OK Boston folks- NYE?

[Xislandgirl]

We are heading to Boston for NYE with another couple. We are staying at the Langham, got a killer deal on Hotwire and we are looking for someplace to have dinner and somewhere to spend midnight.

We do not want a set menu or anything formal. Really just a decent dinner and maybe a bar. Any thoughts? Our friend is HIGHLY allergic to seafood and sea salt, so that does limit us. I have been searching for weeks and I just don't know what to do.

Any suggestions would be wonderful!

[mbw1024]

NYE is a pain in the A$$ in my humble opinion! LOL I don't know what we are doing this year and really I just don't care. Hope you have loads of fun in Boston. BE SAFE!

[Xislandgirl]

I agree. We have decided to get out of dodge this year as the party we normally go to has become over run with small children as of late. Not that I don't love children, but we wanted to have a grown up evening and with Chip's new work schedule, we are limited to when we can travel.

[jayseadee]

There is usually a lot going on as Boston has big First Night event; there are fireworks at midnight.

Dinner and a fireworks cruise might be fun. I think there are some that go out for a couple of hours.

Houston's, near Quincy Market, has basic steak and ribs; and I think they have a good size bar. Maybe dinner in the North End? Joe Tecce's is the only place I can think of with a bar (not in the heart of the North End - down N. Washington Street). We've always had good meals there. Cafe Florentine is another of my favorites - but it's small.

Ruth's Chris is very good; as is Plaza III in Quincy market. You'd probably have to check to see if they are serving limited menus.

Try searching boston.com A&E - you might see something you like.

[liamsaunt]

I've got to be honest and say that I don't dig the whole new year's eve thing. We have done first night a couple of times and it is a lot of waiting to get in to the various events. As far as dining, you should get a reservation now...everything is going to be packed! With those allergies I would call and ask to speak to the kitchen in advance too.

[Xislandgirl]

It is funny that so many people are anti- NYE. I love the notion of out with old and in with the new. I don't make resolutions but I do try and take a few minutes before midnight to drop off my "baggage" that I have accumulated during the year and step into the New Year with my hands empty and ready to pick up whatever comes my way. Maybe a little too zen for most, but it works for me!

[liamsaunt]

Oh no, I do like the concept of out with the old, in with the new. I just don't like being in the big crowds that always come out for NYE. I usually host a smallish party at my house instead. Just drinks and appetizers, sometimes charades or something like that. Nothing fancy.

[Xislandgirl]

Charades????? I am inviting myself to your house. I love to play charades and I can never get anyone to play with me.

[mbw1024]

Charades????? I am inviting myself to your house. I love to play charades and I can never get anyone to play with me.

me neither!

[Maryanne]

I've been FORCING people to play charades the past couple of holidays and everyone ends up loving it.

To the poster: try opentable.com to peruse availability, menus, etc ., for NYE

[liamsaunt]

Yes, charades are super fun!

We've had hits with some other games too. One of the funniest evenings was the New Year's Eve we played Guesstures. It's a little like charades, but faster paced. Everyone really got into it. I remember that at one point somebody (not me!) did a full backflip to get their words guessed! (Yes, their team won!)

Our modified version of Cranium is another popular choice, and Scattergories used to be a favorite but nobody from my current crowd will play with me anymore because I always win.

[jayseadee]

At your house with your amazing food - I'd let you play and win anything you wanted