Ringing in 2014: New Year’s Eve Dining and Parties

For Georgetowners and Washingtonians, as in olden days, party and dinner choices for Christmas and New Year’s Eve can be surprisingly more personal than political.

Whether deciding on places like 1789 Restaurant, Peacock Cafe or Cafe Milano or Bistro Francais, Bistro Lepic or Cafe Bonaparte or Filomena, Unum or Bourbon Steak, one can enjoy and taste the classics of Georgetown and a few new ones, such as Capitol Prague, Malmaison and Rialto.

It is intimate here with such dinners, as the one shown by Jakob Esko, executive chef of the Capella Hotel. His New Year’s Eve menu must be seen and tasted to be believed.

Some of us at this newspaper recall a wonderful New Year’s Eve dinner — during the next-to-last year of the 20th century — at Tahoga Restaurant (now departed) with family and friends across from the Four Seasons Hotel. One talked about a New Year’s Eve at the Bohemian Caverns. Another recalled the last night of the Bayou, partying like it was 1999. In fact, it was 1999 after midnight.

Unlike the overwhelming celebrations in Times Square in Manhattan or in Las Vegas or at the Peach Drop in Atlanta, there are no major street events in Georgetown for New Year’s Eve. Yet, it is just that which can make your private get-together so personal.
Nevertheless, if all-out jamming partying is what you want Dec. 31 for ringing in 2014, consider the following soirees.

International Club of D.C. New Year’s Eve Gala
Eight ballrooms, Champagne, dinner and dessert buffets — hosted by the D.C. organization for internationally minded professionals. The Washington Ritz-Carlton, 1150 22nd St., NW; 7:30 p.m.; $109 and up

ArtJamz New Year’s Eve Glitter Ball
Come midnight, the ArtJamz Dupont Studio will be transformed into a rocking neon-splashed art studio filled with partying Picassos, reveling Rothkos and crazy Khalos. Not only can guests paint and glitter bomb their own canvas all night, but there will be a large group canvas where everyone can paint and write their resolutions. ArtJamz Dupont Studio, 1728 Connecticut Ave., NW; 10 p.m.; $60.

New Year’s Eve #RiverBash2014
Live music, deejays, endless buffets and a top shelf open bar. The outdoor area surrounding the restaurants will be tented and heated with outside bars. Nick’s Riverside Grill & Tony & Joe’s Seafood Place, 3000 K St., NW; doors open at 9 p.m.; $90 (discounts for groups of 10 or more).

James Bond Gala
This Bond-themed night features martinis, a mock casino, prizes, buffets and much more.
Washington Plaza Hotel, 10 Thomas Circle; 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.; $129 or more.

Masquerade Ball
Hosted by ABC’s Bachelor Chris Bukowski, the Masquerade Ball includes a Masquerade Masksmidnight balloon drop, three party rooms, buffet stations, live feed of Times Square and more.
Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Ave., NW; 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.; $99 to $350.

Downtown Countdown
All-inclusive tickets give you access to the main stage, Club ’14, a comedy showcase, live acoustic karaoke, unlimited premium open bars and full dinner buffets. The Washington Hilton; 1919 Connecticut Ave., NW; 9 p.m.- 2 a.m; $90 or more.
A Cirque du 2014 Celebration of

Many Nations
Circle the globe and experience 10 nations with unique international celebrations in seven different rooms. The famed Times Square experience will be featured in the Omni’s Grand Ballroom with Washington’s DJ Geometrix spinning American retro, top 40, hip hop, and dance. Midnight balloon drop and light show will welcome you to 2014. Omni Shoreham Hotel, 2500 Calvert St., NW; 10:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.; $105 or more.

Madhatter Ball
Madhatter’s Masquerade Ball will ring in 2014 with a food buffet, open bar, live entertainment and a midnight champagne toast. Party favors and much more included. 1319 Connecticut Ave., NW; 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; $75.
New Year’s Eve Passport to the

World Gala
This gala provides something for everyone: live entertainment, a variety of music, delicious food and beverages, a great crowd of people and much more. The Capital Hilton, 1001 16th Street, NW; 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; $99 or more.