Time is running short to make reservations for any of the numerous prix fixe dinners being offered across the city on New Year's Eve. Remember, packing away four or five courses will give you the fortitude necessary to properly drink your way into 2010. Here are a few dinners of note [price listed is per person unless stated otherwise]:
Biwa [215 SE 9th, 239-8830] - $55, 5 courses ($30 sake pairing)
The little Japanese powerhouse in Southeast Portland will be serving items including, tuna sashimi, oysters and kimchi, and lobster sumashi. Apparently they'll also being throwing in a couple surprises.
Belly Timber [3257 SE Hawthorne, 235-3277] - $45, 3 courses
The lovely little Victorian house on Hawthorne will be extra loud tonight, but that shouldn't distract too much from Chef Siegel's menu. Options include homemade chicken soup with soft egg and quince, flatiron steak, and pork cheeks.
Del Inti [2315 NE Alberta, 288-8191] - $50, 4 courses ($22 wine pairing)
I know it's tough to think of eating Peruvian food anywhere other than Andina, but this might be just the chance you needed to branch out. I've enjoyed what I've tried at Del Inti, but I haven't been there since the chef change. New Year's options include artichoke and wild mushroom ceviche, and Peruvian-style paella with crispy duck breast.
East India Co. [821 SW 11th, 227-8815] - $27 ($50 per couple), 4-ish courses
One of the most pricey Indian restaurants in town just happens to be serving one of the most affordable prix fixe menus on New Year's Eve. While the options aren't listed for the dinner, other prix fixe menus have included items like katti kebab, and Goan fish curry.
Nostrana [1401 SE Morrison, 234-2427] - $50, 7 courses
Cathy Whims wants you to get lucky in the New Year. Wait. Excuse me. She wants you to be lucky in the New Year. She'll be serving traditional Italian dishes that are said to bring good luck. Look for Dungeness crab, and wood grilled beef fillet, among lentils, oranges, and other lucky foods.
New Year's Day Brunches of Note:
Two New Year's Day Brunches caught my eye, both serving Southern US classics. Interestingly, they are on opposite sides of the proverbial track.
The Country Cat [7937 SE Stark, 408-1414] will be serving a special cocktail containing everyones favorite fizzy cure, Emergen-C. It should pair nicely with the Hollandaise smothered crab bene on a biscuit. Hell, yes. Brunch served from 9 am to 2 pm.
Delta Cafe [4607 SE Woodstock, 771-3101] will also be kicking out a brunch on New Years Day with smoked Brisket hash and beignets. You'll also find chicken-fried steak, bloody Mary bar, and bowl games on the tube. Oh! And $1 red beers. Uh-huh.
While we're on the subject, be sure and check out Ali's list of sure-fire amazing New Year's Eve events.
