The daily digest of Twin Cities culture | Secrets of the City

Related Content

• New Years Eve: Good Riddance to 2008
• Club 331 Tonight: Tacos and Elections
• Beyond the Obvious
• Weekend Hot Dish Surprise
• How to be a Neighborhood Hero

Still haven't decided where to go for New Years Eve? Besides the usual suspects, and the places I wrote about last week in Part I the options range from free champagne and hors d'oeuvres at midnight at the new Driftwood Char Bar, three- and five-course options at First Course, and a seven-course gastronomic blowout at North Coast in Wayzata.

The Driftwood recently opened in the former Westrum's Tavern space at 44^th and Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis, which closed last spring after the city pulled its liquor license. The new joint seemed to have some of the same spirit and clientele, but a mellower mood. Flyers at the Driftwood promise complimentary champagne and hors d'oeuvres at midnight, but if you want something more substantial, you can order ff the menu, which sticks to basic tavern fare: burgers, sandwiches, chicken wings, home-cut French fries, and a first-rate homemade macaroni and cheese ($5.25, with a side of steamed broccoli). Driftwood Char Bar, 612-354-3402.

The menu at North Coast starts with five courses for $55, including poached cold water lobster tail, with braised artichoke and rapini ratatouille; mushroom and fresh ricotta "cheesecake;" Thai curry glazed king salmon with coconut seared spaghetti squash; prime Angus filet mignon, and a dark chocolate crème brulee, but if you really want to put on the dog, you can add the flight of five selected wines for $25, and optional courses of American Sevruga caviar and Schramsberg blanc de noir champagne ($35), and an intermezzo of French foie gras medallion with pear flambé and ice wine reduction ($20). If that's a little too rich for your blood, a limited selection from the North Coast's regular menu will be available a la carte (entrees $16-$34).
North Coast, 294 E. Grove Lane, Wayzata, 952-475-4960.

The three course prix-fixe at First Course starts with Norwegian smoked salmon wih frisee and salmon roe; followed by Thousand Hills short ribs with tallegio potato gratin, and a chocolate trio of raspberry terrine, fallen cake and truffle for dessert - all for $40, plus $20 if you select the accompanying flight of three wine and glass of champagne. The five-course version, which costs $60, adds a carpaccio of foie gras with miso and Japanese truffle sauce, and braised pork belly with herbed polenta; add $30 more if you want the flight of five wines and champagne. Reservations recommended.
First Course, 5607 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis, 612-825-6900.