The Biz-Ultimate NYE Guide To Celebrations At Local Businesses

         As 2016 slips into 2017 amid the fireworks, the frenzy and the fleur-de-lis drop, the City of New Orleans and local businesses count on cashing in by offering a fanfare of festivities on Saturday, Dec. 31.

 

         New Orleans will take center stage on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest for the first time.

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         The live segments will include exclusive performances from the Allstate® Fan Fest, where locals and tourists gather annually to celebrate the New Year and usher in the annual Allstate® Sugar Bowl® leading up to the midnight countdown and famed fleur-de-lis drop near Jackson Square to ring in the New Year.

         Seacrest will lead the traditional countdown to midnight live from New York City’s Times Square with actress and comedian Jenny McCarthy and superstar Fergie returning to host the Billboard Hollywood Party in Los Angeles. New Orleans joins the largest celebration of the year on the show airing Saturday, Dec. 31, beginning at 7:00 p.m. CT on ABC.

         “New Orleans is a great match for ‘Dick Clark's New Year’s Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest’,” Mayor Mitch Landrieu said. “We know how to celebrate, and we offer the world one of the most authentic cultural experiences anywhere! We are proud to help our country bring in the New Year.”

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         The New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Allstate® Sugar Bowl® and the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism all helped collaborate to secure the City’s cameo on the program.

         For more information

 

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         CNN’s “New Year's Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin,” will hand the baton to Brooke Baldwin and Baton Rouge-native Don Lemon at 11:30 p.m. to host a Central Time Zone countdown live on air. This will be the third time CNN has included New Orleans in its show, and will feature two original members of the band Chicago, Lee Loughnane and Tris Imboden, for the live, local segment.

         CNN's New Year's Eve coverage begins at 7:00 p.m. CT on Saturday, Dec. 31.

         For more information

 


         Big Night New Orleans New Year's Eve Gala is back for the fifth year with Cowboy Mouth, Chee-Weez, Big Sam's Funky Nation, Kid Kamilion, Pat Premier, DJ Kemistry, DJ Mike Swift, the 610 Stompers and more. Big Night New Orleans is an all-inclusive New Year's Eve event held at the Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Ave., from 9:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. with a portion of ticket proceeds to benefit the Louisiana SPCA.

         Attendees can choose between rock n' roll, DJ sets, tribute bands and more in the multi-roomed venue throughout the evening.

         "Every year has been quite a blast, and we are very happy to be part of it again this year," Fred LeBlanc, the frontman and founding member of high-energy, crowd-engaging Cowboy Mouth said about performing at the Gala. "This sounds like a great idea for a road trip to me. I would get your tickets now as it will most likely sell out by show day."

         The Chee-Weez, a five piece tribute/ show band, celebrated for donning crazy costumes and being full of surprises, perform a variety of music genres from 70s funk to 80s cheesiness and 90s rock. Additionally playing this year is Big Sam's Funky Nation, a driving force of urban funk dedicated to encouraging their audience to groove to their trombone riffs and band solos. Partygoers can also expect live DJ sets from a variety of genres with Kid Kamillion, Pat Premier, DJ Kemistry and DJ Mike Swift.

         The evening's events include appearances from the Best of New Orleans Burlesque and the 610 Stompers, four main event ballrooms, beverage stations, multiple dance floors, the midnight countdown celebration and giveaways. Main event tickets offer an open bar and access to all listed amenities. VIP tickets can be purchased for access to top-shelf drinks, a dinner buffet, exclusive VIP areas, VIP party favors and additional VIP seating areas.

         Additionally, a portion of the tickets purchased through Louisiana SPCA will benefit the nonprofit.

         Big Night New Orleans New Year's Eve Gala presented by Hyatt Regency is sponsored by Rock 96.3, OMRents, Voodoo 104, Where Y'at Magazine, Hiball Events, OffBeat Magazine, Yelp and Lyft.

         For more information

         Purchase Louisiana SPCA donation tickets here

 


         Mid-City will be celebrating New Year’s Eve with a unique view of the City’s celebrations at The Cannery, 3803 Toulouse St., from 8:30 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.

         After enjoying music and dancing, premium beverages and a gourmet buffet, guests will second line up to the Cannery’s fourth floor rooftop to witness the City’s many fireworks celebrations. Guests will also indulge in a champagne toast to ring in 2017.

         Tickets are $125 and includes a gourmet buffet, a premium bar, live music by The Wiseguys, a rooftop champagne toast, a continental breakfast and lighted/ secured parking.

         For more information

 


         Chef de Cuisine Gabriel Charpentier and his team created a prix fixe menu for Windsor Court Hotel’s New Year’s Eve’s black tie optional celebration at The Grill Room, 300 Gravier St.

         Early seating, 5:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., for the four-course meal costs $115 per person plus tax and gratuity, and late seating reservations, 8:00 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. cost $250 per person plus tax and gratuity.

         Menu options include Lobster Consommé, “Pousquabail” (classic Turducken reinvented) and Chocolate Hazelnut Torte.

         The late seating includes a ticket to the exclusive, all-inclusive celebration in the Cocktail Bar from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. There will be live Jazz by Tom Hook, dessert stations, an open bar and a Champagne Toast at midnight.

         Reservations are required.

         For more information

 


         Chef Emeril Lagasse’s New Orleans restaurants are featuring special menus in festive settings for guests to enjoy on New Year’s Eve:

 

• Emeril’s Delmonico – Musician Ron Jones will light up the piano from 7:00 p.m. to midnight. In the kitchen, Chef Anthony Scanio will prepare specials including the Crab and Chanterelle Mushroom Bisque, Sautéed Speckled Trout, served with mirliton Lyonnaise, red watercress, toasted hazelnuts, champagne and choupique caviar beurre blanc, Black Eyed Peas and Mustard Greens and a Salted Caramel and Chocolate Tart among others.

         Emeril’s Delmonico is located at 1300 St. Charles Ave., and is open for dinner starting at 5:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.

• Emeril's New Orleans – Chef David Slater will offer specials to complement the existing dinner menu for revelers, accompanied by the sounds of a live Jazz trio from 7:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. Guests can feast on delicacies including the Foie Gras “En Bocale,” featuring cognac, black truffle, sea salt and house sourdough, Chargrilled Primed Ribeye of Beef, Steamed Cantonese Style Halibut and Louisiana Citrus Pavlova just to name a few.

         Emeril’s New Orleans is located at 800 Tchoupitoulas St., and is open for dinner starting at 5:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.

• Meril – The party kicks off at 8:30 p.m. with live music by the Big Fun Brass Band, along with a photo booth and celebratory accessories to welcome in 2017. Guests can indulge in specials including a Charred Octopus salad, served with Gaspar’s chorizo, fingerling potatoes, artichokes, and smoked tomato vinaigrette, Smoked Kusshi Oyster Flatbread and Bourbon-Laced Chocolate Pudding.

         Meril is located at 424 Girod St., and is open for lunch and dinner daily starting at 11:30 a.m.

• NOLA Restaurant – For those heading to the Mississippi River for the fireworks extravaganza and fleur-de-lis drop, stop-in and fill-up at NOLA Restaurant, located just steps away from the celebration in the French Quarter. Merrymakers can choose from six specials, including a Crab and Phyllo Salad, Prosciutto Wrapped Lobster Tail and Grilled Wild Boar Chop, served with black eyed peas and braised cabbage.

         NOLA is located at 534 St. Louis St., and is open for dinner starting at 5:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.

         For more information

 


         Arnaud's Restaurant, 813 Bienville St., will be open for dinner on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The restaurant will also be open for lunch on Monday, Jan. 2, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., offering an a la carte menu, but will be closed for dinner that night.

         In January, Arnaud’s introduces Menu Résolution, a three-course menu created with the health conscious in mind. The “Light & Fit” special menu is available Jan. 3 – 31, and includes:

 

• Appetizers (choice of)

QUINOA SALAD

Charred tomato, Kalamata olives, oregano and lemon

BLACK-EYED PEA SOUP

Cilantro and red pepper olive oil

SEA SCALLOP

Spinach, rainbow carrots and fennel broth

 

• Entrées (choice of)

ATLANTIC SALMON

Glazed with honey and basil

Served with haricot verts and golden beet salad

PAN SEARED BLACK DRUM

Served with roasted corn and poblano pepper salsa, and wilted arugula with jalapeño vinegar

ROASTED FREE RANGE CHICKEN

Orange gastrique, mushrooms and wild rice pilaf

 

• Desserts (choice of)

POACHED PEAR

Pear cake and whipped crème fraîche

RASPBERRY MOUSSE

Meringue cookies

 

         The “Light & Fit” menu costs $45.00 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Reservations are recommended.

         For more information

 


         The Bistreaux Restaurant at the Maison Dupuy, 1001 Toulouse St., will be a popular setting for a contemporary infused version of the original mid-1800’s Creole dining tradition of the midnight repast, called Reveillon, which Catholics celebrated following a long fast prior to midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. Louisiana-trained chef Matt Regan has created the Reveillon four-course, prix fixe dinner celebrating the season, and these plentiful foods of Louisiana will also be served on New Year’s Eve from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

 

• First Course (choice of)

CRISPY PORK BELLY

With Cherries and Lentils

SWEET POTATO AGNOLOTTI

With Brown Butter, Ginger Snap and Sage

 

• Second Course (choice of)

SHRIMP REMOULADE

With Beets and Tatsoi

OYSTER AND ARTICHOKE STEW

 

• Third Course (Choice of)

CRISPY ROAST PORCHETTA

With Turnips with Blood Orange

OYSTER LINGUINI

With Black Pepper, Egg, Pancetta and Butternut Squash

 

• Fourth Course (choice of)

BUTTERNUT SQUASH BREAD PUDDING

RUM CAKE

With Apple and Dulce de Leche

 

         Dinner is $55 per person excluding tax and gratuity and includes complimentary parking. Wine pairing recommendations are available with the menu. 

         Before dining, try the Reveillon on The Rocks specialty cocktail, and the Sandy Claws concocted by head bartender Joshua Matassa who prides himself on drinks celebrating the season.

         Guests can also dine in the Maison Dupuy’s charming outdoor Courtyard, weather-permitting.

         For more information 

 


         At Annunciation, located at 1016 Annunciation St., in the Warehouse District, a modern Creole and Southern four-course dinner will be available on both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Created by Executive Chef Jacob Cureton, the dinner is priced at $50 per person, $75 with wine pairings (excluding tax and gratuity).

         First course options include Baked Oysters with house Boudin and hollandaise or Boudin Balls with crystal aioli and candied mustard. The second course follows with a choice of Beet Salad with orange, pecans, goat cheese and basil or Cauliflower Soup with roasted jalapeño and shiitake bacon. The third course includes Seared Drum with sweet potatoes and kale over moutarde beurre blanc or Paneed Pork Loin with cheese grits and baby carrots and turnips. For dessert, choose from Orange Dreamsicle Curd with vanilla gelato and butterfinger or an indulgent Chocolate Pot du Crème.

         For more information

 


         Grand Isle along the Fulton Street promenade, 575 Convention Center Blvd., believes holidays are all about family. Parents and kids alike can head over to the seafood-centric dining destination for adult beverages and children mocktails. Enjoy boozy libations including the 3 Kings, a clarified Milk Punch featuring rum, bourbon and cognac with coriander, cinnamon, clove and pineapple and the Drunk Uncle, bourbon, cognac, Meyer lemon, Dumante pistachio liqueur and egg whites. For the kiddies, the Little Helper is a delightful concoction of dark chocolate, coconut milk, peppermint and whipped cream. Guests can accompany these holiday cocktails with a variety of culinary offerings from Executive Chef Ryan Haigler including Alligator Wings with sweet hot citrus glaze and whipped bleu cheese, Chappapeela Farms Pork Chop with dirty rice, grilled Covey Rise baby vegetables, pickled mustard seeds and Steen’s jus and Surf & Turf, Wagyu beef debris, smoked fried oysters and pickled jalapeño aioli.

         For more information

 


         Superior Seafood & Oyster Bar, 4338 St. Charles Ave., is pouring free champagne on New Year’s Eve for patrons ordering off its daily menu or the special four-course New Year’s Eve menu.

         The day after, nurse the hangover with a New Year’s Day Jazz brunch from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

         For more information

 


         On New Year’s Eve Day enjoy a Champagne Brunch at the Degas House, 2306 Esplanade Ave., with seating in the formal parlors, galleries and the courtyard.

         From 8:00 a.m. through the last seating at 1:00 p.m., a Gourmet Creole Brunch will be served including Crawfish Etouffee Omelettes, Bananas Foster French Toast, French Creole Waffles with Fresh Fruit and Seafood Gumbo, among other selections. Champagne or a Mimosa is included, with additional beverages available for a small donation to the Degas House Foundation, through the gift shop entrance.

         A $35 donation per person is requested. Gratuity is not included.

         Proceeds will benefit the Degas House Foundation, whose educational mission includes restoring the home and preserving the legacy of Edgar Degas for New Orleans and the World.

         For more information

 


         According to personal finance website WalletHub, 20 percent of all charitable donations are made in the last 48 hours of the calendar year, so it’s not too late to make a tax-deductible year-end gift to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, to support music education, and celebrate in VIP style.

         By joining the Join the Jazz & Heritage Circle/ Fans of the Fest you’ll have access to:

 

• $50 // SOLO

Fans of the Fest Bumper Sticker

First to know about upcoming events

Subscription to the Electronic Offbeat Magazine

 

• $100 // DUET

All the benefits of the SOLO level, plus…

Fans of the Fest Lapel Pin

 

• $250 // QUARTET

Two tickets to the Jazz & Heritage Saturday Night Concerts during Jazz Fest

Plus Duet & Solo gifts

 

• $500 // QUINTET

Two VIP passes to Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival

Access for you and a guest to the Sync Up Hospitality Suite at Jazz Fest

Foundation Hospitality access for two at the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival

 

• $1,000 // BIG BAND

Access for you and a guest to the Foundation Hospitality at Jazz Fest

Foundation Hospitality access for two at the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival

 

• $2,500 // ENSEMBLE

Two Tickets to the Annual Jazz & Heritage Gala

Foundation Hospitality access for two at the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival

Access for you and a guest to the Foundation Hospitality at Jazz Fest

 

• $5,000 // ORCHESTRA

Two Grand Marshal Passes to Jazz Fest

Foundation Hospitality access for two at the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival

Access for you and a guest to the Foundation Hospitality at Jazz Fest

 

• $10,000 // BRASS BAND

Two one-weekend Big Chief Tickets to the weekend of your choice at Jazz Fest

Access for you and a guest to the Foundation Hospitality Suite at Jazz Fest

Foundation Hospitality access for two at the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival

 

• $25,000 // BIG STAGE

Four one-weekend Big Chief Tickets to the weekend of your choice at Jazz Fest

Access for you and a guest to the Foundation Hospitality Suite at Jazz Fest

Foundation Hospitality access for two at the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival

 

Donate here

 

         Festival memberships also ensure a strong future for French Quarter Festivals, Inc. by funding education programs that reach out to the community, employ musicians and artists, impact young generations of performers, preserve the City’s unique culture and heritage and add to the quality of life in our community.

 

         Make a French Quarter Festivals, Inc. 2016 donation and receive:

• $35.00 // BOURBON STREET LEVEL

Early notification of upcoming events, ticket sales, promotions and festival news

Subscription to the ‘Fest Family’ Newsletter

‘Fest Family’ window cling

 

• $75.00 // ROYAL STREET LEVEL

Early notification of upcoming events, ticket sales, promotions and festival news

Subscription to the ‘Fest Family’ Newsletter

‘Fest Family’ window cling

One French Quarter Festival commemorative shirt

10 percent off any one-time order of merchandise

 

• $200.00 // OLD U.S. MINT LEVEL

Early notification of upcoming events, ticket sales, promotions and festival news

Subscription to the ‘Fest Family’ Newsletter

‘Fest Family’ window cling

One French Quarter Festival commemorative shirt

10 percent off any one-time order of merchandise

Signed and numbered French Quarter Festival poster

French Quarter Festival commemorative hat

1 year subscription to OffBeat Magazine

Invitation to participate in exclusive merchandise pre-sales

Invitation to special FQFI events and other community events

 

• $500.00 // WOLDENBERG PARK LEVEL

Early notification of upcoming events, ticket sales, promotions and festival news

Subscription to the ‘Fest Family’ Newsletter

‘Fest Family’ window cling

One French Quarter Festival commemorative shirt

10 percent off any one-time order of merchandise

Signed and numbered French Quarter Festival poster

French Quarter Festival commemorative hat

1 year subscription to OffBeat Magazine

Invitation to participate in exclusive merchandise pre-sales

Invitation to special FQFI events and other community events

Advanced notice of date and placement for volunteer teams at French Quarter Festival and Satchmo SummerFest

Acknowledgment within the official FQFI newsletter

Two tickets to our exclusive indoor VIP hospitality area during French Quarter Festival on Friday

 

• $1,000.00 // JACKSON SQUARE LEVEL

Early notification of upcoming events, ticket sales, promotions and festival news

Subscription to the ‘Fest Family’ Newsletter

‘Fest Family’ window cling

One French Quarter Festival commemorative shirt

10 percent off any one-time order of merchandise

Signed and numbered French Quarter Festival poster

French Quarter Festival commemorative hat

1 year subscription to OffBeat Magazine

Invitation to participate in exclusive merchandise pre-sales

Invitation to special FQFI events and other community events

Advanced notice of date and placement for volunteer teams at French Quarter Festival and Satchmo SummerFest

Acknowledgment within the official FQFI newsletter

Listing on French Quarter Festivals, Inc. website

Two tickets to invitation-only speakers reception at Satchmo SummerFest

Two tickets to a dinner cruise aboard the Steamboat Natchez

Two tickets to our exclusive VIP hospitality area during French Quarter Festival for one day of the festival

 

• $5,000.00 // FRENCH QUARTER LEVEL

Early notification of upcoming events, ticket sales, promotions and festival news

Subscription to the ‘Fest Family’ Newsletter

‘Fest Family’ window cling

One French Quarter Festival commemorative shirt

10 percent off any one-time order of merchandise

Signed and numbered French Quarter Festival poster

French Quarter Festival commemorative hat

1 year subscription to OffBeat Magazine

Invitation to participate in exclusive merchandise pre-sales

Invitation to special FQFI events and other community events

Advanced notice of date and placement for volunteer teams at French Quarter Festival and Satchmo SummerFest

Acknowledgment within the official FQFI newsletter

Listing on French Quarter Festivals, Inc. website

Two tickets to invitation-only speakers reception at Satchmo SummerFest

Two tickets to a dinner cruise aboard the Steamboat Natchez

Two tickets to our exclusive VIP hospitality area for all 4-days of French Quarter Festival

 

         For more information

 


         As the countdown concludes, the last drink is drunk and the final fistful of confetti is thrown, New Orleanians seamlessly slide into the Mardi Gras season.

         Will Samuels, co-owner of Lakeview’s Pizza Nola, 141 W. Harrison, announced the pizzeria once again will launch the Carnival season with an early-morning Carnival Kickoff event Friday, Jan. 6, from 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

         “The start of Carnival and King Cake season is a great day and we are excited to launch it with an early-morning celebration in our parking lot,” Samuels said. “This year’s party will begin an hour earlier than last year to accommodate guests who need to get to work and school.”

         The Carnival Kickoff event will feature the “Grand Arrival” of the Dong Phuong King Cakes plus music by local favorites Benny Grunch and the Bunch, breakfast by Pizza Nola’s breakfast pop-up Bawk and coffee from Coast Roast. Additional surprises guests and events are expected such as the police motorcade that accompanied last year’s arrival of the King Cakes.

         “This is the third year that we have partnered with Dong Phuong Bakery to offer their King Cakes so we wanted to provide a big splash to mark their arrival,” Samuels said.

         Located in New Orleans East, Dong Phuong has been serving the community for 30 years, and many area restaurants serve their French bread and pastries. Their King Cakes are made with a light, flaky rich pastry dough with a scalloped outer edge and topped with a cream cheese icing (instead of the powdered-sugar based frosting found on most other area King Cakes). “Many customers last year told us that they were long-time King Cake eaters, but Dong Phuong’s is their new favorite,” Samuels said.

         Pizza Nola will have King Cakes from Dong Phuong delivered daily (except Tuesdays). Cakes will be available for pre-ordering beginning Monday, Jan. 2, and pick-up at the restaurant as well as via delivery throughout the restaurant’s normal delivery area. Cakes are also available via online ordering through the restaurant’s website.

         The event is free, but registration is recommended

 

 

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