THE BIGGEST FREE NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY IN THE NORTHWEST
A lot of the parties you’ll read about in these pages are big. But are they free? Doubtful. Here’s one that is: Muckleshoot pulls out all the stops with this big, free New Year’s Eve clambake. All-day entertainment to include oldies from the Klassics and Motown tunes from Next Movement. If cover bands aren’t your thing, check out the piano music at the Cabana Lounge. And just to make the night complete, noisemakers, horns, and glow necklaces will be handed out like candy at a Fourth of July parade. Oh, and you can gamble, too. Free admission. 2 p.m.-2 a.m. Muckleshoot Casino, 2402 Auburn Way S., 800-804-4944. AUBURN
SHAKE AND SPIN AT TINI BIGS AND WATERTOWN
Queen Anne saloons Tini Bigs and Watertown are combining forces this December 31 to create the maximal party with minimal hassle. Consider: Custom martinis all evening and into the night at Tini Bigs. Consider: “The area’s finest DJs” spinning relentlessly at Watertown to provide you with disco, Top 40, and “sexy house” music. Consider: When the clock strikes midnight, the party spills into the cold, dark night so you and your (new?) paramour may witness the Space Needle pyrotechnics, then head home and light up the night less publicly. $25. 4 p.m.-3 a.m. Tini Bigs and Watertown, 100 Denny Way and 106 First Ave. N. (respectively), 206-284-5003. QUEEN ANNE
SURF, TURF, AND 14 CARATS AT CASCADIA RESTAURANT
In celebration of the coming greatness that is 2004, Cascadia is searing, saut驮g, poaching, and otherwise preparing the best possible seafood for your enthusiastic consumption. Chef Kerry Sear’s six-course tasting menu for New Year’s Eve includes Alaskan scallops, lobster, caviar, andfor those who like a little turf with their surfbeef tenderloin with foie gras. As if that weren’t enough to tantalize the taste buds, Sear’s “dessert finale” promises to be museum-worthy: “a 14-carat golden chocolate sphere with champagne sorbet.” $85. Reservations from 5 p.m. Cascadia Restaurant, 2328 First Ave., 206-448-8884. BELLTOWN
CAVIAR AND GOLD AT FLYING FISH
Newcomers to Flying Fish should know that this feather in Belltown’s culinary cap is in no way associated with the Pike Place shop where our finned friends become airborne. No, this elegant eatery is putting the “up” in upscale (not to mention the “scale,” as in fish) with its New Year’s Eve celebration. Sample a full ounce of caviar and a “gold martini” for $35 at the bar, or just peruse the Fish’s excellent menu and chill out till the champagne toast at midnight. Menu prices vary. 5-10 p.m. Flying Fish, 2234 First Ave., 206-728-8595. BELLTOWN
MOLE AND MUSIC AT FANDANGO
Sez the press packet: “Those diners looking for a delicious culinary evening with a Latin twist [on New Year’s Eve] will find it at Fandango.” Live music is one thingFandango will certainly have that on tapbut “black mole” is quite another. The mysterious and widely adored Mexican sauce will be running rampant on the restaurant’s “special fiesta menu,” served along with the usual favorites that make Fandango the glorious place it is. Menu prices vary. 5-10 p.m. 2313 First Ave., 206-441-1188. BELLTOWN
NEW YEAR’S EVE AT ASSAGGIO
Assaggio Ristorante, home of the famously friendly host and comfy Italian chow, breaks out the Prosecco (aka sparkling wine) and gets crazy with the finely aged Parmigiano-Reggiano. Dinner prices vary. 5-10 p.m. Assaggio Ristorante, 2010 Fourth Ave., 206-441-1399, www.assaggioseattle.com. DOWNTOWN SEATTLE
DISCO DOWN AT THE RED LION’S 70’S & 80’S EXTRAVAGANZA
Feather them back or fashion “the claw,” but bring your retro bangs to the Red Lion and boogie the night away to the tunes of the 70’s and 80’s. The package includes a four-course dinner, champagne toast, guest accommodations, New Year’s Day brunch, and complimentary parking. Find your inner diva and get down with the New Year. Starting at $232.15, inclusive. Red Lion Hotel, 1415 5th Avenue, 206-971-8008. DOWNTOWN
MEDITERRANEAN MAGIC AT ANDALUCA
Feast on Andaluca’s nouveau Med offeringsfrom paella to Moroccan roasted duckthen throw back a flute of champagne and proceed to Oliver’s (“in the adjoining Mayflower Park Hotel”) for live jazz tunes till midnight and beyond. Menu prices vary. Dinner from 5-10 p.m.; music from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Andaluca, 407 Olive Way, 206-382-6999. DOWNTOWN SEATTLE
BLUWATER BISTRO BRINGS IN THE SHINY NEW YEAR
This year, choose your view. Whether you prefer to celebrate downtown, or gazing at the shadows of Greenlake, the BluWater is serving up a sensational New Year’s Experience. Treat yourself to a four course dining experience complete with lobster tail, filet mignon, chocolate mousse, champagne, and live jazz. $33.50 per person. BluWater Bistro, 1001 Fairview Ave, 206-447-0769, or 7900 East Greenlake Drive N., 206-524-3985. DOWNTOWN or GREENLAKE
HELL’S BELLES AND LSDJ AT THE LAST SUPPER CLUB
The Last Supper Club is doin’ it up right with three rooms of DJs including Seattle’s legendary LSDJ, and a rockin’ dinner package including a four course meal, champagne toast, reserved seating for the night, and party favors! And the party doesn’t end when the ball falls so you can celebrate well into 2004. $20 in advance, $60 dinner package, $10 cover after midnight. The Last Supper Club, 124 South Washington Street, 206-748-9975. PIONEER SQUARE
FRENCH CABARET MUSIC AT MAXIMILIEN
France. Passion. That’s the magic Maximilien is attempting to capture at this New Year’s Eve cabaret. Along with the French cafe music, expect onion soup or lobster bisque, duck confit, seared lamb loin, braised monkfish, and parfait de crabe et concombres (whatever that may be) as part of a multicourse prix fixe to die for. $69. Seatings at 6 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. Maximilien, 81A Pike St., 206-682-7270. PIKE PLACE MARKET
A WEST COAST SWING NEW YEAR’S EVE
West Coast residents deserve West Coast swing, and that’s exactly what Robert Cordoba and Deborah Szekeley bring to the table. These two special guests will be teaching lessons, but DJ Terry West (as in Coast) will be the man spinning the records all night. Hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer, and a champagne toast are in the bag. Flapper outfits not requiredbut strongly encouraged, because many people look totally cute in them. $30 for Seattle Swing members, $40 for everyone else. Lessons at 6:30 p.m.; dance from 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Seattle Mountaineers (Tahoma Room), 300 Third Ave. W., 206-241-4486. SEATTLE CENTER
NEW YEAR’S EVE CONCERT AT BENAROYA HALL
This year the Seattle Symphony is taking you for a ride in the Wayback Machine as the orchestra celebrates its 100th year. Sip cocktails and nibble hors d’oeuvres, then find your seat and witness an historic recreation of the Symphony’s 1903 debut concert. When the last timpani has been stilled, the last violin quieted, enjoy dinner and dancing followed by a champagne toast and an old-fashioned countdown to 2004. $65-$150. 7 p.m. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., 206-215-4800. DOWNTOWN SEATTLE
NEW YEAR’S EVE EXTRAVAGANZA AT CENTURY BALLROOM
Every year on December 31, salsa maestros and swing nuts go head to headtoe to toe?at the Century, literally strutting their stuff on “the city’s largest dance floor.” Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca perform on the salsa side, while DJs Hep Jen and Brenda Starr spin lindy and such for the swing contingent. Formal attire encouraged, champagne toast at midnight practically required! Dinner is optional. $45 for “dancing and romancing,” $95 for dinner and swing combined. 7 p.m. Century Ballroom, 915 E. Pine St. (second floor), 206-324-7263. CAPITOL HILL
COMBOS, CULINARY AND JAZZ, AT THE YARROW BAY GRILL AND BEACH CAFɼ/B>
Yarrow Bay and the Beach Caf頢id adieu to 2003 with eggplant Napoleon, roasted red pepper soup, grilled king salmon, Cornish game hen with saut饤 soy asparagus, and many other delectable creations from a tag team of talented cooks: Yarrow Bay chef Vicky McCaffree, Beach Caf頷hiz kid Cameron Orel, and assorted other wily epicures. Also note: The Michael Powers Trio will be providing festive melodies for all to enjoy. Dinner seating from 7-9:30 p.m.; live music from 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Yarrow Bay Grill and the Beach Caf鬠1270 Carillon Point, 425-889-9052. KIRKLAND
ST. MARK’S CATHEDRAL LABYRINTH WALK
You’re encouraged to meditate while you walk at this annual event. And if you’ve had the kind of year we’ve had, you’ll have plenty to meditate about. Free. 7 p.m.-midnight. St. Mark’s Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave. E., 206-323-0300 ext. 259. CAPITOL HILL
RING IN THE NEW YEAR AT TEATRO ZINZANNI
When Seattle’s most exuberant circus/cabaret throws a year-end bash, you’d have to be a sucker not to go. Catch performances by El Vez, rope and trapeze artists from across the globe, and native son Kevin Kent in delirious drag. Oh, and did we mention the food? A scrumptious five-course dinner concocted by Tom Douglasfeaturing grilled Washington beef and tiramisu, among other treats should be a lovely prelude to dancing and champagne when midnight arrives. Reservations are a must! $200. 7:30 p.m. Teatro ZinZanni, 2301 Sixth Ave., 206-802-0015. BELLTOWN
NEW YEAR’S AT THE GREENLAKE BAR & GRILL
With live jazz, party favors, and a champagne toast, who could ask for anything more? Maybe a body of water in close proximity? Ah, but they’ve got that too. Ring in the New Year in the heart of Greenlake with a four course dinner and all the celebration fixin’s a reveler could want…celebratory walk by the lake, optional. $45 per person for dinner, 5pm-11pm Greenlake Bar & Grill, 7200 E. Greenlake Dr. N., 206-729-6179. GREENLAKE
NEW YEAR’S AT THE 5TH AVENUE THEATER
Despite its use in countless movies, Orff’s Carmina Burana remains one of the most astonishing, forceful, quasi-apocalyptic pieces of neoclassical music. The Seattle Choral Company and Orchestra plans to rock the 5th Avenue Theater with Carmina, then simmer down with waltzes by Strauss and Brahms. The grand finale will be a masterful rendition of “Auld Lang Syne.” $15-$50. 7:30-9:45 p.m. 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave., 206-363-1100. DOWNTOWN
GOURMET GRUB GALORE AT KASPAR’S
His name ain’t on the marquee for nothing. Kaspar Donier, the culinary mastermind behind Kaspar’s, is getting one last gourmet jab in before this year goes the way of the dodo. Four tantalizing prix-fixe courses should pave the way to 2004 quite deliciously: ahi tuna carpaccio, lobster tail on braised leeks, martini sorbet as a palate-cleanser, and black cod on sweet-potato gnocchi, lamb chop Wellington, or venison tenderloin as an entr饮 $80. Seatings begin at 8 p.m. Kaspar’s, 19 W. Harrison St., 206-298-0123. LOWER QUEEN ANNE
NEW YEAR’S WITH NONNA MARIA
This year, savor the last moments of 2003. Nonna Maria is serving up a pretty darn impressive New Year’s Dinner include mussels and clams, eggplant parmesan, a trio of pastas, halibut, veal tenderloin, traditional Italian New Year’s sausage for good luck, and so much more. Now if that doesn’t sound worthy of ringin’ in the New Year, than I don’t know what is! Three seatings starting at $45 per person and beginning at 5 p.m. Nonna Maria, 530 First Ave N. 206-378-0273. QUEEN ANNE
HEAVEN AND HELL BALL AT CONSOLIDATED WORKS
This talent-heavy bash, billed as “a fair and balanced look at the afterlife,” boasts musical guests of the highest order. Portland hip-hop superheroes Lifesavas, indie notables the Long Winters, the Decemberists, and Carrie Akre, and DJs Darek Mazzone, Greg Vandy, Foolchild, and Yeti will create plenty of sonic turbulence. Various breeds of art, cinema, liquor, and food will be present and accounted for as well. $20 advance, $25 at the door ($5 off for ConWorks members). 8 p.m. Consolidated Works, 500 Boren Ave. N., 206-381-3218. SOUTH LAKE UNION
MANDARIN MIDNIGHT AT THE PARAGON
A feast for the eyes, ears, and mouth awaits you at the Paragon, where a literal red carpet will unfurl to greet you, champagne, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres will delight you, and “a Laughing Buddha ice sculpture entombed with one thousand dollars” will likely cause you to breathe heavily and palpitate. Dress to impress, please. $100/person, $500/table of four (plus perks). 8 p.m. Paragon Restaurant & Bar, 2125 Queen Anne Ave. N., 206-283-4548. QUEEN ANNE
FUNKY TIME WESTSIDE STYLE AT THE ROCKSPORT
Shed the “post-holiday funk” ‘n’ get down! The Rocksport is doin’ it up right with dancing, gambling, champagne, and general party goodness. Dance to top 40 hits, gamble for prizes, and toast the New Year. 8pm. $10 at the door or 2 for $15 in advance. The Rocksport Bar & Grill, 4209 SW Alaska, 206-935-5838. WEST SEATTLE
ABSOLUT NEW YEAR’S PARTY
Sponsored in part by Seattle Weekly, the vodka giant’s New Year’s Eve megasoiree has been fabulous in the past and seems to get even more fabulous annually. The proof is in the musical guest list: local blues brothers Left Hand Smoke playing shoulder to shoulder with the Clumsy Lovers, Lady A and the Baby Blues Funk Band, the much-celebrated Dudley Manlove Quartet, and salsa wizards Cambalacheand we’re just getting started! Additional co-sponsor Kiss 106.1 FM will provide club hits galore . . . and for those who like a little solitude, two heated decks will overlook Elliott Bay, creating an impressive grand total of “over 100,000 square feet of party!” (Also note: free party favors.) Needless to say, tickets will go fast, so visit Sonic Boom Records, call the toll-free number listed below, or check out www.ticketweb.com to reserve your spot. $35-$50 advance (price rises $5 for every 500 tickets sold). 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Pier 66 (Bell Harbor International CC), 2211 Alaskan Way, 866-468-3399. SODO
THE BALLARD FIRE HOUSE ROCKS ON, ROCKS OFF
Kick it in Ballard this New Year’s Eve with Mister Miyagi and a night o’ wicked cool 80’s and 90’s hits. Put on your shoes, lock up the house, and head to the Firehouse. You know you want to. Fabulous drinks, great music, and a low cover…always an excellent party makes. $15 Ballard Firehouse, 5429 Russell NW. BALLARD
SKY HIGH CELEBRATION AT THE SPACE NEEDLE
Sometimes you have to go where the biggest party is. In Seattle, the Space Needle is that place; “more than 2,000 pyrotechnic effects” can’t be wrong. This is the one Northwest celebration people around the world watch on TV, and you owe it to yourself as a resident to see it firsthand at least once in your life. Inside the Needle, the bold and the beautiful will enjoy a four-course dinner and/or a late-night dance party on the observation deck. $95 for the dance party; $225 for both dinner and dancing. Dinner at 8 p.m.; party runs from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Space Needle, 206-905-2100. SEATTLE CENTER
THRIFTSTORE FORMAL NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
Oly may seem like a bit of a drive, but the Capitol Theater’s tongue-in-cheek “thriftstore formal” might just make it worth your while. Fine eats, pungent potables, and “knee-slapping entertainment” (including, but not limited to, “heel-clickin’ DJ beats”) should make this an unforgettable New Year’s Eve. Please observe the “formal” part of “thriftstore formal,” by the way: “Jacket and tie required, no athletic wear.” $12 in advance, $15 at the door (both rates include drink tickets). 9 p.m. The Capitol Theater, 206 E. Fifth Ave., 360-754-5378. OLYMPIA
LAST CALL FOR 2003 AT THE BOHEMIAN
Boasting Seattle’s “biggest dance party ever,” the Bohemian’s lightin’ up the New Year with party favors, Go-Go Dancers, and sexy scenery. There are drink specials as the party gets started, and once it gets started it’ll go on and on, so make the Bohemian your first and last stop. Open til 4 a.m. Bohemian Nightclub, 111 Yesler Way, 206-447-1514. PIONEER SQUARE
ALL-AGES NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AT EMP
They’re the talk of the townno doubt about it. So what better way to groove in the new year than with Maktub at EMP’s fabulous Sky Church? These practitioners of “heavy soul” (and big winners at SW‘s Music Awards) have shared the stage withmany would say upstagedDMB and Ben Harper, but they never forget their Seattle roots. $25 for EMP members, $30 for everyone else. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Sky Church, Experience Music Project, 325 Fifth Ave. N., 206-770-2702. SEATTLE CENTER
SHAKE YOUR BOOTY AT THE COMET TAVERN
The Comet Tavern invites you to share in its New Year’s Eve celebration. Here are the Comet’s exact words, courtesy of its spokesperson, Mr. Press Release: “Greetings, I, the Comet would like to invite you [to] my New Year’s Eve Party, it’s gonna be killer! … Booze, bands and bootys shakin [sic] are definitely on the agenda.” So drop by and boogie (preferably at 10 o’clock, when New Luck Toy performs). $5. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. The Comet Tavern, 922 E. Pike St., (206) 323-9853. CAPITOL HILL
ROLL INTO 2004 ABOARD THE SPIRIT OF WASHINGTON DINNER TRAIN
Move into the new year with some actual locomotion, courtesy of the Spirit of Washington dinner train. Enjoy first-rate chow, dessert, and bubbly as you watch the scenery go by, then pick up some party favors and catch the “entertainment” at Columbia Winery. $104 for parlor seating, $119 for dome seating. 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Renton Depot, www.spiritofwashingtondinnertrain.com, 800-876-7245. RENTON
DJ AND DINING AT THE BADA LOUNGE
Enjoy dinner with the Jazz group, Bird Breathes Fire; after dinner DJ Brandy Westmore will be spinning the tunes, and the bubbly will flow at midnight and you get to take home a complimentary copy of the latest Bada Lounge CD. $20 in advance, $25 at the door (free w/ dinner entr饠purchase). Music starts around 10pm. Bada Lounge, 2230 First Ave., 206-374-8717. BELLTOWN
THE ROOM WITH A VIEW @ THE TOP OF THE HILTON
Celebrate the new year way, way up high. Enjoy an evening of live jazz, an awe-inspiring view, and a special New Year’s Menu at a classic Seattle Landmark. Make your way to the top of the Hilton for world-class cuisine including Dungeness crab and prawn cocktail, Angus tenderloin, lobster, and a decadent desert buffet. $85 per person. 5pm-10pm Top of the Hilton Restaurant, 6th and University, 206-695-6015. DOWNTOWN
FESTIVE IBERIAN FUSION AT BRASA
Chef-owner Tamara Murphy remains tight-lipped about Brasa’s New Year’s Eve specials, but we’re assured a rockin’ good time and plenty of notable chow (influenced by Spanish and Portuguese traditions) at this Belltown institution of higher cooking. Expect the usual midnight toast and party favors to boot. Menu prices vary. 10 p.m. Brasa, 2107 Third Ave., 206-728-4220. BELLTOWN
PANACHE & STYLE AT FIRE & ICE
If delicious dining appeals to your New Year’s palate, indulge in one of two celebratory set course meals. Cuisine includes caviar, rack of lamb, or beef tenderloin and truffle mash potatoes. Fire & Ice promises an evening of delectable style to kick off your new year. $55 at 5pm and $75 at 8pm. Limited spaces available. Fire & Ice Lounge, 1921 1st avenue, between Virginia and Stewart, 206-443-1921. BELLTOWN
NU YEAR’S EVE AT LIQUID LOUNGE
Ladies and gentlemen, the moment we’ve all been waiting for: an alternative spelling of New Year’s Eve! Optimus Rhyme aims to show you an optimal time at the Lounge, where The 100th Monkey will also be performing. No cover. 10 p.m.-1 a.m. Liquid Lounge, Experience Music Project, 325 Fifth Ave. N., 206-770-2702. SEATTLE CENTER
CRUISE INTO 2004 ABOARD THE VICTORIA CLIPPER III
What with pirates being “in” again (Pirates of the Caribbean, the Pittsburgh Pirates, our friend Momo who wears an eyepatch), spending December 31 on the high seas seems more appealing than ever. The Victoria Clipper makes it possible with a party cruise to end all party cruises (not that we’re predicting an end to party cruises). DJ-fueled dancing, the ubiquitous party favors/champagne toast combo, and some seriously awesome views of the fireworks at the Needle await you on this magical aquatic voyage. $38. 10:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Pier 69, 206-448-5000. SODO
NEW YEAR’S EVE IN BAROQUE PARIS
For a touch of Old World elegance, attend this dignified performance of French Christmas music, including “Nuit” and “In Nativitatem” by Carpentier. In addition, the Cathedral Chamber Orchestra will be delivering Corelli’s Christmas Concerto, notably devoid of mandolins. $22 suggested donation. 11 p.m. St. James Cathedral, 804 Ninth Ave., 206-382-4874. FIRST HILL
JAZZ IT UP AT THE PINK DOOR
Start the new year looking through rose-colored glasses at the Pink Door, that venerable Pike Place ristorante (and hangout for trapeze artists and musicians). The Door is kicking off 2004 in style with jazz from the Michael Bisio Quartet. No cover, but reservations are recommended. 11 p.m.-1 a.m. The Pink Door, 1919 Post Alley, 206-443-3241. PIKE PLACE MARKET
