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Whether you want to don a cape and spend the night in a real-life Gotham City or savour a decadent dinner inspired by the flavours of Italy, UVA Wine & Cocktail Bar and Cibo Trattoria have you covered this New Year’s Eve.

Widely considered one of Vancouver’s premier drink destinations, UVA will show off its spunky side on December 31 when it transforms into Gotham City, a mainstay of DC Comics. Guaranteed to be a memorable event, bartenders will shake up themed drinks that even Superman won’t be able to resist while canapés and hors d’oeuvres maintain guests’ superhero stamina.

Throughout the night, The James Danderfer Jazz Trio will perform their jazziest versions of cinematic tunes – because you can’t fight crime and party all night without a soundtrack. And as soon as the clock strikes midnight, UVA will unveil a massive surprise of Hulk-like proportions. Holy Batman!

Tickets to UVA’s superhero NYE are $40 and include two complimentary drinks, food, entertainment and party favours. Shelve the self-consciousness and start dusting off that old Spiderman costume because prizes will be given out for best male and female superheroes. Order your tickets in advance via Eventbrite.

For a more intimate evening, book a table at Cibo Trattoria, offering two indulgent New Year’s Eve dinner seatings. The first seating is at 6 pm and includes a three-course menu ($79 per person), while the 9 pm seating will feature a five-course menu ($115 per person).

[Faizal Kassam, Robert Stelmachuk]

Executive Chef Faizal Kassam has many wonderful treats in store, from burrata with prosciutto, preserved cherry tomatoes and parmesan crisp to seared scallops with slow-cooked fennel, stinging nettle puree and elderflower brown butter. Cibo guests will also be able to add oysters or seared foie gras to their feast, as well as carefully curated wine pairings – because what’s New Year’s Eve without a little indulgence?

“We’re very proud of the wine pairings that we selected to complement Chef Faizal’s menu” says Robert Stelmachuk, general manager and wine director of the restaurant. “With occasions like this it’s always a great opportunity to showcase the diversity of Cibo Trattoria’s constantly-evolving wine list and its 28 wines by the glass.”

NEW YEAR’S EVE SEATINGS
3-course pairing starts between 5:30 and 6:30; 
5-course pairing starts between 9 and 9:30
First Seating – 3 courses, $79/person (wine pairings available)
-burrata-
prosciutto di San Daniele, preserved cherry tomatoes, parmesan crisp
Hester Creek ‘Old Vines Block 16’ Trebbiano – Okanagan Valley ($6)
——-
-seared scallops-
slow cooked fennel, stinging nettle purée, 
elderflower brown butter
Tenute dei Vallarino ‘Pèpero’ Sauvignon Blanc ’13 – Piedmont, Italy ($8)
or
-bistecca alla fiorentina-
smashed celeriac, preserved white truffle, 
crispy smoked marrow
Tenute dei Vallarino ‘Pèpero’ Sauvignon Blanc ’13 – Piedmont, Italy ($8)
——-
-vanilla semifreddo-
2015 Franci Olio Novello, maldon sea salt
Nk’mip Cellars Riesling Icewine ’11, Okanagan Valley ($10 1oz)
Wine pairings are are 3oz unless stated otherwise
-additions-
half dozen oysters/$16
seared foie gras $25/30g portion

Second Seating – 5 courses, $115/person (wine pairings available)
-burrata-
prosciutto di San Daniele, preserved cherry tomatoes, parmesan crisp
Hester Creek ‘Old Vines Block 16’ Trebbiano – Okanagan Valley ($6)
——-
-seared scallop-
slow cooked fennel, stinging nettle purée, 
elderflower brown butter
Tenute dei Vallarino ‘Pèpero’ Sauvignon Blanc ’13 – Piedmont, Italy ($8)
——-
-chestnut gnocchi-
venison ragu, housemade ricotta salata, crispy sage
Caparzo IGT Sangiovese ’13 – Tuscany, Italy ($7)
——-
-Bistecca alla Fiorentina-
smashed celeriac, preserved white truffle, crispy smoked marrow
Terre dell Barolo Nebbiolo ’09 – Piedmont-Barolo, Italy ($10)
——-
-vanilla semifreddo-
2015 Franci Olio Novello, maldon sea salt
Nk’mip Cellars Riesling Icewine ’11, Okanagan Valley ($10 1oz)
——-
petit fours
Wine pairings are 3oz unless stated
-additions-
half dozen oysters/$16
black winter truffle $25/5g portion
seared foie gras $25/30g portion

I asked Robert what dish he looks forward to the most. “The menus we create like this are designed as a complete experience so it’s hard to choose just one. I am, however, looking forward to watching guests’ reactions to the seared scallops with slow cooked fennel, stinging nettle puree and elderflower brown butter. The pairing with the Tenute dei Vallarino Sauvignon Blanc from Piedmont is epic!”

He adds, “Ultimately, the night is what you make it, and we’re offering our guests a decadent experience in a cozy, refined atmosphere. If you’re looking for a sophisticated evening to celebrate with friends and loved ones over delicious food and wine, Cibo Trattoria is your place.”

To reserve, phone Cibo Trattoria at 604.602.9570 or email robert@cibotrattoria.ca. You’ll need to supply a credit card number to secure a reservation (note the 48-hour cancellation policy). Cibo and UVA are located at 900 Seymour Street next to the Moda Hotel.

First two photos in this feature by James Stockhorst.