Archived Article By Tom Fitzmorris Originally published December , 2005 Click here for the current edition New Year's Eve New Year's Eve is the busiest, most festive, and most expensive night to dine out. Here are some of the special restaurant offerings that struck me as exceptionally good. Reservations for any New Year's Eve bash are essential; make them as soon as you can. The prices, except where otherwise noted, include tax, tip, wines, and amenities. I'll be adding to this page in the next few days; check back for more. Muriel's. 801 Chartres. 568-1885. $175 per person. Muriel's also has its usual grand New Year's Eve Soiree. Since the fireworks (there will be fireworks on the Riverfront this year, won't there? Never has a new year been more welcome than the one coming) are quite visible from Muriel's balconies and second-floor dining rooms, it's a prime place to have that dinner. Cocktails begin at eight, dinner is served at nine, and live music goes on until one in the morning. The price for everything is $175 per person. Here's the menu: Hors d'oeuvres Chimney Rock 2004 Fume Blanc, Napa Valley * * * Roasted Lobster with Sweet Onion Relish, Pink Grapefruit Gastrique and Potato Lincoln 2004 Gewurztraminer, New Zealand * * * Mini Duck Confit Cassoulet with Seared Foie Gras Caymus 2004 Conundrum, California * * * Braised Rabbit Ravioli with Panko-Mustard Crusted Rabbit Tenderloin and Wilted Spinach Longboard 2002 Syrah, Russian River * * * Smoked Beef Tenderloin, Escarole, Maytag Bleu Cheese Fondue, and Roasted Shallot Demi Robert Mondavi Re-Release 1994 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley * * * Chocolate Pate, Passion Fruit Coulis, and Candied Hazelnuts Laurent-Perrier Grand Siecle Brut Muriel's is on Jackson Square, a few feet from St. Louis Cathedral on the corner of St. Ann and Chartres. The phone number is 568-1885. © 2005 Tom Fitzmorris. All rights reserved. news@nomenu.com