Bar Boulud isn’t slated to open until January, but legendary good-time guy Daniel Boulud has decided to move up the place’s christening a little bit — to New Year’s Eve. The first night of Bar Boulud will be the site of two seatings: one at 5:30, consisting of three courses of charcuterie-heavy classic French bistro fare for $80, and a second, more festive “gala,” starting at 9, with four courses for $150, including a midnight Champagne toast with D.J. and dancing. That is, if eating the likes of hare terrine, warm saucisson aux lentils, and civet de lapin, and drinking inordinate amounts of red wine doesn’t take the starch out of you. (The menu isn't set yet, but Boulud's publicist says these are the type of dishes likely to be on it.) The man himself promises to swing by sometime after midnight to greet his debut crowd, which suggests to us that he’ll be leading the conga line sometime before dawn. Try calling the reservation line on Monday: 212-595-0303.

Related: Exclusive: Feast Your Eyes on Bar Boulud, Coming in November