1. Le Cirque 2000
$500 prix fixe dinner and dancing, plus a strolling mariachi band.
455 Madison Ave., at 50th St.; 212-303-7788

2. Daniel
$145 early-bird special; $425 for dinner, dancing, and the chef’s traditional conga line at midnight.
60 E. 65th St., nr. Park Ave.; 212-288-0033

3. Aureole
Kick off the festivities with a special low-key-but-celebratory $75 lunch—or spring for the $150 dinner.
34 E. 61st St., nr. Park Ave.; 212-319-1660

4. Alain Ducasse
Two seatings, both black-tie, but the second, at $420, out-truffles the first three dishes to one.
155 W. 58th St., nr. Seventh Ave. 212-265-7300

Related:

• Archive: “Food Features”
• Articles by Robin Raisfeld | Rob Patronite
• Table of Contents: December 20, 2004 issue of New York | Subscribe!