I couldn’t make up my mind regarding New Year’s Eve plans. Dinner at Alinea, Ambria, Spiaggia or Tru? I like Shawn McClain’s cooking, but should I eat at Spring, Green Zebra or Custom House?
So many restaurants, so hard to decide.
So I made reservations at all of them.
I can’t be in 60-plus restaurants at once. So I’ll tell you what. I’ve got some tables saved for you.
Pick one of the restaurants from our “Save the Tables” list, call and ask for the “Phil Vettel table,” and you can have my reservation. Assuming that someone else doesn’t call first.
The following restaurants promised to hold these reservations until today, when they’re available to the first caller or callers (some places are holding two tables or more) using my (blush) name.
To be crystal-clear on this, we’re not really giving away anything. You’ll still pay for the dinner, drinks, tax and tip; there are no freebies or discounts involved. But you will be able to snag a New Year’s Eve reservation that ordinarily would be unavailable at this late date.
Have your credit card ready; to guard against no-shows, the restaurants will require a credit-card deposit (or full prepayment).
If you’re a party of two and the listing is for a table of four, call anyway. Most restaurants will accommodate you. If your party is larger than the listed size of the table, the restaurant still might be able to take care of you.
I made every effort to ensure that package information and prices are correct, but last-minute changes can occur. Verify all relevant information when booking. If you call a restaurant before it has opened and leave a voice-mail message, do not assume that you have gotten that reservation.
All of the reservations are for Dec. 31 only, and unless otherwise specified, all prices listed are per person and do not include tax, tip or alcohol.
Best of luck and Happy New Year.
Adelle’s, 1060 College Ave., Wheaton, is saving a table for four at 7 p.m., featuring a four-course menu with choices in all categories. $50. 630-784-8015.
Alinea, 1723 N. Halsted St., is saving a table for two at 8:30 p.m. for its 12- to 13-course menu featuring luxury ingredients, with complimentary glass of champagne. $225. 312-867-0110.
Ambria, 2300 Lincoln Park West, is saving a table for two at 5:30 p.m. The early seating will feature a six-course degustation menu priced at $105. 773-472-5959.
Aria, Fairmont Chicago, 200 N. Columbus Drive, is holding a table for two and a table for four at 8 p.m., featuring its regular menu plus specials. 312-444-9494.
Bank Lane Bistro, 670 Bank Lane, Lake Forest, is saving a VIP table for four on its newly glass-enclosed balcony overlooking Market Square in downtown Lake Forest. Guests choose between the Grand Lux five-course menu ($150; wine pairing $50) or the four-course Ring-in-the-New-Year menu ($63; wine pairing $23). 847-234-8802.
Bapi Ristorante, 1510 Hintz Rd., Arlington Heights, is saving one table (any time). The restaurant will feature its regular menu, plus New Year’s specials. 847-253-2333.
Brasserie Jo, 59 W. Hubbard St., is saving a table for two at its late seating, which features a four-course menu with midnight toast for $59. Live music beginning 8 p.m. 312-595-0800.
Butter, 130 S. Green St., is holding a table for two for its 9 p.m. seating. The restaurant will offer a five-course menu priced at $120 ($25 for wine pairings). 312-666-9813.
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!, 2024 N. Halsted St., is saving one table for two and one table for four at 8 p.m. The restaurant will host a Spanish-style New Year’s celebration with a newly designed a la carte menu, with specials, plus complimentary pincho tapas, deejay music, dancing and a Cava Sangria toast at midnight. 773-935-5000.
Cafe Lucci, 609 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview, is saving a table for four at its 5, 7 and 9 p.m. seatings. In addition to the regular menu, Cafe Lucci will offer a four-course New Year’s menu that includes a half-bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne (one per couple). $65. 847-729-2268.
Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton Market, is saving a table for four at 10 p.m., featuring the regular menu plus special “one night only” dinner and dessert menus. There will be “carnivale” acts (stilt-walkers, jugglers, etc.), TV coverage and other surprises. 312-850-5005.
Cite, 505 N. Lake Shore Drive, is holding a table for two any time between 6:30 and 10 p.m. The restaurant will feature a four-course dinner, priced at $195, with live entertainment, party favors and a champagne toast–not to mention a perfect view of the city’s fireworks. 312-644-4050.
Custom House, 500 S. Dearborn St., is holding a table for two at 9 p.m., featuring a four-course menu ranging from $75-$95. Champagne toast at midnight. 312-523-0200.
Cyrano’s Bistrot & Wine Bar, 546 N. Wells St., is saving one table for two for its 6:30-8 p.m. seating and one table for two and one table for four for its 9-11 p.m. seating. The early seating will feature a four-course menu with glass of champagne for $49; the late seating ($99 or $109 in the Cabaret Room with live music) will feature a five-course menu and glass of champagne. 312-467-0546.
Del Toro, 1520 N. Damen Ave., is saving a table for two at 9:30 p.m., featuring its regular small-plates menu, plus a Cava toast at midnight. 773-252-1500.
Don Roth’s Blackhawk, 61 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, is holding a table for four at 6:30 p.m. and a table for four at 8:30 p.m., featuring the regular menu. 847-537-5800.
Embrace, 29 E. First St., Hinsdale, is saving a table for four at 8 p.m., featuring a four-course menu ($125 per couple) and live music 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. 630-325-1996.
Erwin, an American wine bar, 2925 N. Halsted St., is saving a table for two at 5:30 and 10 p.m., featuring an “anti-prix-fixe” a la carte menu of regular favorites and specials. 773-528-7200.
Everest, 440 S. LaSalle St., is holding a table for two at its 8:30 p.m. seating, which features a seven-course dinner for $225. 312-663-8920.
Extra Virgin, 741 W. Randolph St., is saving two tables for four (times vary), featuring a four-course menu with wine pairings for $85. Regular menu also available; live music begins 8 p.m. 312-474-0700.
Geja’s Cafe, 340 W. Armitage Ave., is saving one table each at 5, 7:30 and 10 p.m. A four-course fondue dinner will be featured for $65 at 5 p.m. (with glass of champagne), $80 at 7:30 p.m. (with glass of champagne) and $95 at 10 p.m. (with bottle of champagne per couple). 773-281-9101.
Gioco, 1312 S. Wabash Ave., is holding a table for a family of four at 5:30 p.m. and a table for two at 9 p.m. The early table is for the restaurant’s family celebration, in which parents order from the regular menu (or special prix-fixe) and kids under 12 eat free. “Kiddie countdown” at 6:30 and 8 p.m. The late seating features the regular menu, plus an $85 prix-fixe menu. Champagne toast. 312-939-3870.
Green Zebra, 1460 W. Chicago Ave., is saving a table for two at 9 p.m., featuring a five-course tasting menu for $65 (wine pairings $45). 312-243-7100.
Gridley’s Grille, Ill. Hwy. 83 and Gilmer Rd., Long Grove, is holding a table for four at 9:30 p.m., featuring a limited a la carte menu. Champagne toast at midnight. 847-478-3663.
The Grillroom, 33 W. Monroe St., is saving two tables for four (any time), featuring a five-course menu with wine pairings for $140 per couple. Regular menu also available; champagne toast at midnight. 312-960-0000.
Harry Caray’s, 33 W. Kinzie St., is saving one table for four at both 7 and 8 p.m. In addition to the regular Italian steakhouse menu, Harry’s will offer a five-course New Year’s menu for $65 ($85 with matching wines). 312-828-0966.
Harry Caray’s Rosemont, 10233 W. Higgins Rd., Rosemont, is saving one table for four at both 7 and 8 p.m. In addition to the regular Italian steakhouse menu, Harry’s will offer a five-course New Year’s menu for $60 ($85 with matching wines). 847-699-1200.
The Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave., is holding a special Sweetheart Table for two for its “Green With Envy” gala that is black-tie and green-dress optional. Includes champagne and hors d’oeuvres reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by a six-course dinner, dancing to the Dan Hayes Orchestra, champagne toast and continuous bar until 1:30 a.m. The Sweetheart Table is $435 per couple; general seating $195 per person. Add overnight stay for $129 and up. 800-591-6440.
Japonais, 600 W. Chicago Ave., is saving one table for two and one table for four at both its 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. seatings. Both seatings will feature a four-course menu with champagne or sake toast; early seating $100, late seating $125. 312-822-9600.
Karma, 510 E. Illinois Highway 83, Mundelein, is saving one table for four at 8:30 p.m. for its dinner, which will feature an a la carte menu with specials (entrees $20-$25). Continue the party into the wee hours at the adjacent lounge. 847-970-6900.
Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club, 3700 N. Halsted St., is holding two tables for two at 6:30 p.m. ($65), two tables for four at 8:30 p.m. ($85) and two tables for four at 10:30 p.m. ($95), each featuring a five-course dinner with glass of champagne–plus performances by the Kit Kat Divas. 773-525-1111.
Le Francais, 269 S. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, is saving a table for two at 9 p.m., featuring a seven-course degustation menu, with Krug “Grand Cuvee” toast, for $160. 847-541-7470.
Le Lan, 749 N. Clark St., is holding a table for two at 9 p.m., featuring a seven-course menu, with Dom Perignon toast, for $130. 312-280-9100.
Le Titi de Paris, 1015 W. Dundee Rd., Arlington Heights, is saving a table for four at 6:30 p.m. and a table for two at 9 p.m., featuring a seven-course menu priced at $82 for the early seating and $88 late. Live music throughout the evening. 847-506-0222.
Marche, 833 W. Randolph St., is holding a table for a family of four at 5:30 p.m. and a table for two at 9 p.m. The early table is for the restaurant’s family celebration, in which parents order from the regular menu (or special prix-fixe) and kids under 12 eat free. “Kiddie countdown” at 6:30 and 8 p.m. The late table is for the Marche Masquerade Ball, featuring a special $85 menu (regular menu also available) and champagne toast. 312-226-8399.
Millrose Restaurant & Brewery, 45 S. Barrington Rd., Barrington, is saving a table for six at 5 p.m., a table for four at 8 p.m. and a table for two at 10 p.m., featuring its regular menu plus specials. 847-382-7673.
Mk, 868 N. Franklin St., is holding one table for two and one table for four at its 6:30 p.m. seating, and one table for four at its 9:30 p.m. seating. Both seatings will feature four-course menus; price at the early seating is $70 and at the late seating is $115 (includes music and champagne at midnight). 312-482-9179.
Mon Ami Gabi, 2300 Lincoln Park West, is saving two tables for two (any time). The restaurant will serve its regular menu with specials. 773-348-8886.
Mon Ami Gabi Oak Brook, 260 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, is saving two tables for two (any time). The restaurant will serve its regular menu with specials. 630-472-1900
N9ne Steakhouse, 440 W. Randolph St., is holding a table for four at its 5:30-7 p.m. seating. The restaurant will serve a four-course menu for $80. 312-575-9900.
NoMI, Park Hyatt, 800 N. Michigan Ave., is saving a table for two at its 5:30 p.m. seating. That first seating will feature a four-course dinner ($100). 312-239-4030.
North Pond, 2610 N. Cannon Drive, is holding a table for four at 6 p.m., featuring a seven-course menu for $110 (wine pairings available). 773-477-5845.
One North Kitchen & Bar, 1 N. Wacker Drive, is holding two tables for four (any time), featuring an all-you-can-eat buffet (with prime rib, rack of lamb, shrimp, oysters, caviar bar) for $69.95 per couple, including bottle of wine or champagne and “morning after recovery kit.” 312-750-9700.
Opa Estiatorio, 950 Lakeview Pkwy., Vernon Hills, will hold a table for four at 6 p.m. and a table for two at 9:30 p.m., featuring the regular menu, plus deejay music and dancing after 9 p.m. 847-968-4300.
Opera, 1301 S. Wabash Ave., is holding a table for two at 9 p.m., featuring a “Night at the Opera” party with an $85 prix-fixe menu (regular menu also available) and champagne toast. 312-461-0161.
Park Grill, Millennium Park, 11 N. Michigan Ave., is saving four tables for four (any time). The regular menu will be available, plus specials. 312-521-7434.
Parlor, 1745 W. North Ave., is holding two tables (up to six people) at its 5:30, 7:30 and 10 p.m. seatings, which feature a “Gatsby” dress-up theme (costumes available at Silver Moon next door). Four-course menu is $65, $90 with wine at the first two seatings, $75, $100 with wine at the late seating. 773-782-9000.
Pegasus, 130 S. Halsted St., is saving a table for two at 8 p.m., featuring its regular menu, plus specials. All diners will receive a slice of vasilopita cake (find a coin in your slice and win a prize). 312-226-3377.
Portofino Italian Bistro, 102 Hawthorne Pkwy., Vernon Hills, is holding a table for four at 6:30 p.m. and a table for four at 9 p.m., featuring a five-course menu with choices for $75. 847-680-4300.
Prairie Grass Cafe, 601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, is holding one table for four at 6 p.m. and a table for four at 8 p.m., featuring the regular menu plus specials. 847-205-4433.
Red Light, 820 W. Randolph St., is holding a table for two at 8 p.m., featuring the regular menu plus an $85 prix-fixe menu. Champagne toast at midnight. 312-733-8880.
Saloon Steakhouse, 200 E. Chestnut St., is saving a table for two at 10 p.m., featuring its regular menu. 312-280-5454.
Salpicon, 1252 N. Wells St., is holding a table for two for its 9:30-10 p.m. seating, featuring a five-course menu for $85. Wine pairings $40. Los Duques will perform throughout the evening. 312-988-7811.
Shaw’s Crab House, 21 E. Hubbard St., is saving two tables for two to four people (times negotiable). In the main dining room, Grana Louis will perform 7 p.m.-1 a.m. and the regular menu will be available. In Shaw’s Oyster Bar, the Fabulous Fish Heads will play from 7 p.m.-1 a.m., the Times Square Ball Drop will be displayed on wide-screen TV at 11 p.m. and the regular Oyster Bar menu will be available. 312-527-2722.
Scylla, 1952 N. Damen Ave., is holding two tables (seating two to four) for its “Shore Thing” celebration, which includes a five-course (plus amuse) seafood dinner. Prices are $75 for the 6-6:30 and 8-8:30 p.m. seatings and $85 for the 10-10:30 p.m. seating, which includes a champagne toast and a take-home gift. 773-227-2995.
Signature Room at the 95th, John Hancock Center, 875 N. Michigan Ave., is saving a table for four at the 5-6:30 p.m. seating and one table for four at the 8-9:30 p.m. seating. The first seating features a four-course dinner for $110; the second a seven-course dinner with bottle of champagne for $250. Live music throughout the evening. 312-787-9596.
South Water Kitchen, Hotel Monaco, 225 N. Wabash Ave., is offering up to eight “stoveside” seats, along a counter that faces the open kitchen and lets diners view chef Heather Terhune in action (these seats are not regularly available). South Water Kitchen will feature a three-course menu for $35. 312-236-9300.
Spiaggia, 980 N. Michigan Ave., is holding a table for four at its 5:30 and 7 p.m. seatings. The first seating features a three-course menu for $85; the second at four-course menu for $115. 312-280-2750.
Spring, 2039 W. North Ave., is holding a table for four at 9 p.m., featuring a six-course menu for $125. Early seatings will feature a six-course menu for $95. Live jazz. 773-395-7100.
SushiSamba Rio, 504 N. Wells St., is saving two tables for two at its 6-9 p.m. and 9 p.m.-2 a.m. seatings. Both seatings will feature deejay music and live percussionists and will serve a six-course chef’s-choice menu ($60 early seating, $75 late). Regular menu also available. 312-595-2300.
10pin Bowling Lounge, 330 N. State St., is holding four tickets for its already-sold-out New Year’s Eve bash, which will include a DJ/VJ, bowling and shoe rental, hors d’oeuvres buffet and premium cocktails from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Tickets are $100. 312-644-0300.
Thyme, 464 N. Halsted St., is holding a table for two at 6:30 p.m., featuring a three-course menu and glass of champagne for $55; the late seating (9:30 p.m.) will feature a three-course menu, glass of champagne and live jazz for $85. 312-226-4300.
Thyme Cafe, 1540 N. Milwaukee Ave., is saving a table for two at 6:30 p.m., featuring a three-course menu with glass of champagne for $35. The dinner is $50 at the 9:30 p.m. seating, which also will feature live Brazilian jazz. 773-227-1400.
Tru, 676 N. St. Clair St., is saving a table of four to six at both the 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. seatings. Choose among a seven-course Seasonal Grand Collection ($175), the eight-course Chef’s Collection ($200) and the eight-course Truffle Collection (market price). Includes champagne toast and music by Jonathan Hey. Contact Kiran Pinto, 312-202-0001, ext. 230.
Tsuki, 1445 W. Fullerton Ave., is saving a table for two at 9 p.m. and a table for four at 10 p.m., featuring a seven-course menu, with complimentary carafe of hot sake, for $85. Deejay and dancing in lounge until 3 a.m. 773-883-8722.
Vermilion, 10 W. Hubbard St., is saving two tables for four at its 5, 7 and 9 p.m. seatings. The restaurant will feature a five-course menu of Indian-Spanish fusion dishes, champagne toast at midnight and dancing into the wee hours to Bollywood, Club and Bhangra music. Prices are $60 for the 5 p.m. seating, $75 at 7 p.m. and $95 at 9 p.m. 312-527-4060.
Vittorio de Roma, 154 Northwest Hwy., Palatine, is holding a table for four at 6 p.m., featuring its regular menu with specials. 847-991-7006.
VTK (Vong’s Thai Kitchen), 6 W. Hubbard St., is holding one table for four (time negotiable). The restaurant will be open 5-11 p.m. and will offer its regular menu plus specials. 312-644-8664.
Zealous, 419 W. Superior St., is saving two tables for four (any time) featuring three-course ($65) and five-course ($85) tasting menus. 312-475-9112.
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pvettel@tribune.com
