Ready to make up for the New Year’s Eve fun you lost to the pandemic? These Vancouver-area establishments are featuring special food, drinks and entertainment to ring in 2023, whether you’re looking for a glamorous party or something more laid back. Many places require reservations, so it’s wise to book ahead, although I’ve also included some options for last-minute revelers.
Dos Alas (777 Waterfront Way; 360-768-5249) is throwing an over-the-top extravaganza. The New Year’s Eve celebration at this sexy waterfront tequila palace starts with a red-carpet welcome followed by a special menu with small plates including burrata panzanella ($20) and seared ahi crudo ($28), entrees including filet mignon with a colossal prawn ($95), table-side cocktails and a DJ. Tickets range from $50 to $100 per person depending on seating. The price of admission doesn’t include food or drink.
VX74 (212 E. Evergreen Blvd.: 210-999-9400) will stay open until 2 a.m. with dinner, jazz, an aerial hoop performance, champagne and a DJ. Reservations are required.
New Orleans-inspired Magnolia Tavern (8611 N.E. Ward Road; 503-433-6958) will offer specials including 14-ounce prime rib ($45) and Maine lobster (market rate), complimentary champagne at midnight and a live band.
The Coral Club (106 E. Evergreen Blvd.; 360-989-5725), a newly opened and extremely popular “speaktiki,” is throwing a reservations-only, Polynesian-inspired, end-of-the-year party with a tiki toast at midnight and a DJ. The party runs until 1 a.m.
The New Year’s Eve party at Wahi Hana (1819 Main St.; 360-360-4656) includes champagne and special-effects shows for midnight in each U.S. time zone. Walk-in spots will be available at the bar, but the rest of the spaces can be reserved.
The Grocery (115 W. Seventh St.; 360-258-1324) provides a good reservation-free option. This downtown cocktail bar will serve its regular food and drink menu with a champagne toast at midnight, right before closing.
New Year’s Eve at La Bottega (1905 Main St.; 360-571-5010) is by reservation only. The menu features oysters on the half shell, duck gnocchi carbonara, Harris Ranch porterhouse steak, lobster, monkfish, and veal scallopini, as well as Prosecco, Champagne, Cava, Lambrusco and other sparkling wines.
Reservations are also required at Elements (907 Main St.; 360-258-0989). Chef Miguel Sosa will serve a la carte items including lobster, lamb osso buco, venison loin, chocolate gnocchi, Oregon white truffle and caviar.
For those who want to chill, the tasting room for Amavi Cellars & Pepper Bridge Winery (677 W. Columbia Way; 360-726-6119) is hosting a relaxing evening of live music by The Tide, an acoustic guitar and vocals duo from Portland known for a mix of folk, soft rock and jazz. The winery’s Walla Walla estate wines will be available by the glass, accompanied by a selection of small bites. The tasting room will be open from noon to 9 p.m. Dec. 31, with live music beginning at 6 p.m.
Alan Maniscalco and Shan Wickham recently announced they’re shutting down Rally Pizza (8070 E. Mill Plain Blvd.; 360-524-9000) after six years. New Year’s Eve will be the restaurant’s last day of service, giving Rally fans a final night to dine on Maniscalco’s stellar pizzas and Wickham’s frozen custard creations.
If you prefer a quiet but elegant evening at home, Niche Wine Bar (900 Washington St.; 360-253-1742) is stocking champagne and sparkling wine in a variety of styles, including Cava and Prosecco. Prices range from $12 to $200 per bottle. Niche also offers wine-friendly food to go.
Champagne or sparkling wine whets the appetite, so it’s wise to grab an assortment of bites for your home soiree. La Bottega has a deli counter full of meats, cheeses and accompaniments as well as prepared foods and grocery items. OMW Market (207 E. McLoughlin Blvd.; 360- 859-3011) will be open from noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 31, offering charcuterie boards ($20-$100), desserts like eggnog cheesecake for two ($8) and bottles of sparkling wine ($15-$30). Charcuterie boards can be pre-ordered online.
After gathering provisions, find a film, wrap yourself in a blanket and ring in 2023 — or doze off trying.
Rachel Pinsky: couveeats@gmail.com
