The Table Creekside, 5365 Tamiami Trail South, 941-921-9465; Michael�s On East, 1212 S East Avenue, 941-366-0007, ext. 224

You can end 2015 on a delectable note at The Table Creekside with one of three special tastings that Chef Pedro and his talented team have added to the menu exclusively for New Year’s Eve. Then you can turn around and begin 2016 on a decadent upswing at Michael’s On East with the first Lobster Pot Friday of the year which happens to fall on Jan. 1.

The Table will be featuring dinner from 4-10pm on Dec. 31 and I hear that there are a couple of reservations still available. There are three tasting menus on offer, as well as the fabulous dinner menu. The three tasting menus include a Seafood Tasting, a Bison Tasting and Ribeye Oscar. All of these special menus are $69.95 and each features a winning combination of fresh ingredients and Chef Pedro’s signature global flair—the Bison Tasting includes pulled bison samosa and a sinful foie gras reduction. The cocktail concoctions are sure to be as special as their culinary counterparts as The Table’s house infused liquors always make for a memorable treat.   

Michael’s on East will be open in the evening on New Year’s Day and offering their exceptionally popular Lobster Pot Friday dinner which includes two 1¼-pound live Maine lobsters, mussels, clams, new potatoes and corn on the cob for only $38.95 per person. Chef Jamil Pineda and his team are excited to prepare this seafood feast for regulars and newcomers alike and they’ll even provide the bib that you’ll most definitely need. Lobster Pot Friday begins at 5:30pm which means if you there at 5pm you can enjoy happy hour in the lounge before you dive into your perfectly seasoned seafood supper.

The Table Creekside, 5365 Tamiami Trail South, 941-921-9465; Michael�s On East, 1212 S East Avenue, 941-366-0007, ext. 224