River Oyster Bar: A special seafood menu will be offered at $135 per person. 650 S Miami Ave, 305-530-1915.
SushiSamba Dromo: This Lincoln Road restaurant boasts the finest Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian food. An a la carte menu is available for a minimum of $50 per person. After that a prix fixe menu takes over for $90 per person. Enjoy an excellent dinner accompanied by a champagne toast at midnight. Samba dancers will be grooving to the Brazilian and Latin beats. 600 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, 305-673-5337.
Talula: Enjoy an elegant New Years Eve at this South Beach favorite. Call for information. 210 23rd St, Miami Beach, 305-672-0778.
Tapas and Tintos: Grab the bull by the horns and head to Tapas and Tintos. The toro aspect will be kicking in high gear for a Spanish-style fiesta. Admission is $100 per person. 448 Española Way, Miami Beach, 305-538-8272.
Two Sisters: Ring in the New Years at this Coral Gables favorite in the Hyatt Regency Hotel. For $99 per person, Two Sisters offers a full buffet, complimentary champagne, and party favors. For $125 per person, you can have the Two Sisters experience, then party the rest of the night away at Alcazaba. 50 Alhambra Plaza, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Coral Gables, 305-441-1234.
Wish: Close your eyes, make a wish, and maybe youll end up at this Todd Oldham-designed restaurant housed within The Hotel for New Years Eve. Two dinner seatings will be offered. The first is an a la carte seating at 7 p.m., and the second is a five-course prix fixe dinner at 9 p.m. Dishes on the later dinner include cachaca-spiked tuna, marinated rack of lamb, and timbale of house-smoked salmon. After 10 p.m. diners will be invited to adjourn to the hotels rooftop pool area for a special party to usher in the New Year, featuring music, cocktails, and an outstanding view of the fireworks over the ocean. Cost of the prix fixe dinner is $175 per person. 801 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, 305-674-9474.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Bayfront Park: Its time to ring in the New Year and the place to be is downtown Miamis Bayfront Park. With over 30 acres of fun, this is the largest free party in South Florida! Head south to Bayfront Park Amphitheater for a concert starting at 8 p.m. Downtowns Holiday Village is open from 5 p.m.-midnight and admission is free. Finally, count down to midnight with the Big Orange. This New Years Eve icon will slowly ascend the side of The Hotel Inter-Continental, reaching the top at midnight in conjunction with a grand display of fireworks. Headlining the concert at Bayfront Park Amphitheater are Miamis hometown boys the Mavericks, plus Yerba Buena and Betty Padgett & Elements of Funk. 301 Biscayne Blvd, 305-358-7550.
Block Party at Española Way: Dining, dancing, and music with outdoor TV screens on one of Miami Beachs most charming streets. What more do you want? Between Washington and Esperanza avenues, free. 305-534-2988.
Ice Palace Studios: An all-ages concert with performances by Particle and DJ Spooky might be the thing to send you into the New Year on a high, musical note. Tickets are $32. For more info call 305-358-5885. 59 NW 14th St.
The Junior Orange Bowl Parade: In proud Coral Gables tradition, the Junior Orange Bowl Parade literally marches into its 55th year of fun, fan-friendly frills. Watch professional parade floats, huge inflatables, and marching bands. The parade takes route through Miracle Mile and its free, so bring the family. Tuesday, December 30th, downtown Coral Gables. For information call 305-662-1210.
Orange Bowl FedEx Beach Bash: Reality TVs couple-of-the-month, Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson, plus Rosalyn Sanchez perform. Includes appearances by Florida State and University of Miami football players. Noon-8 p.m. on December 31st between Hayes and Garfield streets in Hollywood Beach. For info visit www.orangebowl.com or call 305-341-4701.
The SKIN Masquerade Ball: New Years Eve is an erotically charged night indeed, so why not go the sensual route this year at a very special SKIN party? Rather than fight the crowds in South Beach, they have secured a large and beautiful house right on the water for this all-night affair. This event will be fully catered, with an open bar all night long. But invitation only. For info call 888-908-skin or e-mail info@skinparty.com.
Vizcaya Museum And Gardens: Start your New Year at one of the most gorgeous landmarks in Miami. Feel the ambiance of the beautiful grounds while dancing under the stars to the sultry music. Included is an open bar and light hors doeuvres. To make this black-tie-optional gala even more memorable, there will be a spectacular fireworks display at the stroke of midnight. Party starts at 9 p.m. and continues until 2 a.m. Tickets cost $150 per person. Call 305-856-4866 for ticket information. 3251 S Miami Ave, 305-250-9133.
