Auld Lang Syne
By now you’ve probably heard that Meritage, Timo and Mas are serving their last meals on NYE, but instead of a whimper, they’re going out with a bang.
Meritage
While we’re bummed that owner Christopher Peckat is closing his wine-friendly Bucktown café, he’s promising to resurface with a new concept in the space around Valentine’s Day. But reservations are a must for the going-out-in-style NYE soiree: Chef Troy Graves will whip up an over-the-top five-course meal with choices like seared duck liver with curried suckling pig and charred pineapple coulis. Price: $85. Time: 5:30-10 p.m.
Timo
We’ve seen John Bubala make some changes at this River West address through the years -- he originally opened as French-flaired Thyme in 1998 and he morphed the concept into Italian-inspired Timo in early 2006. (We’re really gonna miss the primo patio next summer.) For NYE, Bubala is planning a three-course dinner and glass of champagne at the first seating, and a four-course dinner, live jazz and a champagne toast at the second seating. Selections include a pork shank with gnocchi, bacon and roasted onions; risotto with spit-roasted chicken mushrooms, asparagus and asiago; and banana crepes with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream. Price: $50-$80 Time: 5:30 and 9:30 p.m.
Mas
This Nuevo Latino Wicker Park eatery, which opened in 1998, will be sorely missed for its Mas y Mas margaritas, mojitos and our favorite dish, the NY strip steak with cabrales butter, tobacco onions and chipotle mashed potatoes. The final blowout features a four-course prix-fixe menu with two seating times (the second seating includes a champagne toast); chef-co-owner John Manion wouldn’t give up the menu specifics for now, but we’re betting he’ll pull out some Mas classics. Price: $65-$75 Time: 7 and 9:30 p.m.