Small Bites: New Year’s bites

Happy almost New Year! 2012 is almost upon us (cue the doomsday soothsayers), and there's quite a bit going on around town. Here are just a few of the many options available to you on the food front.

Cúrate tapas bar introduces its first New Year's Eve dinner. Chef Katie Button's special event menu kicks off with a number of elBulli-inspired snacks, including, doubtless, the liquid olives. Courses continue with a white asparagus soup with a quail egg, traditional cigalas a la plancha (langoustine) and presa bellota (iberico pork steak). Other courses include ensalada de enidibias (belgian endive salad); artichoke blossoms with honey allioli and preserved lemon; and a course of seared scallops. The dinner ends with a duo of desserts, followed by handmade Cúrate chocolates. In a nod to a Spanish tradition meant to ensure a lucky new year, a midnight cava toast will be served with 12 grapes. Cost is $65 per person. Call 239-2946 for reservations. For more information about Cúrate, visit http://www.curatetapasbar.com.

For the big night, Pack's Tavern features a Countdown to 2012 celebration at $35 a head, plus tax and gratuity. Tickets include a buffet dinner in the Century Room as well as Countdown ticket, which can also be purchased separately for $10. The Countdown ticket includes access to all three floors of Pack’s, multiple bars, two DJs, a Champagne toast and more. The regular menu is available in the downstairs area on a first-come, first-served basis. Pack’s Tavern is located at 20 S. Spruce St. For more information, visit http://packstavern.com.

On New Year’s Eve, The Market Place will feature an a la carte menu from 5 until 10 p.m. with special items like kumamoto oysters, yellowfin tuna tartar, butter-poached lobster tail and a vegetarian “hoppin’ john” farro risotto. The menu can be viewed at the restaurant’s website (http://www.marketplace-restaurant.com). Live music from Patrick Fitzsimons will accompany dinner. A New Year's Eve party follows from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. featuring DJ Ra Mak.

Avenue M
on Merrimon Avenue is also throwing a New Year’s party. Call the restaurant at 350-8181 for more information.

Looking for more? We’ve got more! Visit http://www.mountainx.com for up-to-the-minute New Year’s news.

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