Happy New Year!
Every year the eyes of the world turn to the midnight clock wishing a speedy goodbye to the old and a cheery hello to the new.
It’s a time of hope for everyone and revellers celebrate in different ways from at-home intimate dinners to loud cheering in a public square as fireworks explode overheard.
Some of us party with glamour and glitz at masquerade balls. Others go out for a sumptuous dinner or hit the clubs to join the festivities.
Whatever your scene, it’s never too late to make plans for an unforgettable evening. Check out the local venues listed below and start 2019 surrounded by friends.
Bourbon Room
205 Carnegie Dr.
587-290-0071
The Bourbon Room serves up a 12-item buffet of Triple-A roast beef with all the trimmings followed by round after round of duelling pianos. Three pianists, Kelly and Tim Cotton along with Spenser Poole, perform an all-request show. They knock off requests one-by-one and then play their own favourites. Doors open 6 p.m. Dinner is at 7:30 p.m. Showtime starts at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 for dinner and show or $45 general admission.
Cajun House
7 St. Anne St.
780-460-8772
Enjoy the Christmas Festival menu in addition to authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine from the regular menu. Samples from the Christmas menu are orange and cranberry salad, frickles, dill and cucumber salmon, chipotle beef tenderloin, cinnamon pork and the pièce de résistance – gingerbread cheesecake. Reservations recommended.
Canadian Brewhouse
#50, 101 St. Albert Trail
587-414-0268
Canadian Brewhouse hosts a Brew Year Black and White party. Wear your black and white and celebrate with a DJ and dance, party favours, a champagne toast and a pizza buffet at 11 a.m. Tickets are available on Facebook and for every ticket purchased guests receive a card for one pound of free wings a week for one year. Party starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20.
Celtic Knot Pub
388 St. Albert Trail
780-470-5668
This year Celtic Knot is billing itself as a pre-New Year’s Eve party destination. It will serve either a 10-ounce certified Angus prime rib dinner or a grilled chicken dinner with prawns from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Ticket price is $29. Regular menu is also available.
Century Casino
24 Boudreau Rd.
780-460-8092
Rave On has just sold out the Vee Lounge, however in the Banquet Room DJ Johnnie will mix and swap songs while listeners nod to the beat. Tickets are $30 and include midnight champagne, snack foods and party favours. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and DJ Johnnie gets the dance floor groovin’ at 9 p.m. Limited tickets.
Crown & Tower Pub
11 Bellerose Dr.
780-459-3393
Crown & Tower gives its patrons a special treat with a crab leg dinner served with baked potatoes, veggies and dessert. Dinner goes from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with acoustic singer-songwriter Douglas Mitchell singing hand-picked favourites from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Champagne and party favours at midnight as well as grand prize giveaway of two lower bowl Oiler tickets and a one-night stay at a downtown Edmonton hotel. Tickets are $39.95. No reservations required.
LB’s Pub
23 Akins Dr.
780-460-9100
Once again LB’s Pub dishes up its special brand of hospitality with a buffet and dance led by classic rock-country band Ruby & The Hitmen. Party favours and champagne to ring in the new year. Buffet line is from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and music is 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Buffet and dance is $70. Dance only: $40.
Lily Lake Village Resort
57413 Lily Lake Rd., Sturgeon County
780-921-3441 or 780-921-3363
In its countdown to 2019, Lily Lake Village Resort is preparing an elegant party with a prime rib buffet, party favours, midnight snacks, a comedy show and entertainment. Cocktails run from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Dinner is from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Local comedian Lars Callieou brings out the chuckle while Hear ... By Request provides entertainment. Tickets are $69.99. Reserve by phone or email [email protected].
XIX Nineteen Restaurant
#104, 150 Bellerose Dr.
780-569-1819
Chef Rino Lam of XIX Nineteen St. Albert is ringing in the new year with a three-course meal. Tickets are $85. Reservations recommended.
Riverbank Bistro
8 Mission Ave.
587-290-1655
Chef Daniel Ducharme has booked an early three-course seating and a later four-course seating. The mix and match menu centres around shrimp and scallops, pan-seared sturgeon, fire-grilled filet mignon and pheasant breast. The three-course dinner is $62 and the four-course menu is $84 and includes a complimentary glass of prosecco. Reservations recommended.
Sorrentino’s Cucina & Bar
595 St. Albert Trail
780-459-1411
This staple of Italian cooking offers a set menu with appetizers, an entrée and a dessert. The menu varies from beef tenderloins or lemon chicken to herb crusted rack of lamb or seafood tagliatelle on baked rigatoni. Dessert is a carrot caramel cheesecake or a homemade tiramisu. Seatings are 4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Last seating receives complimentary champagne and party favours as DJ Dreith spins the vinyl.
Tandoori Fuzion
81 A Liberton Dr.
780-459-4808
Tandoori Fuzion is whipping up a special buffet of 15 East Indian culinary delights that include salads, chicken, seafood, vegetable, rice dishes and more. The buffet is served from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cost is $29.95 adults; children under 12, $16.95. Tandoori Fuzion is also open New Year’s Day. Reservations accepted.
