In a perfect world, New Years Eve would play out like a romantic comedy starring Bradley Cooper and some lovesick starlet in a sparkly dress. In reality, New Year’s Eve here in Portland is anything but. With temperatures below freezing, sidewalks slick with ice, and bars packed wall to wall with the same drunken folks as last year, you’ll be counting down the seconds ‘til you get to go home. Somehow, no matter how many years we find ourselves sweat soaked, smelling of beer, and sucking face with a stranger at Gritty’s; we keep doing it. The fish-scented magnet of the Old Port pulls us into the same situation that we resolved to “never do again” last year. Maybe this year it’s time for a change, time to try something new and save a little money by staying in. While I highly doubt you’ll actually do that, here are some good options for ordering in if you don’t go out tonight.
Veranda Thai
If you’re pretty sure you aren’t going to get that New Year’s kiss, then you might as well fill your mouth with flavor. Crack open a beer and order yourself one of Veranda’s classic favorites like Drunken Noodle, a spicy concoction of big noodles, veggies, and a tangy sauce with a kick. If you’re feeling less daring, try one of the other fairly priced menu options like chicken pad Thai or crispy spring rolls. Rest assured, whatever you order will pair well with PBR, loneliness and Netflix. In a short time, one of the friendly delivery drivers will bring a party for your mouth. Delivery is available until 10pm, so you’ll have plenty of time to dig back into your leftovers when you’re hungry again in 2014.
Portland Pie
The best way to keep your friends at your house to keep you company is by feeding them, and the most cost effective way to do that is with a large pizza from Portland Pie. For around $20 you’ll be the hero who serves up slices big enough to call a meal. Portland Pie offers, hearty pizzas with Maine themed names and your choice of crust style and flavor. Try the Matinicus with spicy red sauce, cream cheese, prosciutto and pepperoncini peppers, or the Noreaster, a more traditional buffalo chicken pizza topped with chicken, hot sauce, blue cheese and chopped celery for crunch. Delivery is available until 10pm so you’ll have plenty of time to liquor up your friends so you can order your favorite flavor without any complaints.
2Dinein.com
It seems to be a rule that all the best restaurants don’t offer delivery. 2 Dine In owner Michael Bolduc put an end to this problem when he opened his “virtual food court” themed delivery service in 6 years ago. Since then 2Dinein.com has been offering delivery from 31 Portland area restaurants for only 5 bucks extra. With a few glasses of champagne in you, your dream meal could consist of bacon dusted fries from NOSH, spicy wings from Bucks Naked BBQ, and the volcano roll from Benkay. With 2DineIn that’s entirely possible. The website is easy to navigate and puts the world of Portland food at your fingertips with menus from every style of restaurant from seafood to Indian and everything in between. Delivery is available until 9pm, just be sure to tip the guy who delivers your complex feast.
Whatever you end up doing this New Year, just know that you have options. There’s nothing wrong with staying in, keeping warm, and enjoying something tastier than a beer flavored kiss with someone else’s leftovers.