Marcus Leshock here. Many of you might have seen me on the WGN Morning News this A.M., or heard me on WGN Radio 720 AM with Dean Richards last Sunday talking New Year's Eve ideas. I've compiled a list of not only what we talked about, but some of my other picks for things to do while ringing in 2009! Don't forget to check out the incredible planner on metromix.com for even more ideas. Well, here we go:
DINNERS:
Dinner at Lockwood at the Palmer House Hilton
17 E. Monroe
Lockwood is a beautiful, still relatively new restaurant inside the renovated Palmer House Hilton. The restaurant was designed to blend in with the hotel's majestic history, yet still be contemporary enough to not be outdated. Needless to say, it's upscale alright, and the food is fantastic. On New Year's Eve, chef Phillip Foss will be offering a $95 pre-fixe menu from 8-11 p.m. Selections include a foie gras slider and kumamoto oysters. For $150, enjoy a wine pairing with each course.
Dinner and drinks at Chaise Lounge in Wicker Park
1840 W North Ave
Much more casual than Lockwood, but still pretty glam, Chaise Lounge is a great little place to hang out. Oh, and the food is top-notch as well. For $120 on NYE, customers will be treated to a three course meal featuring the spots eclectic American dishes.....and an open bar. It all starts at 8 p.m., but make sure to call in advance for reservations - you won't be able to eat without one.
Keep reading for more ideas.....
CHECK OUT THESE BLOWOUT PARTIES!
The metromix.com "Everybody's Famous" New Year's Eve Party at Enclave!
220 W. Chicago Ave.
Everybody's a star at this party - seriously. They're will be a red carpet for you to walk on, featuring a celebrity impersonator to ask you all kinds of questions as dozens of fans scream for an autograph. They'll even have paparazzi snapping photos of your attire! Most important, $125 gets you access to premium open bar, dancing, and plenty of champagne all night long! Tickets are going fast so you have to hurry!
The Dark & Rich Ball at the Parkway Ballroom in Bronzeville!
4455 S. King Drive
The Parkway Ballroom is a Chicago gem. During the '40s, '50's, and 60's, this was the place to be. You'd find jazz legends like Miles Davis or Duke Ellington tearing up the dance floor on any given night. Sadly, the Parkway had to close, but it's been reopened during the past 5 years. Chef Cliff Rome, formerly of Spago, is the owner. $75 gets you access to plenty of his food creations, and music and dancing all night long. There is a cash bar, but you'll be moving so much you won't even notice!
Spybar and their high-end Champaigne Supernova party
Congress Plaza Hotel
520 S. Michigan
Wow, this sounds big for you clubbers out there. First off, early bird tickets are $140, but for $400 you get two tickets to the event and a hotel room. As for the event:
Champagne Supernova will also feature lively entertainment including "King of South Beach," DJ Cedric Gervais and other DJ's including Dino G, Inphinity, DJ Sincere, Kalendr, Dannyboy and Bam Bam Buddha (on the drums).
The party at the hotel ends at 2 a.m., but Spybar is hosting ANOTHER after party at their bar....but that'll cost you an additional $80.
Angels & Kings in River North
710 N. Clark St.
I still haven't been to this sceney club co-owned by Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz, but I hear great things about it. They're going all out for NYE. In honor of their three locations in chicago, new york, and barcelona, customers will get to celebrate the New Year three times! $95 dollars gets you premium open bar and a gift bag. And remember, with a celebrity owner, you never know who might show up!
SOMETHING A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT.....
The Chuckle Bowl at the Lincoln Square Lanes
4874 N. Lincoln Ave.
The guys from the hilarious comedy show "Don't Spit the Water" are throwing a special New Year's Bash this year at the Lincoln Square Lanes. The Chuckle Bowl will feature their signature performance...where they bring audience members on stage, fill their mouths with water, and dare people to try and hold it in. "Don't Spit" is one of my favorite comedy shows in the city, a simple concept that's so much fun. The Chuckle Bowl will only cost you $20, and get you access to beer, bowling, and comedy. Not a bad deal at all!
The Black Ensemble Theater's Best of the Best Performance!
4520 N. Beacon St.
For $100 at 8 p.m., check out a performance of the best the Black Ensemble Theater had to offer in 2008. Before the big show you'll be treated to appetizers and champagne. Then, after the big show, ring in the new year with an open mic night and plenty of dancing. Should be a great time!
The Zombie Pub Crawl by Weird Chicago!
Various Locations, departs from Hard Rock Cafe
This is hilarious. Show up in your best "zombie" attire, then be bussed around to popular Chicago watering holes to scare the locals! It's $40 a person, and the bus leaves from the Hard Rock Cafe on Ontario. Should be the spectacle of the night!
The Interactive Poseiden Adventure at the Music Box Theatre!
3733 N. Southport
The Music Box is hosting a special Camp Midnight screening of the original 1972 Poseiden Adventure. The movie will be audience interactive with plenty of games, and the New Year's Eve celebration in the film will be perfectly timed with reality, so you can celebrate 2009 with the characters in the film! Let's just hope you don't suffer their same fate.
Anti-Prohibition Party at Fat Cat in Uptown!
4840 N. Broadway
Make sure that nasty little law never returns at Fat Cat in Uptown! For $75-$100, you'll get access to premium open bar, DJ's, a dinner buffet and a fondue station! Yum. Feather boas and fedoras are strongly encouraged.
Mystic Blue Cruises 2008 New Year's Celebration
Navy Pier
Why not enjoy NYE by boat? The Mystic Blue Cruise at Navy Pier offers a laid back night of fun. You'll get dancing, champagne, food - and an up close seat for the fireworks at midnight! and more. It's $146 per person...and you also get an open premium bar.
Sushisamba Rio's Réveillon Party
504 N. Wells Street
From the Sushisamba press release:
Based on Brazil's yearly ritual, the party honors Iemenja, the Goddess of the Sea, with white flowers, the soulful glow of hundreds of candles, and of course, the infectious rhythm of samba dancers grooving to Brazilian beats. Guests are asked to don their snowy whites to emulate this elegant celebration.
Sound exotic. $130 a person gets you an all inclusive experience of drinks, food, and dancing! Spend $170 and get a private table with your own bottle of champagne!
AND MY DEAL OF THE NIGHT.....
Dinner and Drinks at Silver Cloud Cafe in Bucktown!
1700 N. Damen
I've been to the Silver Cloud a few times and enjoyed it greatly. On NYE, they're offering a four course, pre-fixe menu for just $29.95. You'll have a choice of Prime Rib, Salmon Cakes, or Lobster for $10 more. Also, you get a half bottle of wine or champagne with that deal. The perfect place to start any celebrating.
