfect day to update great places for take-out food for events or a picnic.

Back Bay

Marlboro Market (map & reviews) has a deli counter where they have some of the best sandwich values in the area. Simple, hearty fare made to your specifications by the friendly crew behind the counter. Bonus – you can fill your cooler with soft drinks, chips, and anything else you need here. They even sell the coolers!

flour bakery + cafe has locations in the Back Bay, South End, Fort Point near the Waterfront and Harbor Walk, and in Central Square Cambridge. While you might be thinking about an all dessert picnic, remember they make great meals as well.

Thinking Cup at 85 Newbury Street is between the Arlington and Dartmouth Street footbridges to the Esplanade and just a couple of blocks from the Public Garden. They offer a great selection of take-out. They also have locations across from the Boston Common at 165 Tremont Street and in the North End at 236 Hanover Street.

Bacco's Wine and Cheese is on St. James right off Arlington making it the perfect place to pick up a meal for either the Esplanade or The Boston Common. Above is their ready-to-go Bento Box. Each day they offer a selection of cheese, bread, meat, and condiments in a box.

Next door at Bacco's Fine Foods, you can find sandwiches, hot meals, and everything you might want for a day outside enjoying the best of a Boston event.

Cambridge Central Square

This is becoming a true food destination and not just for all the great restaurants located there.

central bottle wine + provisions is great for those who'll be coming to the river from the North. They have a great selection of cheese, salumi, and an ever changing daily food selection.

The H-Mart in Central Square has a Food Court making it a prime spot for gathering a great picnic to take to the river.

We highly recommend Panificio's gazpacho.

Beacon Hill

Savenor's Market built its reputation on excellent meat, but they have always offered a fine selection of other food.

Other favorite picnic pick-up locations from Charles Street are: The Paramount and Panificio. And for great, healthy snacks stop at the Fastachi shop at 83 Charles Street.

Boston Common

There is now some good food right on the Common. You'll find trucks stationed by the newly restored Brewer Plaza for long hours each day. There is also The Frog Pond Cafe in-season with some very nice options.

Across from the Common is the Thinking Cup, as we mentioned above. This cafe has built a solid reputation on its outstanding coffee service, but it also has great sandwiches and pastry.

We will make a special trip to the Greenway for the Jamaican Patties from Jamaica Mi Hungry.

Waterfront & North End

Gathering food in the North End is a regular habit of ours. We love Salumeria Italiana and will often pick up a quick meal from their offerings.

We love the recent addition of good Mexican food from Tenoch at 3 Lewis Street in the North End. We found it perfect for a picnic in Christopher Columbus Park.

Along the Greenway, there is an ever-changing collection of food trucks and carts for meals and snacks. They have a schedule posted here. You can consult our food truck tab to learn more about some of the rolling restaurants.

We've given you a start and told you about the places we go and enjoy. Tell us about your favorite places to enjoy an event or a meal and where you love to go to pick up your food.

What's on your Food Lover's shopping list?

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: Stage photo courtesy of Shakespeare on the Common © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino

July 20, 2016
Where to Pick Up Take-Out for Summer Events Like Shakespeare on the Common

Tonight is opening night for Shakespeare on the Common, so it seems like the perfect day to update great places for take-out food for events or a picnic.

Back Bay

Marlboro Market (map & reviews) has a deli counter where they have some of the best sandwich values in the area. Simple, hearty fare made to your specifications by the friendly crew behind the counter. Bonus – you can fill your cooler with soft drinks, chips, and anything else you need here. They even sell the coolers!

flour bakery + cafe has locations in the Back Bay, South End, Fort Point near the Waterfront and Harbor Walk, and in Central Square Cambridge. While you might be thinking about an all dessert picnic, remember they make great meals as well.

Thinking Cup at 85 Newbury Street is between the Arlington and Dartmouth Street footbridges to the Esplanade and just a couple of blocks from the Public Garden. They offer a great selection of take-out. They also have locations across from the Boston Common at 165 Tremont Street and in the North End at 236 Hanover Street.

Bacco's Wine and Cheese is on St. James right off Arlington making it the perfect place to pick up a meal for either the Esplanade or The Boston Common. Above is their ready-to-go Bento Box. Each day they offer a selection of cheese, bread, meat, and condiments in a box.

Next door at Bacco's Fine Foods, you can find sandwiches, hot meals, and everything you might want for a day outside enjoying the best of a Boston event.

Cambridge Central Square

This is becoming a true food destination and not just for all the great restaurants located there.

central bottle wine + provisions is great for those who'll be coming to the river from the North. They have a great selection of cheese, salumi, and an ever changing daily food selection.

The H-Mart in Central Square has a Food Court making it a prime spot for gathering a great picnic to take to the river.

We highly recommend Panificio's gazpacho.

Beacon Hill

Savenor's Market built its reputation on excellent meat, but they have always offered a fine selection of other food.

Other favorite picnic pick-up locations from Charles Street are: The Paramount and Panificio. And for great, healthy snacks stop at the Fastachi shop at 83 Charles Street.

Boston Common

There is now some good food right on the Common. You'll find trucks stationed by the newly restored Brewer Plaza for long hours each day. There is also The Frog Pond Cafe in-season with some very nice options.

Across from the Common is the Thinking Cup, as we mentioned above. This cafe has built a solid reputation on its outstanding coffee service, but it also has great sandwiches and pastry.

We will make a special trip to the Greenway for the Jamaican Patties from Jamaica Mi Hungry.

Waterfront & North End

Gathering food in the North End is a regular habit of ours. We love Salumeria Italiana and will often pick up a quick meal from their offerings.

We love the recent addition of good Mexican food from Tenoch at 3 Lewis Street in the North End. We found it perfect for a picnic in Christopher Columbus Park.

Along the Greenway, there is an ever-changing collection of food trucks and carts for meals and snacks. They have a schedule posted here. You can consult our food truck tab to learn more about some of the rolling restaurants.

We've given you a start and told you about the places we go and enjoy. Tell us about your favorite places to enjoy an event or a meal and where you love to go to pick up your food.

What's on your Food Lover's shopping list?

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: Stage photo courtesy of Shakespeare on the Common © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino

July 20, 2016
Garnish Gazpacho with Avocado Like Panificio Does!

This week we are enjoying a big batch of gazpacho that Penny made over the weekend.

We like it chunky in texture and have learned to add a non-traditional garnish–avocado!

Photo by Peter Rukavina used under creative common's license.

When a walk takes us to Charles Street, we often come home with a container of gazpacho from Panificio Bistro and Bakery. They are the inspiration for this addition to this classic, Spanish cold soup. Thank you to the chef who came up with this idea.

Penny uses a very classic recipe from The New Spanish Table cookbook. On the bread or no-bread side of the gazpacho discussion, we are most decidedly on add-bread-to-the-mix side. When you top this thick soup with avocado pieces, you have a main dish.

With ripe, ready summer tomatoes arriving at farmers markets and farm stands, this is a great lunch or supper. But, anytime you'd rather let someone else do the work, call Panificio and ask if they have their great gazpacho with avocado on the menu. When days are hot, they have been known to sell out of this customer favorite, so do call.

What's on your Food Lover's shopping list?

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino Panificio photo by Peter Rukavina used under creative commons license.

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July 6, 2016
Where to Dine on Father’s Day In & Around Boston 2016

Time to make reservations, if you plan to treat Dad to a meal out on Father's Day, Sunday, June 19, 2016.

For Father's Day dining ideas, here are two excellent lists of restaurant suggestions:

Open Table always does a great job guiding you to the right reservation. What's more, you can just click through and reserve from this list.

Boston Chefs has a special list from their members.

More ideas – last year Eater Boston prepared of list of places to consider.

Would your Dad love to get his hands on some great seafood offerings at Select Oyster Bar? (They do have a steak on the menu, if that would make it a good choice.)

Our Picks:

Select Oyster Bar is a great option this Father's Day. Here are a couple of links to some of the meals we've enjoyed there.

Blue Prawns on the Plancha at Select Oyster Bar

SELECT Oyster Bar: Our First Taste

Row 34 in the Fort Point Neighborhood. Wouldn't Dad love to slurp a few Island Creeks or Row 34 oysters? And match those beauties with the perfect brew from one of the taps or the current cask beer?

Here's more on what we've enjoyed at Row 34 …

Sweet Cheeks Q in the Fenway may seem to be just for the meat lovers in the clan, but they put out some great veggies and a tray of hot and cold scoops (as they call them) with a remarkable farm salad that will put a smile on anyone with a preference for vegetarian fare. And remember to order the crazy-good biscuits. (You may want to treat Dad to a doggie bag of them for the rest of the week!) Check out our Sweet Cheeks posts:

Sweet Cheeks BBQ: A First Look

Sweet Cheeks Q- Great Northern Brisket

Salt & Pepper Potatoes at Sweet Cheeks Q

Bourbon Beer? at Sweet Cheeks

How about simple Italian-American food in a very comfortable setting. We suggest Artu in the North End or on Charles Street in Beacon Hill. Here's one of our favorite menu items.

If you'd like to treat Dad to something really special, consider the ultimate hamburger at the Bristol Lounge at the Four Season's Hotel. Lunch there for just the two of you, some quiet afternoon, could be a great IOU if you can't be together on the 21st. Here's what we wrote about that burger.

Another great spot to share a meal, any day of the week, is Coppa in the South End. You can even top off your meal with a quick shopping trip to Formaggio Kitchen South End across the street. We always do! And that will let you create a super take-home gift that Dad can help select. Need more convincing? Take a look at:

Friday Lunch at Coppa, an Italian Seduction

Coppa Italian Grinder: A Best Bite

Coppa- A First Look

Photo of Evelyn's Drive-In, Tiverton, Rhode Island courtesy of that great resource for finding all the dining traditions Boston and beyond has to offer, Hidden Boston.

Our final suggestion is a trip down memory lane. Take Dad someplace where he used to take you if you have an old favorite that survives to this day. For Penny, this might be Evelyn's Drive-In. For Ed, The Bubbling Brook in Westwood. This day would be about remembering and laughing as much as about the food.

And, for the best gift, let Dad choose something from his Wish List. Get an Amazon gift card! You can send it by email or print it out to tuck into a greeting card. And, if he doesn't shop online, offer to sit with your Dad and take him on an Amazon shopping trip.

Details:
Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino and Evelyn's courtesy of Hidden Boston.

Related articles

Patio & Picnic Season Means More Dining Out Options

Advent Artist on Beacon Hill

Where to Pick Up Great Food for Boston Summer 2014 Events

June 10, 2016
Where to Dine on Father’s Day In & Around Boston 2016

Time to make reservations, if you plan to treat Dad to a meal out on Father's Day, Sunday, June 19, 2016.

For Father's Day dining ideas, here are two excellent lists of restaurant suggestions:

Open Table always does a great job guiding you to the right reservation. What's more, you can just click through and reserve from this list.

Boston Chefs has a special list from their members.

More ideas – last year Eater Boston prepared of list of places to consider.

Would your Dad love to get his hands on some great seafood offerings at Select Oyster Bar? (They do have a steak on the menu, if that would make it a good choice.)

Our Picks:

Select Oyster Bar is a great option this Father's Day. Here are a couple of links to some of the meals we've enjoyed there.

Blue Prawns on the Plancha at Select Oyster Bar

SELECT Oyster Bar: Our First Taste

Row 34 in the Fort Point Neighborhood. Wouldn't Dad love to slurp a few Island Creeks or Row 34 oysters? And match those beauties with the perfect brew from one of the taps or the current cask beer?

Here's more on what we've enjoyed at Row 34 …

Sweet Cheeks Q in the Fenway may seem to be just for the meat lovers in the clan, but they put out some great veggies and a tray of hot and cold scoops (as they call them) with a remarkable farm salad that will put a smile on anyone with a preference for vegetarian fare. And remember to order the crazy-good biscuits. (You may want to treat Dad to a doggie bag of them for the rest of the week!) Check out our Sweet Cheeks posts:

Sweet Cheeks BBQ: A First Look

Sweet Cheeks Q- Great Northern Brisket

Salt & Pepper Potatoes at Sweet Cheeks Q

Bourbon Beer? at Sweet Cheeks

How about simple Italian-American food in a very comfortable setting. We suggest Artu in the North End or on Charles Street in Beacon Hill. Here's one of our favorite menu items.

If you'd like to treat Dad to something really special, consider the ultimate hamburger at the Bristol Lounge at the Four Season's Hotel. Lunch there for just the two of you, some quiet afternoon, could be a great IOU if you can't be together on the 21st. Here's what we wrote about that burger.

Another great spot to share a meal, any day of the week, is Coppa in the South End. You can even top off your meal with a quick shopping trip to Formaggio Kitchen South End across the street. We always do! And that will let you create a super take-home gift that Dad can help select. Need more convincing? Take a look at:

Friday Lunch at Coppa, an Italian Seduction

Coppa Italian Grinder: A Best Bite

Coppa- A First Look

Photo of Evelyn's Drive-In, Tiverton, Rhode Island courtesy of that great resource for finding all the dining traditions Boston and beyond has to offer, Hidden Boston.

Our final suggestion is a trip down memory lane. Take Dad someplace where he used to take you if you have an old favorite that survives to this day. For Penny, this might be Evelyn's Drive-In. For Ed, The Bubbling Brook in Westwood. This day would be about remembering and laughing as much as about the food.

And, for the best gift, let Dad choose something from his Wish List. Get an Amazon gift card! You can send it by email or print it out to tuck into a greeting card. And, if he doesn't shop online, offer to sit with your Dad and take him on an Amazon shopping trip.

Details:
Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino and Evelyn's courtesy of Hidden Boston.

Related articles

Patio & Picnic Season Means More Dining Out Options

Advent Artist on Beacon Hill

Where to Pick Up Great Food for Boston Summer 2014 Events

June 10, 2016
Where to Dine Valentine’s Day 2016 – Ideas for Romantic Dining in Boston
Start early if you want to plan a Valentine's Day meal that your loved one will remember.

This year, February 14th falls on a Sunday.

Just as you could last year, you have the opportunity to plan a romantic weekend or one day with your true love and a couple more meals with friends close to your heart. A lovely Sunday brunch at a favorite spot is an option. You can follow that with a quiet dinner at home for two or a gathering of friends who are close to your heart.

Some of you enjoy trying the special holiday menus at your favorite spots. Others avoid dining out on days like this unless they can order off the regular menu. And, this year, we noticed more places offering that alternative.

This is one of the busiest nights of the year for restaurants, so expect many special prix fixe menus. Also, don't be surprised if you have to leave a credit card to guarantee a reservation and a cancellation fee.

If brunch is on your list, we recommend Coppa Enoteca. They say, "Join us for Valentine’s Day at Coppa. We will be offering our regular menu and specials with additional by the glass and by the bottle wine features."

Coppa is one of our favorite places to spend an afternoon nibbling and sharing plates of delicious offerings like the meatballs and asparagus above.

When a Valentine's Day Brunch or Dinner Is on the Menu …
- Open Table has a list of restaurants and note if they have a special menu or if their regular menu is available. Fortunately, it looks like more places are going with their regular menu with some additions.
- Boston Chefs has a list with some information at this link.
Reservations at wonderful, romantic restaurants go quickly. But, we have lots of ideas for all types of celebrations for budgets of all sizes. Today, we'll address where to dine. There are more ideas on some of our past Valentine posts. These are from other times, so check for details with the places mentioned.

Updates will appear here as we find lists of ideas from reliable resources:

Related BostonZest Posts:

Sophisticated Pink Sparklers for Valentine's Day

Your Special Place, Free Romance for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day Live Performances at Half Price

Eight Tips on Buying Jewelry for Valentine’s Day from an Expert

Romance at the Gardner Museum – Valentine's Weekend Destination

Beacon Hill Hot Chocolate and Ice Skating on the Common (A Romantic but inexpensive date.) And, now you can also skate at the Boston Harbor Hotel and slip into the bar for a glass of Champagne after that hand-holding exercise.

Need some Valentine's Day gift ideas? Click over to Amazon and do some planning, and if you do buy something there, they'll put a few coins in our tip cup.

Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino
Photo: top photo from iStockphoto.com,

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January 22, 2016
Where to Dine on New Year’s Eve 2015 & New Year’s Day Brunch 2016
Our readers are already searching our past posts to figure out where to dine on New Year's Eve in Boston. It's time for you to grab a reservation at a special place!

And, since it was popular last year, we're adding a few places we think might be great for starting off 2016 with friends and family around a brunch table.

We all have our ideas of the perfect New Year's Eve.
- Are you looking for a place to ring in 2015 with a happy crowd?
- Will you be out and about dropping in on events or house parties?
- Or will you make a reservation for a quiet dinner before popping a cork for a private celebration?
- Is a walk to view skating on the Frog Pond more your style?
We'll leave the New Year's Eve reservation for those of you who like to be part of a bigger celebration, while we spend the evening with some sparkling wine, good food, and great companions. However, we have gathered resources to help you find a place for any kind of New Year's Eve you'd like.

Everyone can begin at Open Table. They maintain a list of special New Year's Eve celebrations at area restaurants.

You can put a time into the reservation box on the main page and see what's available. Remember, many places have special prix fixe menus for occasions like this and some may require a credit card to hold a reservation.

The site Boston Chefs always posts a listing of its member restaurants that have special plans for New Year's Eve. Here is their New Year's Eve list. And, here's the list for New Year's Day. We'll update this section as we spot new information from these sources.

We'll add updates with other lists, as they become available, from trusted sources around town. Please remember that when we provide a link to a list, we are just giving you a resource. It doesn't mean we are recommending the restaurants on that list. These summaries often include places we love, but since other publishers have different standards, their list may include restaurants we would never recommend.

We Do Recommend!

There are restaurants that have planned a special New Year's Eve menu but have built their reputations on high quality food. These are places where you can expect to have a wonderful meal any day of the year.
- Select Oyster Bar will serve a 7-course tasting menu. There are still a few seats left for a 6pm and 9pm seating.
- Island Creek Oyster Bar is serving its regular menu and that kindness puts them high on our list.
- Row 34 will serve their regular menu with a special addition: "Caviar and Champagne are the name of the game this New Year's Eve. Ossetra caviar and NV Krug Grand Cuvee are available for enjoying at cost …"
- Bistro du Midi is offering two seatings at two prices with two prix fixe menus.
- Craigie on Main will present a five course tasting menu.
- Grotto on Beacon Hill, Kitchen in the South End, and Marliave downtown all join that list of places sticking with the food you love.
- La Morra in Brookline will serve a three-course prix fixe menu with a glass of Prosecco!
- Myers + Chang will add special items to their regular menu and serve it all Dim Sum style.
Update: 12/17/15 - From Eater Boston here's a list and map of Where to Eat on New Year's Eve in Boston.

Where are you spending the evening? What's your favorite way to celebrate? Come back on January 1st and tell us about your New Year's Eve.

New Year's Day Brunch

Here is a list of brunches from the members of Boston Chefs. Our pick from this list would be Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel.

Open Table did not have a New Year's Day Brunch list when we prepared this post. We put a request in for a table at 11:30 AM to come up with our recommendations.
- Craigie on Main decided to do away with their regular Sunday brunch, but they will have brunch on a few selected holidays like New Year's Day.
- Petit Robert Bistro would be a great place to enjoy the beginning of a new year with a gang.
- Eastern Standard will be open with their great brunch menu.
- La Voile on Newbury serves a lovely meal and is a great way to start the year.
Update: 12/17/15 - From Eater Boston here's a list and map of Where to Eat on New Year's Day in Boston

To be notified of updates to this post, sign-on to the comment feed for this post or follow us on Twitter for updates.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: Photo: iStockphoto.com

Related articles

SELECT Oyster Bar: Our First Taste
December 17, 2015
Where to Dine on New Year’s Eve 2015 & New Year’s Day Brunch 2016
Our readers are already searching our past posts to figure out where to dine on New Year's Eve in Boston. It's time for you to grab a reservation at a special place!

And, since it was popular last year, we're adding a few places we think might be great for starting off 2016 with friends and family around a brunch table.

We all have our ideas of the perfect New Year's Eve.
- Are you looking for a place to ring in 2015 with a happy crowd?
- Will you be out and about dropping in on events or house parties?
- Or will you make a reservation for a quiet dinner before popping a cork for a private celebration?
- Is a walk to view skating on the Frog Pond more your style?
We'll leave the New Year's Eve reservation for those of you who like to be part of a bigger celebration, while we spend the evening with some sparkling wine, good food, and great companions. However, we have gathered resources to help you find a place for any kind of New Year's Eve you'd like.

Everyone can begin at Open Table. They maintain a list of special New Year's Eve celebrations at area restaurants.

You can put a time into the reservation box on the main page and see what's available. Remember, many places have special prix fixe menus for occasions like this and some may require a credit card to hold a reservation.

The site Boston Chefs always posts a listing of its member restaurants that have special plans for New Year's Eve. Here is their New Year's Eve list. And, here's the list for New Year's Day. We'll update this section as we spot new information from these sources.

We'll add updates with other lists, as they become available, from trusted sources around town. Please remember that when we provide a link to a list, we are just giving you a resource. It doesn't mean we are recommending the restaurants on that list. These summaries often include places we love, but since other publishers have different standards, their list may include restaurants we would never recommend.

We Do Recommend!

There are restaurants that have planned a special New Year's Eve menu but have built their reputations on high quality food. These are places where you can expect to have a wonderful meal any day of the year.
- Select Oyster Bar will serve a 7-course tasting menu. There are still a few seats left for a 6pm and 9pm seating.
- Island Creek Oyster Bar is serving its regular menu and that kindness puts them high on our list.
- Row 34 will serve their regular menu with a special addition: "Caviar and Champagne are the name of the game this New Year's Eve. Ossetra caviar and NV Krug Grand Cuvee are available for enjoying at cost …"
- Bistro du Midi is offering two seatings at two prices with two prix fixe menus.
- Craigie on Main will present a five course tasting menu.
- Grotto on Beacon Hill, Kitchen in the South End, and Marliave downtown all join that list of places sticking with the food you love.
- La Morra in Brookline will serve a three-course prix fixe menu with a glass of Prosecco!
- Myers + Chang will add special items to their regular menu and serve it all Dim Sum style.
Update: 12/17/15 - From Eater Boston here's a list and map of Where to Eat on New Year's Eve in Boston.

Where are you spending the evening? What's your favorite way to celebrate? Come back on January 1st and tell us about your New Year's Eve.

New Year's Day Brunch

Here is a list of brunches from the members of Boston Chefs. Our pick from this list would be Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel.

Open Table did not have a New Year's Day Brunch list when we prepared this post. We put a request in for a table at 11:30 AM to come up with our recommendations.
- Craigie on Main decided to do away with their regular Sunday brunch, but they will have brunch on a few selected holidays like New Year's Day.
- Petit Robert Bistro would be a great place to enjoy the beginning of a new year with a gang.
- Eastern Standard will be open with their great brunch menu.
- La Voile on Newbury serves a lovely meal and is a great way to start the year.
Update: 12/17/15 - From Eater Boston here's a list and map of Where to Eat on New Year's Day in Boston

To be notified of updates to this post, sign-on to the comment feed for this post or follow us on Twitter for updates.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: Photo: iStockphoto.com

Related articles

SELECT Oyster Bar: Our First Taste
December 17, 2015
Our Old Friend Ainsley the Whippet Is Our Sunday Dog

We ran into Ainsley and his person Britt on the Esplanade last week. Ed, Poppy and I had walked all over Beacon Hill shooting photos for my Attention to Detail newspaper column when we spotted a speedy Whippet chasing a tennis ball as we returned via the river.

When he finally stopped to rest, we realized it was our old friend Ainsley. He is now a Beacon Hill dog and we don't see him as often as we once did.

Here he is when we first met him back in 2008. He had just moved from the Fenway to Back Bay and posed for our Sunday Dog feature with Hank.

Ainsley took a rest while we caught up with what's been happening in his life since we last met. But, you can see the message in those eyes. "Britt, stop talking to them and toss my ball."

Eventually, he charmed a passing dog person into launching a few long throws for him. (She was wise enough to ask if it was okay before she began.)

And, as you can see, the boy still makes a gorgeous photo model. Thanks for posing Ainsley! Hope to see you again soon.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

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Words: Penny Cherubino
Photos: ©2008 and 2015 Penny Cherubino

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