Places For Dining, Music, Dancing on New Year's Eve

Different folks celebrate New Year's Eve in different ways, but no matter what your cup of tea, the last night on the calendar has a unique grandeur all can enjoy. Whether you choose to ring in the new year watching the ball drop in Times Square on TV or by painting the town red, north central Connecticut offers a mix of New Year's Eve entertainment options that will guarantee that you welcome 2011 with a bang. 
 

Do you enjoy a high-octane setting of music, dancing, cocktails and conversation? Or is a romantic table for two your preference on this special evening? Here we have compiled a guide to area locales where revelers of the holiday can party - or take a deep breath and relax - in style.
 

Windsor - , located at 1936 Blue Hills Avenue Ext., will toast in the New Year with a special event at an affordable price. Live music, a full menu from 4:00pm to 7:00pm, plus a dinner menu (minus pizza) after 7:00pm, a view of the fireworks in Hartford, a champagne toast at midnight and party favors will all add to the festive atmosphere at Vito's. A full menu can be found online at http://www.vitosct.com/water/water.htm or you may call 860-285-8660 for more information.

Windsor Locks - , located at 1 Bradley International Airport, will be entertaining guests during their 2011 New Year's Eve Gala beginning at 7:30 p.m. Cocktail hour begins at 7:30 p.m. and includes hors d'oeuvres and open bar until 1  a.m.. Your choice of appetizers will include Bruschetta Napoletana (Grilled Crostini topped with Pomodoro Salsa Cruda) -or- Shrimp Cocktail followed by Sorbet. The Dinner Entree will be Provencal Herb and Roquefort Crumb-encrusted Filet Mignon and Porcini Mushrooms or Maple Glazed Frenched Breast of Chicken with Pan Roasted Natural Au Jus or Baked Dover Sole with Maine Lobster Butter Crumb and Citron Buerre Blanc. And let's not forget dessert of Tuxedo Espresso Torte.

Package highlights include the cocktail hour with hot passed hors d'oeuvres, four-course dinner, musical entertainment provided by Nino's DJ, overnight accommodations, the famous Sheraton brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and free parking in the underground garage. The cost is $359 plus tax per couple. All packages are non-refundable, and full payment is due at the time of reservation. For reservations and information, call the Sales Office at 860-627-5311 ext. 192. Also visit the Sheraton Bradley Hotel online at http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/search/hotel_detail.html?propertyID=19.
 

East Windsor - , located at 53 Prospect Hill Road, will hold a New Year's Eve Gala with dancing and an open bar. A DJ will entertain at this event, which begins at 6:30 p.m. and adjourns at 1 a.m. A variety of hot hors d'oeuvres and a display of assorted fresh fruits with chocolate dip will start the evening, followed by a 7:30 p.m. dinner with Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato Salad, Tuscan Manicotti Stuffed with Italian Herbs, dinner of your choice of New York Sirloin Strip with Peppercorn Sauce, Medallion Pesto Chicken, Stuffed Filet of Sole with Spinach Florentine or Eggplant Parmesan over Angel Hair Marinara, accompanied by Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Lemon Butter Broccoli and assorted Dinner Rolls. Dessert will be an Ice Cream Puff with Hot Fudge. The bar will be open for the entire affair, including a Champagne Toast at midnight. Morning pastries and coffee after midnight will be available, as well as hats and noisemakers.

Overnight accommodations are also available. Call 860-623-9861 for more information and to make your Gala reservations ($85 per person.) For overnight accommodations, with complimentary transport provided to and from La Renaissance, call the Holiday Inn Express East Windsor at 860-627-6585 or the Hilton Garden Inn in Windsor at 860-688-6400. You may also visit La Renaissance online at www.larenaissance.com.

East Windsor - , located at 60 Bridge Street, is the perfect place to enjoy a quiet evening this New Year's Eve, relaxing with a fine meal. They will be taking reservations from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and snacks will be available in the bar for those wishing to just stop by for cocktail or two. Dinner includes a vast variety of baked, broiled or fried seafood entrees, including Alaskan King Crab Legs, Stuffed Swordfish, Lobster dishes, Surf and Turf, Sole, Clams, Scallops, Scrod and much more. Chicken and beef dishes are also available. Visit Maine Fish online to view their entire menu at www.mainefishmarket.com. To make a reservation, call 860-623-2281.
 

 

East Windsor - , located at 297 South Main Street, will also be open for New Year's Eve dinner. The staff and management have announced that there will be a special menu for the evening. Reservations are required by calling 860-627-7094 or emailing info@nutmegrestaurant.com. Also visit them online at www.nutmegrestaurant.com.

Suffield - Tosca, located at 68 Bridge Street, is adding some special dishes to their menu for New Year's Eve. The chef plans to announce these masterpieces later this week.  In addition to these sure-to-be-exquisite additions, the restaurant offers appetizers of Lobster Ravioli, Chicken and Beef Satay, Polenta with Roasted Tomatoes and more. Salads include Caprese, Intermezzo, spinach and arugula varieties and more. Three different preparations of grilled Filet Mignon are on the menu for dinner, as well as many seafood dishes including grilled swordfish and rosemary-encrusted tuna. Chicken, pork and pasta dishes include Penne ala Vodka, Chicken Marsala and Chili Rubbed Pork Tenderloin. Email owner Sue Flynn at SFlynn@ToscoCT.com or call 860-668-0273 for more details and reservations. They are also online at www.toscact.com.

Enfield - Chicago Sam's, located at 95 Elm Street, will celebrate New Year's Eve with 16 oz. Prime Rib specials for $9.95 from 5  p.m. to 9 p.m.. The atmosphere at the popular sports bar and grille will be festive with free noise makers as well as a champagne toast at midnight. For more information about Chicago Sam's, visit them on the Web at www.chicagosams.com or call them at 860-741-2936.   

South Windsor - Mill on the River, located at 989 Ellington Road, is hosting their New Year's Eve Private Party from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. The evening will feature dancing, entertainment and festivities with DJ's Rob Guilmette and Atmosphere's Sean Childs. A 4 1/2-hour open bar will include wine service during dinner and a champagne toast at midnight. There will be a lavish selection of hot and cold hor d'oeuvres, a first course consisting of Wild Mushroom Ravioli, Maryland Crab Cake, Blackened Sea Scallops or Country Pate, salad, a entree of Surf and Turf, Shrimp and Scallop Scampi, Sliced Chateaubriand, Grilled Rack of Australian Lamb or Free-Range Mushroom Chicken and dessert, followed by a continental breakfast buffet. For a complete menu listing, visit Mill on the River online at www.themillontheriver.net. The cost is $95 per person (plus Connecticut sales tax) for reserved seating for parties of 2 to 12. Reservations are being guaranteed by credit card only.

Manchester - The Main Pub, located at 306 Main Street, is offering their self-proclaimed "most rocking party in town" for New Years Eve. As in years' past, they will be featuring party music by Two Piece Nastee (www.twopiecenastee.com) and providing a full food buffet, champagne, party favors and dessert and coffee after midnight. This event costs only $10 and is suitable for those ages 21 and up.Visit the Main Pub online at www.mainpub.com.
 

Manchester - Cavey's Restaurant, located 45 East Center Street, is putting on the dog for New Year's Eve. Classic piano jazz in the bar will create a soothing atmosphere to enjoy a festive three-course prix fixe dinner with Striped Bass and Butter Poached Lobster, Rack of Lamb, Filet of Beef, Veal Osso Bucco, Pasta al Fruitti di Mare, hand-made Tajerin with White Truffles from Alba and more. This event is priced at $65.00 per person, and reservations are required. For a full menu and more information, visit Cavey's online at www.caveysrestaurant.com or call 860-643-2751.
 

Manchester - Hungry Tiger Cafe and Restaurant, located at 120 Charter Oak Street, will feature rock band, Diamondback (www.diamondbackband.com), who will hit the stage at 10  p.m. during the club's annual New Year's Party. Expect a late night, as the band may go past their usual 2 am closing time. A late-night buffet is included in your $10 cover charge, and advance tickets are available by visiting the Hungry Tiger online at www.thehungrytiger.com, calling 860-649-1195 or emailing info@thehungrytiger.com.

Manchester - The Hartford Funny Bone, located at 194 Buckland Hills Drive, is ringing in the new year with comedian Loni Love. This special engagement will feature a dinner show with two seatings, one beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the other at 10  p.m.. Doors and seating for New Year's Eve Starring Loni Love start at 5:30 p.m., and the buffet is open from 5:30 p.m. to 7  p.m.. The cost is $50.00 per person and includes one admission ticket to the 7:30 show, House Salad, Prime Rib, Chicken Marsala, Blackened Salmon, Mac-N-Cheese, Rice Pilaf, Sauteed Vegetables, Roasted Rosemary Potatoes, Assorted Rolls and Butter, Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding, Cheesecake, Soft Drinks and Coffee. The Funny Bone seating is first come, first seated. Seating for the New Year's Bash Starring Loni Love starts at 9:30 p.m.. For $50.00 per person, this includes one admission ticket to the 10  p.m. show, Fresh Fruit Plate (per couple), Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding, Champagne Split (per couple) and Party Favors. Again, this is first come, first seated. Visit the Hartford Funny Bone online at www.hartfordfunnybone.com or call them at 860-432-8600 for more information.

Ellington - Trattoria di Lepri, located at 89 West Road, offers guests informal simplicity and sophistication in a quiet atmosphere. They will be open for New Year's Eve, offering their signature line of fine Italian dishes, including wonderful appetizers, salads, starters and flatbreads and dinner entrees that include Rigatoni Bolognese, Shrimp and Sundried Tomato Tortellini, Pappardelle with Braised Beef and Mild Mushroom and Truffle Brown Sauce, Mediterranean Sea Bass and Shrimp Braised with Rosemary, Roasted Garlic, Tomatoes and White Wine over Wild Rice Risotto and Sauteed Spinach and much, more more.Call 860-875-0000 for more information or visit them on the Web at www.trattoriadalepri.com.
 

Ellington - Holiday Restaurant and Pizza, located at 12 Main Street, will ring in the new year beginning at 7 p.m. on New Year's Eve. The cost is $30 per person, and there will be a buffet with a wide variety of foods, dessert, a champagne toast, coffee and pastry after midnight, music, dancing, games, karaoke and more. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are limited, so call right away to reserve your spot in this casual, fun environment. To purchase a ticket, contact Trish at 860-202-6593 or Ron at 860-305-1076. You may also visit Holiday Restaurant online at www.holidayrestaurant.com for a full menu and additional information.
 

Somers – The Somers Inn, located at 585 Main Street, is the perfect spot for those seeking a quiet evening of fine dining. The menu will feature a select list of New Year's Eve cuisine. Seating begins at 4:30 p.m., with the last seating at 10  p.m.. Call the restaurant at 860-749-2256 to make your reservation.

Somers - Joanna's Cafe, located at 145 Main Street, will offer music provided by a DJ and dancing from 10  p.m. to 2 a.m., with a champagne toast at midnight. The dining room will be open with their regular dinner menu. Visit Joanna's online at www.joannasbanquets.com for a complete menu or call 860-763-5060 for more information.
 

Tolland - Zest, located at 167 Tolland Stage Road (Route 74), will be offering an exquisite 6-course meal for $55 per person from 5  p.m. to 9 p.m. Appetizers will include your choice of Hurricane Farms Roast Pork Empanadas with Blackberry Ginger Salsa, Pan Sared Stonington Scallops with Pork Belly and an Edamame Purée and more. Soups include Gingered Carrot and Beet, House-made Pork Wonton Soup with Asian Vegetables, Farms Chevré, a Beet Chutney and an Orange Balsamic Reduction. Salad will be apples, brie, walnuts, cucumbers, mixed greens with a Vanilla Bean Cider Vinaigrette. Entrees include your choice of Rosemary Sea Salt-encrusted Filet Mignon, Duck Wellington Topped with a Pinot Noir Ginger Blackberry Sauce, Rack of Pork, Caribbean Lobster and Seafood Stew and more. Visit Zest online on their Facebook page for the full menu, including sides and desserts, at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Zest/94803019171?v=wall&ref=ts#!/note.php?note_id=186677298009768. Their Website is located at www.zestofct.com. For reservations, call 860-875-7244.

Mansfield - Altnaveigh Inn, located at 957 Storrs Road (Route 195), offers a special menu that the chef prepares for New Year's Eve that is "different than the regular menu and a little fancier, if you can imagine!" says staff at the exquisite facility. Horns and hats and an "amazing night of music" is on the agenda, sure to make the atmosphere at Altnaveigh festive well into the wee hours of the morning. Reservations fill up fast, so call the restaurant to reserve your spot right away by calling 860-429-4490. You may also visit them online at www.altnaveighinn.com or email them at altnaveigh@aol.com.
 

Hartford - First Night is a celebration of the New Year through the arts and is an alcohol-free, festive public celebration. It is Hartford's premier New Year's Eve party, a multicultural, artistically unique experience with countless professional musicians, artists, performance groups and exhibits that attracts thousands each year.

The 22nd annual First Night includes two days of festivities, including events for children, and two spectacular fireworks shows in Bushnell Park that can be seen throughout the city by thousands of residents and visitors at 6 p.m. and midnight. Venues such as the Hartford Public Library, City Hall, The Old State House, State House Square, Wadsworth Atheneum, Center Church and Charter Oak Cultural Center, The Bushnell Carousel and more will participate in the fun as they welcome the public on this New Year's Eve holiday. First Night celebrations take place throughout the United States as well as in Canada and New Zealand. For a complete listing of attractions, visit First Night on the Web at www.firstnighthartford.org.