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Here we are at the end of another year. I would point out that it has flown by, but that’s probably not necessary. Every year has felt like that since I was in my 20s.
I’m sure we have all had some fairly wild and memorable New Year’s Eve celebrations in our past. Things have quieted down a little, at least for me. I’m not sure if it’s me getting older or my friends…
If you don’t already have plans to celebrate the new year, it may be time to nail those down. The clock is ticking. The choices really fall into two distinct baskets. Go out or stay in. It’s fairly straightforward.
If you’re choosing option one and staying home this year, things are pretty simple. You’re probably going to have a nice quiet dinner, maybe drink a couple glasses of wine or Champagne and hopefully stay awake until midnight. And that’s OK. If you’d like a fantastic bottle of Champagne to accompany your celebration, Michael’s Wine Cellar (1283 S Tamiami Trl., (941) 955-2675) can help with that.
Now let’s talk about option two. This is where things can potentially get a little complicated. Have no fear, we’re here to make this decision a touch easier for you. After all, information is key. Especially when it comes to making celebration plans.
There are a lot of Sarasota restaurants making special preparations for the occasion. Here are a few ways and places to get a jump on saying “hello” to 2022.
Image by Ana Silva / EyeEm via Getty Images
First, there is the Downtown Sarasota Pineapple Drop. This annual event features live music, food, a carnival for the kids, a midnight fireworks display, and yes, of course, the locally famous pineapple drop. If celebrating the changing of the year with a thousand other revelers is appealing, then this is your thing!
Dinner at a Sarasota restaurant might not be as chaotic as a street party. But under the right circumstances, it can be just as celebratory. A lot depends on your dining companions, but I’m confident you can put together the proper guest list for the occasion. Here are a few places that will be featuring special menus or activities.
Sharky's On the Pier (1600 Harbor Dr. S., Venice, (941) 488-1456) is having a Beach Bash! For $25PP you’ll be able to party on the beach. There will be live music by Scarlett Drive, food/drinks for purchase, and a midnight fireworks display. TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE.
Mattison's City Grille (1 N. Lemon Ave., (941) 330-0440) will feature a special New Year’s Eve menu including New Zealand rack of lamb and grouper piccata. This will land you right in the heart of Downtown Sarasota. So, if you’re planning on making the pineapple drop part of your plans, this would be a great pre-drop dining option. MENU INFORMATION.
If you’re out in the UTC/Lakewood Ranch area, GROVE Restaurant (10670 Boardwalk Loop, (941) 893-4321) is something to consider. This higher end celebration ($150PP) kicks off at 9PM and features an open bar, all you can eat hors d'oeuvres buffet, and dancing to guest DJ NatiPitch. MORE INFORMATION HERE.
Don’t worry. If you’re looking for a little quieter NYE gathering, we’ve got a few suggestions.
Ortygia (1418 13th St. W, Bradenton, (941) 741-8646) is featuring a New Year’s Eve Candlelight Dinner in two seatings (6PM & 8:30PM). Priced at $75PP, the evening's menu will showcase Chef Gaetano’s love of Sicilian-French cuisine. For more information or reservations, call the restaurant.
meLange (1568 Main St., (941) 953-7111) rings in 2022 with a four-course prix fixe menu for $75PP. They are known for their very upscale cuisine. And NYE will be no different. Menu options will include veal sweetbreads, boneless half duck, and sherry trifle. MORE INFORMATION HERE.
Now you have some information. All that’s left is for you to make the final decision. No matter how you choose to remember the past year and celebrate the new one to come, please do it safely. We’re wishing all of you a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year!
There are more NYE options at the bottom of this post.
SARASOTA FOOD EVENTS CALENDAR
We’ve done all of the heavy lifting for you! All you need to do is make that reservation. Here are some upcoming local food events that we think you might find interesting…
DEC 31 - New Year’s Eve Candlelight Dinner – Ortygia Restaurant - INFORMATION
DEC 31 – NYE’s Beach Bash – Sharky’s on the Pier - RESERVATIONS
DEC 31 – New Year’s Eve Celebration - GROVE Restaurant - INFORMATION - RESERVATIONS
DEC 31 – New Year’s Eve Celebration - Mademoiselle Paris - RESERVATIONS
DEC 31 – New Year’s Eve Celebration – Melange - INFORMATION
DEC 31 – New Year’s Eve Dinner – C’est La Vie! - INFORMATION
DEC 31 – New Year’s Eve Celebration – Mattison’s City Grille - INFORMATION
DEC 31 – New Year’s Eve Celebration – Pier 22 - INFORMATION
JAN 13 – Duckhorn Vineyards Wine Dinner – Michael’s Wine Cellar - TICKETS
JAN 14-16 - Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival - INFORMATION
JAN 15 - 3rd Annual Sarasota Beer & Burger Festival - TICKETS
LOCAL FARMER’S MARKET INFORMATION
EVERY SATURDAY – Sarasota Farmers Market (Lemon & Main – Downtown Sarasota)
EVERY WEDNESDAY – The Phillippi Farmhouse Market (S. Tamiami Trl.)
EVERY SUNDAY - Siesta Key Farmers Market (Davidson’s Plaza, Siesta Village)
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