Dec 18, 2014 >> New Year’s at Nellcôte

The Holiday Hustle is ON, people! While everyone is trimming the tree and wrapping gifts—need some help in that arena? We’ve got you, people!—we’re also thinking about that very special day that needs no introduction: New Year’s Eve.

This year, we’re saying Oh La La to the NYE. Nellcôte, the hotbed for a fancy night out in a well-appointed—and massive!—West Loop space, is hosting a New Year’s fete to fete all New Year’s fetes. Aptly titled “Party Under the Chandeliers,” Nellcôte’s chic and high-energy atmosphere will be transformed to up the ante for NYE fun. What do we love? We’re excited for DJ Lani Love’s curated beats (She tells us the night will start along the lines of The Knack “My Sharona” and into super fun throwback 90’s and 00’s like Mack Morrison’s “Return of the Mack.” #YesLaniLoveYes). Oh, and after a glass or two of bubbly, wood-fired pizzas from Executive Chef Jared Van Camp. Oh, and at midnight, champagne and macaroons will be passed—how very French of them! And here’s a tip: for a VIP ticket and up, you can also get access to RM Champagne Salon. Très chic!

Watch as Nellcôte bar director Mea Leach dolls out a French 75 >>

 We visit Nellcôte to get a little taste—literally!—of their New Year’s Eve. Stationed behind the big marble bar, bar director Mea Leach tries our hand at a drink she’s bound to make a lot of come December 31st: the classic French 75. And for Mea, a sparkling cocktail is definitely on her must order list for the holiday (and with six premium drink with each ticket, you can try out a few of their stunning sparklers).

“When in doubt, Champagne on New Year’s!” Mea says about her drink of choice, “A French 75. A Kir Royale. Or even a splash of Aperol and bubbles. Lemon twists really bring out some of the bright acidity in certain brands, so I’ll add to go with one of those.”

Nellcôte, 833 W. Randolph Street. $100 per ticket, $150 for VIP and $2,500 for a private VIP section with bottle service (one bottle included in price) that seats up to 20 guests. Tickets available here. And for more information, visit NellcôteRestaurant.com or call 312.433.0500.