Artfully Edmonds: New Year’s Eve countdown

Hot Apple Pie cocktail at Scott’s Bar & Grill (photo courtesy Scott’s).

By Janette Turner

The big story this week is New Year’s Eve, but before we get there, here’s a countdown of the top events in town.

Thursday: ECA hosts Washington Council of the Blind annual variety show

Washington Council of the Blind’s annual variety show will have two performances at Edmonds Center for the Arts on Thursday at 4:30 and again at 7:00 p.m. For more information on this traditional event, call Rob Turner at 425 778 0166 and find tickets here.

Thursday: Avenue B plays Romeo’s Restaurant

Expect a packed house at Romeo’s Restaurant and Pizzeria on Thursday from 7-9 p.m. when Avenue B plays jazz. The band is four Edmonds-Woodway High School seniors: Jack Roben on guitar, Max Bennett on tenor sax, Cory Franklin on bass, and Miles Laven, drums. You may want to call ahead for reservations at 425 771 7955, or try to squeeze in. And if you miss the local show, head to Avenue B’s next gig at Egan’s Ballard Jam House on Saturday, from 7-8:30 p.m. With only 46 seats, it will be tight quarters unless you snag a reservation at 206 789 1621.

Friday: The big screen

Driftwood Players carolers Patrice Bahnsen, Kathleen Huston, Nicholas Smit, Brandi Halabi, Kevin Starkey, Carissa Meisner Smit, Arian Smit, Deanna Smit, and Ann Arnhold (photo by Roger Huston).

The bad news is the lights are dark this weekend for Wade James’ Driftwood Players, Phoenix Theatre, and Edmonds Community College Black Box. If you missed their holiday shows, you’ll have to take our word that they were primo events. But if you crave an entertainment fix today, head to the movies: “The Hobbit” plays the Edmonds Theater at noon, 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. More info on the big screen’s Facebook page.

Saturday: Otherworlds Yuletide Ball

Corsets and curiosities will be on the dance floor at the Otherworlds Yuletide Ball, Saturday from 7-11 p.m. Here’s the promo from the store: “Celebrate the holidays and the sixth-month anniversary of our opening! We’ll have English country dances with experienced teachers -some partner dances, some lines, instruction as we go -or come to our weekly Monday Dance Nights at 7 p.m. and learn them beforehand! We weren’t sure how many people (for the ball), so we didn’t rent the $400 ballroom, but the annex instead, which shifts costs down a lot! It’s about 2,000 square feet, dance floor okay, and we’ll decorate like crazy. Cold cuts by The Cheesemonger’s Table! We’ll meet up at the store and walk over. Don’t worry – it’s less than a block!”

You can buy tickets at the store for $12 per person or $20 a couple. More information on the Otherworlds website.

Sunday: Library break

Librarian Lesly Kaplan talks with Deb Schadt under the new information sign.

Visitors to the Edmonds Library will notice improvements to the stacks and signage, which will make it easier to find those books on Caravaggio and Rembrandt. And if you wander the library floor, you will encounter “Rust Series,” an exhibition of photos on aluminum by local artist Jim Ballard. Taking a library break will give you strength for New Year’s Eve.

Jim Ballard's "Rust Series" at Edmonds Library. — Jim Ballard’s “Rust Series” at Edmonds Library.

Monday: Pop the cork on New Year’s Eve

Patio image from The Loft’s website.

There is nothing worse than missing out on a reservation for New Year’s Eve, so we’ve made it easy with a few links to your final party of 2012. Just make sure to commit before they’re all booked.

Anthony’s: Party upstairs

Anthony’s Edmonds Manager David Olson sent this New Year’s Eve update: “Our Beach Cafe restaurant will be open lunch and dinner for guests on a first come, first served basis as usual. In the HomePort on the second floor, we will feature our Fresh Sheet with special Holiday offerings including a Double R Ranch top sirloin paired with a Dungeness crab cake, and a cold water lobster oven roasted and served with a Double R Ranch top sirloin. The Fresh Sheet will also feature exotic fish such as fresh Mahi Mahi, Ahi, or Swordfish. We will offer Happy Hour in our lounge from 3-5:30 p.m.; all glass wine selections and draft beers are specially priced.”

Chanterelle: Three-course meal

New Year’s Eve three-course meals at Chanterelle start with the restaurant’s famous tomato bisque soup and house salad greens, followed by one of five different entree choices: New York Steak with Pomegranate Pinot Noir, Seafood Trilogy, Lemocello Lobster Ravioli, Chicken Brie or the vegetarian Holiday Harvest. “Reservations are suggested but walk-ins are welcome as room permits,” owner Brooke Baker notes. Seating is from 4-8:45 p.m.

Epulo: Prix Fixe

For $55, Epulo’s fixed menu features Painted Hills strip loin or Dungeness crab cakes. There is no set time to arrive, and just a few reservations are left. Their website is here.

Giardi’s Osteria: Early night

Fans of Giardi’s menu have only until 11 p.m. to celebrate on New Year’s Eve, but the Peppermint Mocha with Bailey’s at $5 will provide some comfort. Their menu can be found here.

The Loft Café & Social Lounge: Prix Fixe

For $75, The Loft offers a New Year’s Eve fixed menu, featuring Pork Belly Benedict, filet mignon, Baked Alaska almond cake, and a champagne toast. The five course meal begins at 9:30 p.m., but if you arrive before that, dishes are individually priced. More info here.

Taki Tiki: Complimentary toasts

Taki Tiki offers numerous freebies on New Year’s Eve: From 3-6 p.m. enjoy a complimentary appetizer buffet, then down a complimentary toast at 9 p.m. – which is New York City’s liftoff– and again at midnight, along with a free breakfast buffet from midnight to 2 a.m. Stay up-to-date with their Facebook page.

Scott’s Bar & Grill: Apple pie cocktail

Remember that yummy-looking Hot Apple Pie cocktail at the top of this column? That is one of Scott’s new “cozy cocktails,” along with other fresh tastes, including waffle-cut Gorgonzola Fries, topped with Gorgonzola sauce and bacon crumbles for $6.00 – which makes it perfect for your Designated Driver. And what does the apple pie cocktail have in it? Hot apple cider with Tuaco and whipped cream, for $7.75. The lounge at Scott’s is open until 1 a.m. on New Year’s Eve, and reservations can be found here.

Wherever you drink and dine on New Year’s Eve, be safe and merry, so you make it to 2013!

Arts reporter Janette Turner is your guide to local culture. In addition to covering visual, performing and literary events for My Edmonds News, Janette is President of EPIC Writers Group, a writing teacher, and a member of the Swedish Hospital Art Committee. (Photo by Jennifer McKinney).