Philadelphia

NEW YEARS EVE IN PHILADELPHIA – PHILLY CHIT CHAT TOP CHOICES

December 24, 2009 by HughE Dillon 1 Comment

My Number 1 Choice to Ring In the NEW YEAR’S EVE 2010

R2L – The Residences at Two Liberty Place, 37th Floor, call 215.564.5337 or email nye@r2lrestaurant.com for reservations; Daniel Stern is giving a sneak peak at his new restaurant at the top of Two Liberty Place this New Year’s Eve. Ring in 2010, high above the city skyline with top-shelf open bar, music by DJ Panther, hors d’oeuvres from Chef de Cuisine Alex Urena, champagne toast, sweet ending dessert display, and the best view of the fireworks! $150/per person – get a taste of R2L before its open to the public. It’s a Cashman Party, so you know it’s gonna be good.
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The sickest graphic I’ve seen of late. This would be the other party I would go to. Again lots of eye candy, movers and shakers, people you might read about in the paper. Sumo Lounge $125. It’s gonna be the other half of the movers and shakers of the city.

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I’m looking forward to checking this place out soon…but who wouldn’t want to be surrounded by all the excitement of a casino and the trappings that go with it. If this is your game, then this is your place.
Parx Casino – 2999 Street Road, Bensalem, 888.588.7279, www.parxcasino.com. Will be hosting a whole day of festivities including: Mummers Band from 1pm – 5pm, Usual Suspects from 5pm – 9pm and Masquerade from 9:30pm – 1:30am both performing at 360 bar and nightclub; a $100,000 giveaway is taking place at parx on NYE from 2pm until 2am Live countdown on all LED screens and champagne toast on the casino floor at the stroke of midnight. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ROCK IN THE NEW YEAR AT JOLLY’S DUELING PIANO
(another favorite, that’s why there in this order)

Get tuned up for 2010 at Jolly’s Dueling Piano Bar, Philadelphia’s live deuling piano bar where you’re the star of the show! Grab your spot for this reservation-only event by calling 267.687.1161 or 215.290.8122. But do it soon —you won’t want to miss all your favorite rock and roll hits, free cocktails and snacks, plus a midnight singalong of Auld Lang Syne. Choose from three packages:
Booth Package: Enjoy the best seat in the house at one of three private booths. Includes live entertainment all night, favors and table decorations, one hour of open bar from 9 to 10 p.m., complimentary hors d’oeuvres from 9 to 11 p.m., and a midnight champagne toast for everyone in your party. Charge is $600 per booth. (Please note: Each booth fits six comfortably, but if you want to squeeze, you may add two more guests at no additional cost. There is a four-person minimum.)
Table Package: Enjoy reserved table seating, live entertainment all night, favors and table decorations, one hour of open bar from 9 to 10 pm, complimentary hors d’oeuvres from 9 to 11 p.m., and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Charge is $50 per person. This package can be made in groups of 2, 3, 4, or more.
Party Package: This package offers live entertainment all night, favors, admittance to the bar after 9p.m., and a champagne toast at midnight. Charge is $25 per person.
Jolly’s is located at 2006 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia. Doors open at 8:00pm. Please call Jolly at 267-687-1161 or 215-290-8122 to make reservations. A non-refundable reservation charge of 50 percent must be made at time of reservation, with the balance due by December 28th.
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Have you bought your 2010 Varga Bar Calendar yet. 12 delicious pictures of local Philly girls with tidbits on their favorite meals. You can only buy it at Varga Bar $15 – 10th & Spruce Streets.


Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial www.battleshipnewjersey.org Spend the First Night of 2010 aboard the Battleship New Jersey! The award-winning Overnight Encampment program will be open for families. Enjoy dinner and breakfast served from the crew’s galley, a tour of the ship, a ride on the 4D flight simulator and the chance to sleep in the bunks the crew of the USS New Jersey once did. PLUS experience the best view of the Midnight Fireworks display over the Delaware River and enjoy a non-alcohol toast! Tickets are $60.95 per person and must be purchased in advance by calling 1-866-877-6262 ext. 203.Guests can also just come aboard to watch the midnight fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Music, prizes, food and bar service will be available. The Battleship will open at 10 pm. Tickets for fireworks viewing only are $8 per person and be purchased online at www.battleshipnewjersey.org, or over the phone by calling 1-866-877-6262 ext. 107 or at the Ticket Office up until midnight on Dec. 31.Deep Sea Splash at Adventure AquariumDress to impress at the inaugural Deep Sea Splash at Adventure Aquarium. Best view of the Philadelphia Skyline and our underwater creatures. Enjoy: OPEN PREMIUM BAR AND CHAMPAGNE TOAST AT MIDNIGHT, DELICIOUS HORS D’OEUVRES AND FOOD STATIONS, PREMIUM VIEW OF THE FIREWORKS, DANCING WITH MUSIC BY CENTER STAGE ENTERTAINMENT, COMPLIMENTARY PARKING. TICKETS $99.00 P.P. PLUS 7% TAX OR UPGRADE TO OUR VIP PARTY FOR $135.00 P.P. + TAX AND HAVE EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO CURRENTS BALLROOM. Visit our website or call 856-365-3300
PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA CONCERT
New Year’s Eve
Thursday December 31 7:30 PM Members of The Philadelphia Orchestra Rossen Milanov Conductor
Audra McDonald Soprano This New Year’s Eve The Philadelphia Orchestra welcomes Tony Award-winning singer and actress Audra McDonald. Ms. McDonald joins Philadelphia Orchestra Associate Conductor Rossen Milanov and members of The Philadelphia Orchestra in songs of Gershwin and other favorites of the Great American Songbook for this very special celebration to ring in 2010. CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE 2009 AT PHILADELPHIA’S FINEST RESTAURANTSRegular Menu
Del Frisco’s
1426 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102-2505
(215) 246-0533Union Trust
717 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 – (215) 925-6000LATE SEATING 11PM
London Grill (2301 Fairmount Avenue, 215-978-4545, www.londongrill.com)

  • In addition to their a la carte menu, Chef Michael McNally will offer a $45, four-course meal featuring menu items such as: Roasted Diver Scallop with French Lentils, Black Truffle and Beet Foam; Goat Cheese Gnocchi with Wild Mushroom and Tomato Chutney; Roasted Filet of Beef with Sweet Bread and Bone Marrow Ravioli, Creamed Swiss Chard and Port Wine Sauce; and Wild Striped Bass with Maine Lobster and Chanterelle Mushroom Ragout. A selection of desserts will also be offered. The a la carte and New Year’s Eve menus will be available from 5 until 11 p.m., with a bar snack menu served until midnight. A kids’ menu will also be available. At midnight, guests will receive a complimentary glass of champagne as they watch the Times Square ball drop on live TV. Reservations are recommended.
  • Chifa (707 Chestnut Street, 215-925-5555, www.chifarestaurant.com ) · Sample Chef Garces’ tempting menu combining the flavors and ingredients of both Asian and Latin cuisines with the choice of a $55, $75 or $95 tasting menu. Some of the special dishes will include: Hiramasa Ceviche with Ginger, Charred Pineapple, Orange and Mustard Emulsion; Empanada with Jumbo Lump Crab, Sweet Chile Reduction and Shaved Cucumber; Foie Gras Buns with Hoisin Glaze, Pickled Daikon & Carrot, Togarashi Mayo; Lobster Noodle Bowl with Rocoto Cream, Bacon, Parmesan and Green Peas; Rack of Lamb with Spicy BBQ Sauce, Ginger Quinoa and Pickled Cucumber; and for dessert, Coconut Tapioca. Reservation times are available for all party sizes from 5 until 11 p.m.; a credit card is required.
  • Zahav (237 St. James Place, 215-625-8800, www.zahavrestaurant.com) Chef Michael Solomonov has created a special Mesibah Gedolah Menu, or “Big Party” menu, to be served on New Year’s Eve. Some of the special dishes will include: Hummus-Pitryot with Locally-Foraged Mushrooms and House-Baked Laffa; Borekas with Potato and Black Truffle; Pompano Crudo with Argan Oil, Apple and Fennel; Quail Confit Al Ha’Esh with Foie Gras, Dirty Rice and Kumquats; Spinach Shakshouka with Harissa and Farmer’s Egg; and Kibbutz-Style Dessert of tropical fruits and assorted traditional pastries. The menu price will be $65 per person, excluding tax, beverages and gratuity. Reservations are recommended and will be taken from 5 until 11 p.m
  • Bistrot La Minette

    Queen Village’s Bistrot La Minette is ringing in the New Year with
    seating throughout the evening until 11:30 p.m. Diners can enjoy the
    regular menu with specials created by Chef Peter Woolsey and a
    complimentary champagne toast at midnight.

    A few of the specials for the night include: Pâtes Fraiches aux
    Truffes Noir (house-made pasta, crème fraiche, shaved black
    truffles), Tournedos de Boeuf au Foie Gras (beef tenderloin, seared
    foie gras, thyme jus, port reduction, roasted Brussels sprouts,
    potato croquettes, chanterelle mushrooms), Homard et sa Sauce de
    Caviar (butter-poached lobster, fennel-caviar sauce, lobster
    reduction, parsnip-potato puree, pan-roasted heirloom baby carrots,
    spinach).

    Bistrot La Minette is located at 623 S. 6th Street (between South and
    Bainbridge Streets). For reservations call 215.925.8000, or visit

  • Mémé

    Chef David Katz welcomes guests to celebrate New Year’s Eve with a
    special five-course prix fixe menu for $55, as well as special $5
    glasses of sparkling wine all night.

    The menu will feature quality ingredients such as Griggstown quails,
    braised short ribs and a selection of cheeses from Cowgirl Creamery.
    Diners can also enjoy a chilled seafood platter for an additional
    $15, which will include east and west coast oysters, clams and
    Florida stone crabs.

    Mémé is located at 2201 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA. For
    reservations please call 215.735.4900.

    D’Angelos Ristorante & Lounge (One of my favorite places)

    Ring in the New Year right and enjoy the regular menu with specials
    by Chef Tony. Seating is available by reservation through the evening
    until 10 p.m. Also, enjoy party favors and dancing with DJ Inga all
    night long in the lounge for $15 per person (no fee for diners).

    D’Angelos Ristorante & Lounge is located at 256 South 20th Street,
    Philadelphia, PA. For reservations please call 215.546.3935 or visit

FOR A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF OTHER SITES RESTAURANT CHOICES:

Philadelphia Grub Street

Meal Ticket The New Year’s Eve Short List

AND finally…

If you’re like me, I’ll be hanging out at home with a few friends enjoying CBS 3 TAKES PHILLY FIREWORKS TO NEW HEIGHTS

TELECAST TO AIR IN HIGH DEFINITION FOR THE FIRST TIME Chris May, Susan Barnett to host New Year’s Eve Special