Southern Maine Restaurants To Celebrate New Year's Eve In Style

Restaurants in Southern Maine - widely known for their innovative and seasonal menus, flawless service, and the welcoming ambiance so enjoyed by locals and visitors - are gearing up to ring in the New Year with a host of culinary festivities.

"We're fortunate to have such a wide selection of top-rate culinary offerings in Maine, and the holidays really help to highlight this wonderful aspect of our state," noted Dick Grotton, President and CEO of the Maine Restaurant Association (MeRA). "The only drawback of New Year's Eve offerings for food lovers in Southern Maine is having to narrow down the list, and decide where to celebrate the holiday."

Fans of authentic Ligurian and Tuscan cuisine will want to book a table at Portland's Cinque Terre, a longtime favorite located in the heart of the city's historic Old Port Neighborhood. "We'll be offering a seasonal four-course menu along with a tailored Italian wine flight this year," according to acclaimed Executive Chef and Cinque Terre Co-Owner Lee Skawinski. "Given the success of our past New Year's Eve dinners, this year's event is sure to be a hit." Details: Two-hour seatings will be available all evening, beginning at 5:00 pm. $65 for dinner; $30 for wine (excluding tax and gratuity). For reservations, call 207/347-6154 or visit www.opentable.com.

For a chic, European bisto experience this New Year's Eve, revelers are choosing Portland's popular Vignola restaurant, launched earlier this year by Skawinski and Co-owners Dan Kary and Michelle Mazur Kary. The restaurant, which already has earned enthusiastic praise from The Washington Post, Food Arts Magazine and The Portland Phoenix, is sure to be a favorite hot spot for this year's celebration. "We'll be offering dinner guests four great courses along with a nice amuse bouche," Sean McClure, Vignola's General Manager, stated. "Our doors will stay open until 2:00 am. We're expecting a festive crowd to help us kick off Vignola's first New Year's celebration." Details: Four seatings will be available on New Year's Eve: 5:30-7:30 pm, 7:30-9:30 pm, 9:30-11:30 pm and 11:30 pm-2:00 am. $35 per person (excluding tax/gratuity). For reservations, phone 207/772-1330 or visit www.opentable.com.

Kennebunk's Windows on the Water, a longtime Southern Maine favorite well-known for its innovative New American cuisine, will once again host a 12-course Gastronomic Gala this New Year's Eve. In addition to the restaurant's standard Dinner Menu, guests will be offered a 12-Course Tasting Menu (at $65 per person). "New Year's Eve is always one of our favorite nights at the restaurant," noted renowned Chef/Owner John Hughes. "This is really a great chance for us to highlight the season's best local, organic ingredients and menu options, in a genuinely festive and leisurely setting." Hughes's Tasting Menu will include gems such as "Petit Filet Mignon on Yukon Gold Potato Waffle with Madiera-Demi Glace," "Lobster Salad with Spicy Thai Sauce & Corn Blanket," and "Slow-Roasted Wild Salmon with Red Miso-Lemongrass Broth" this year. For reservations and information, phone 207/967-3313.

Restaurant Oolong, "where Far East meets Northeast," also has made plans for a sumptuous New Year's Eve experience for patrons. This year, diners will find their favorites such as Tangerine Chicken and Lettuce Wraps, as well as celebratory dishes, including Spicy Cantonese Lobster, Duck Two Ways and Cinnamon Short Rib, according to Paul Russell, owner of Oolong, a popular "staple" on Portland's culinary map - and one revered for its "Classic Cocktail" culture and ambiance. "Given our creative menu options, food made for sharing, and our special cocktails and w