Closer – NYE 2005, courtesy of mattyp_

Yes, yes. A bit early? Maybe. But now’s the time to start thinking of NYE planning before the rest of the holiday season overwhelms you and suddenly find yourself lacking a place to enjoy and celebrate ringing in the New Year. So here’s a very non-comprehensive list of restaurants for you to consider. We’ll post more as we find out about them!

THE DISTRICT

Article One at Hyatt Regency Washington, on Capitol Hill. Call a reservationist at 202.719.8436
A la carte from 1:00 – 8:00pm.
Menu Highlights: Pan Seared Scallops with Baby Spinach ($12); Peppercorn Crusted Filet of Beef with Butter Poached Rock Lobster Tail ($42); Crème Brulee Sampler ($7).

Westend Bistro by Eric Ripert at The Ritz-Carlton Washington, in the West End. For reservations call 202.974.4900
Prix-fixe menu: 6:00-6:30pm and 9:00-9:30pm seatings; $150 per person.
Menu Highlights: Terrine of Foie Gras, Cranberry Sauce, Duck Croquant and Dried White Figs; Shrimp & Grits; Bourbon & Maple Glazed Pork Loin, Collard Greens, Hoppin John and Pork Jus. Includes five-course menu, complimentary champagne toast at midnight and special party favor.
Menu by Chef de Cuisine Joe Palma.

VIRGINIA

fyve Restaurant Lounge, located in the Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City. Call 703.412.2760 for reservations.
Four-course prix-fixe menu from 7:00pm – 9:30pm; $224/pp.
Menu Highlights: Tower of “Peekietoe” Crab Meat; Homemade Taglierini Pasta with Quail Rosemary Ragu; Veal Filet wrapped in Pancetta. Live entertainment and a champagne toast included.
Menus by Chef Amy Brandwein.

Indigo Landing, located on the Virginia side of the Potomac. Call 703.548.0001 for reservations.
Prix-fixe menu: 5:00 – 7:00pm, $95 per couple; 8:30 – 10:00pm, $120 per couple.
Menu Highlights: Grilled Shrimp in Rum butter sauce; Filet and Lobster; Pistachio Crusted Halibut; Homemade Chocolate Ganache Cake.

Le Gaulois Café, in Old Town Alexandria. Call 703.739.9494 for reservations.
Prix-fixe menu: 5:00 – 6:00pm $55 per person; 7:00 – 10:00pm $65 per person.
Menu Highlights: Smoked Salmon Wrapped Asparagus Topped with Caviar; Veal Shank over Barley Risotto; and Black Cod served over Maple Glazed Fall Vegetables.
Menu by Chef Tom Meyer.

MARYLAND

Addie’s, in MoCo. To personalize your holiday feast call 301.881.0081.
Three- course prix-fixe menu: $85/pp.
Menu Highlights: Open Flame Roasted Chestnut Bisque; Highbourne Farms Venison Osso Bucco; Candied Black Walnut Crusted Pheasant; Fleur de Sel Chocolate Caramel Trio. Includes a complimentary glass of champagne.
Menu by Chef Arra Lawson.

Know of other places? Share in comments!