No Kidding. Tomorrow IS New Year's Eve

By Erin in Food on Dec 30, 2004 4:24PM

Oh Shit.

It’s Thursday, isn’t it? Like, tomorrow is New Year’s Eve and you don’t have a clue as to what you’re going to do. Chicagoist isn’t sure who those people are who plan their New Year’s Eve weeks in advance but we’re sure they iron their underpants too.

At this point everywhere that’s anywhere is booked, and if you are like this Chicagoist – reservations (read: decisiveness) are not your strong suit anyway. But don’t just sit home alone; invite a few friends over for noshes and drinks and celebrate together in your collective hopes that Mr. and Mrs. Britney Spears will divorce in 2005 before any Children of Truth are ever even conceived.

Take this opportunity to hie thee to some of the city’s best gourmet food shops; skip the Jewel, kids, and don’t bother with your deviled eggs. Class it up a notch, will ya?

Start up at Andersonville at the Urban Epicure, a brand-spanking new shop that, when Chicagoist walked by a day ago, was still taking orders for New Years’ Eve.

Head over to Wicker Park to Taste for some artisanal cheeses and wine, if you are so inclined. Nothing says "class" better than eating stinky cheese when you and your guests are half in the bag.

While Chicagoist supposes that Fox & Obel Food Market in the River East Plaza will be busy than a one-armed paperhanger over the next two days, it’s sacrilege these days not to mention this place when discussing gourmet cooking shops. This lovely store provides some of the best-done carryout fare in the city.

If you are suffering from cabin fever, then perhaps a night out on the town is for you? What we prefer to do in these clutch situations is head for the less-obvious-bar-with-passable-kitchen option, allowing you to munch while you mutter your way through Auld Lang Syne. Here are three spots – north, norther, and northest – which meet that description.

North: The Beat Kitchen’s New Year’s party has a $10 cover and a night with the hip-hop band Tabakin, as well as a champagne toast and “party favors” (we hope they’re bongos).

Norther: If you are looking to celebrate the arrival of 2005 under the radar then The Edgewater at 5600 Ashland is for you. No cover here, and the kitchen, open until 10, can produce some mighty fine food (try the black bean dip!). There’s also a free buffet and a champagne toast at midnight.

Northest: Candlelite* at 7452 N. Western still has room at their party - $50 will buy you all you can drink (well drinks), as well as access to their buffet; for an additional $15 you call the drinks. Chicagoist loves the food at this joint, and with its recent face lift the ambiance is much more urban.

*If you choose this option, please, please bring a camera and take a picture under their AWESOME neon sign.

Thanks to John and Susie!!