Since New Year’s Eve falls on a Sunday, many venues are not doing something special, but the ones that are will go whole hog with meats, up to a pound’s worth, not to mention the party atmosphere that goes along with this late night. The dinners are each about the same price, the only difference being which meaty dishes (plural) are your faves.
So, we at HudsonWiNightlife.com are recommending one venue in each locality, which is not premeditated, or pre-planned, again just based on the meat.
— At Seasons Tavern in North Hudson, featured is their signature walleye, but much more. A party of two can select from two entrees each, steak filet and lobster, or steak filet and of course that walleye — either blackened, grilled or fried. And there’s more meat to start things off, two walleye cakes with bearnaise or shrimp cocktail. Add to that a baked potato, house vegetable, and a house salad with choice of dressing, and the dessert to share — chocolate lava cake or hot chocolate cheesecake, and you have the start of a party! This dinner for two is $70. Reservations are encouraged.
— The Willow River Saloon in Burkhardt is where the ribs rule, whether being the choice of a 14 ounce prime rib or ribeye steak, and also jumbo shrimp, (substitute lobster for $10). There’s also potato, salad, bread sticks and champagne, not to mention the obligatory toast with complimentary champagne at midnight. Featured band is The Strangers, a downright local group that’s a holiday tradition at The Willow, playing their classic country music — they are also on for Saturday night — and the creative featured drink(s) is the champagne margarita, as a special. Cost for the dinner is $37.95.
— Also in the category of “we’ve got the meat,” is the Bungalow Inn in Lakeland. Offered is a grilled, 12-ounce ribeye steak with port wine demi glaze, two poached shrimp prawns, buttered asparagus (great vegetable pick) and choice of potato, all for $36. There is a champagne toast at midnight, and starting three hours before that is the music of Gary LaRue. He is the master of the Rat Pack tribute, and really looks the part, covering not only the best of Frank Sinatra but other artists of his ilk and day, and he’s been here before at The Bungalow, for the holidays or otherwise. Can you think of a better way to ring in the New Year?
— If you can’t wait until New Year’s to party, consider checking out the CD release party for Sweet Trouble, by local pop and country songstress Chaunte Shayne, at Johnnie’s Bar in River Falls on Friday evening