More Than a Midnight Snack

You've taken your tree down, said goodbye to the relatives and haven't even thought about how to celebrate on December 31. But by the time it comes, you're burned out on hosting company and cooking holiday meals, and you eat either leftovers at home or bare bones hors d'oeuvres at the neighbors' open house.

Many restaurants in major cities seek to change that habit and make fine dining a hallmark of this festive occasion. Modern chefs rise to the occasion and create menus that excite and inspire. While Thanksgiving and Christmas focus on tradition, New Year's Eve is all about originality, adventure and uncovering new trends.

If you live in a large metro area, finding a spot to ring in 2008 shouldn't be a problem. If you need to venture out, just know that tables will book quickly, so now's the time to plan. Here are some of our suggestions for New Year's Eve dining across the country.

New York. A gala-style celebration at DB Bistro Moderne, a trendy establishment opened by renowned NY restaurateur Daniel Boulard, will ring in the New Year with the best of both worlds. Guests will enjoy an impeccable four-course tasting menu, and DJs and dancing will keep the party hopping 'til the countdown and midnight toast. A New York bargain at $165/person.

Atlanta. Splurge for one of the city's top restaurants this year for a decadent meal at Rathbun's Restaurant in charming old Inman Park. A wide variety of choices line this 4-course holiday menu, and selections will likely include pork tenderloin scaloppini or cold water lobsters tails in garlic tarragon butter. $85.

Boston. Rocca Kitchen and Bar on the South End proves gourmet dinners (and those who attend them) don't have to be stuffy. If you're planning to hit the city's awesome First Night celebration, come for the early three-course gig at 5pm then walk to Boston Common in time for the fireworks. Those who prefer to linger over the table should come for the second seating at 7pm to enjoy four courses of dishes like house-made tomato gnocchi with braised short rib and herb-stuffed chicken with wild mushrooms and five-onion risotto. At 11pm, they'll pull out the party hats and noisemakers for the nostalgic countdown.

San Francisco. For wine lovers, First Crush's seated five-course meal coupled with with pairings from their outstanding stock of California vino is just the ticket. Kicking off with the Oysters and Pearls Course, the menu offers a sophisticated blend of flavors. Main courses include lobster tagliatelle, grilled angus filet mignon, and wild mushroom and roasted vegetable risotto. Whether you're bringing your significant other for a night out or meeting a group of friends, this glowing dining room accommodates parties of all sizes with a bar, long tables and cozy booths.

Dallas. Refined in every way, Bijoux's offering four courses with optional wine pairings for those who want a quiet New Year's Eve focused on the flavors and aesthetics of the food. While the kitchen staff hasn't released the night's menu yet, their regular standouts include Long Island duck breast with Israel couscous, wild mushrooms and roasted garlic, and pan-seared prawns with Spanish chorizo. $125/$175.

Chicago. Watch the skaters at the outdoor ice rink from your table at Park Grill, located at Millennium Park. Their dazzling five-course menu promises selections like pineapple glazed Tasmanian salmon, thyme roasted scallops and dry-aged beef rib-eye. For dessert, choose passion fruit pavlova, raspberry profiteroles, or chocolate cherry beignets. $55, champagne $10/glass.

Washington, D.C. Indulge in five courses of globally inspired cuisine at Café Mozu. Highlights will include a starter course of seared scallops, steamed lobster tail and king crab with exotic accompaniments and a choice of prime strip loin of beef or sautéed bronzini filet. Spring for the champagne menu, and enjoy a bottle of Heidsieck. Located in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, this stylish dining room provides alluring views of the Tidal Basin and romantic atmosphere. $98.

Key West. Those lucky enough to meet 2008 in a warm climate will feel even luckier if they get reservations at Alice's Key West Restaurant. This enviable seated meal includes sweet pea and smoked ham soup and main course choices of sautéed shrimp and sea scallops, crispy roasted half duckling or beef tenderloin. Save room for the magnificent marquise au chocolate, sponge cake in ganache, roasted hazelnuts and crème anglaise. $75/95.

New Orleans. The Big Easy doesn't cut corners when it comes to celebrating, so there's usually no shortage of party spots. But for exceptional cuisine and a menu that lives up to the occasion, we recommend Herbsaint. Located just outside the French Quarter, this elegant-yet-understated bistro escapes the frenzied crowds. Its five-course menu offers at least two choices per course. Featured mains will include fennel and black pepper crusted kurabata pork roast with white cornmeal spoonbread, and braised Kobe beef short ribs with baked gruyere and fontina cheese lasagna. Diners may purchase suggested wine pairings a la carte or order off the main wine list. $78.

Charleston. Plan ahead if you want to see and be seen at High Cotton, a prestigious dining room in Charleston's historic district, on December 31. Including an appetizer, main course and dessert, this prix fixe menu, will be served throughout the evening. Set to headline are tantalizing renditions of beef tenderloin carpaccio, chateaubriand of New Zealand venison, and molten chocolate volcano cake. Several varieties of champagne to be available by the bottle and the glass. $60.