Fine dining, fireworks, family fun highlight New Year’s Eve options

Plenty of dining options across a spectrum of cuisines await Valley residents looking for dinner out on New Year’s Eve. But a handful of area restaurants are offering themed special event-type experiences.

Whether you’re looking for a family night out or an elegant gala couples celebration, Everett’s Restaurant at Mat-Su Resort, The Grape Tap, and Chop House at Lake Lucille all have menus and activities designed to make the evening memorable.

Situated on the shore of Wasilla Lake, Everett’s offers a hard-to-beat location. There will be games inside and on the expansive outdoor deck, which will be heated by firepits and six fireplaces. Ice skating will be available, too, as will a complimentary hot cocoa bar.

There will be a kids’ coloring station inside on the lower level. Jory Allen will supply live entertainment on the deck prior to the fireworks display that will end the evening’s festivities.

Amber Glasser, Everett’s director of operations, said the menu will feature classics like macadamia-crusted halibut and filet mignon alongside fresh-sheet specials created for the evening. Additionally, the happy hour menu, including discounted appetizers and a bacon jam and gouda cheeseburger, will be available all night.

“Whether you’re on a date night sitting in the dining room dressed to the nines or on the deck with a hot cocoa playing some cornhole with friends, there is something for everyone,” Glasser said. “This is going to be a night to remember with the best community.”

At The Grape Tap, owner Kristin Cook and her staff have chosen a New York City-themed evening this year that they promise will bring the energy and flavors of Times Square to your table. An early 4:30 p.m. first seating, and fun “mocktails” created for the evening, also make it easier for families to celebrate.

“We try to make it family-friendly, but delicious and classy,” Cook said. “New Year’s Eve is always a fun time at The Grape Tap. We decorate, and we have great specials.”

Executive Chef Gretchen Hopping has crafted a specials lineup that features two starters, two entrees, and two desserts.

Empire State Lobster Mac and Cheese and Broadway Brown Butter Prawns are the appetizer specials. The mac and cheese is a buffalo sauced-riff on the restaurant’s popular menu item. The prawns are sautéed in rich brown butter and finished with a zesty lemon caper sauce.

A Big Apple Strip Steak, served with lobster risotto, and Central Park Carbonara, a fresh pasta dish tossed with mushrooms, crispy pancetta and truffle goat cheese, are the entrée specials.

A dark chocolate cheesecake called Kiss Me at Midnight takes its place on the dessert specials list alongside Times Square, a champagne-poached apple galette served with house-made cardamom ice cream.

The Grape Tap’s always popular regular menu will also be available. Last seating is at 10:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended.

Chop House at Lake Lucille is reprising its gala New Year’s Eve event from last year. In its second year of operation, the lakeside restaurant has already made a name for itself with its elegant dining experience and holiday special events.

The event is a 21-and-older affair that runs from 9 p.m. til 1 a.m. It will feature an expansive buffet spread anchored by prime rib and supplemented by an array of tasty offerings from the kitchen of chef and owner Joshua Broda.

“Chop House promises memories to last,” Broda said. “Join us for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration.”

In addition to dinner, Chop House’s signature craft cocktails will be available at the bar. The current list of six drinks are holiday-themed concoctions, recently unveiled by the bar’s mixologists.

DJ Kevin Dean will keep the dance floor hopping all night until a champagne toast and fireworks display at midnight end the evening in style.

The cost for the event, which includes admission, the buffet dinner, and champagne toast, is $150. Reservations can be made online or by calling the restaurant.

Special New Year’s Eve room rates for attendees are also available at the Best Western Lake Lucille, which houses the restaurant.