Above / Built in 1847, the historic mansion at Mesón Sabika is picturesque in winter on Dec. 30, 2020.
Update, Dec. 22, 2021 / PN analytics tell us this page from 2020 is attracting attention. Note that Mesón Sabika again is open New Year’s Eve with “Cheers to the New Year.” Dining experiences at the historic mansion between 5:30PM and 7PM on Dec. 31, 2021, have been booked. Other times earlier and later are still available as of this date, Dec. 22, 2021.
Simply click “Reserve now” for Dec. 31 choices at www.mesonsabika.com.
Looking forward, note also at this time, Mesón Sabika is planning a fundraiser for victims of recent tornados. One hundred percent of all sales on Mon., Jan. 18, 2022, will benefit World Vision and the American Red Cross disaster relief.
Original Post, Dec. 30, 2020/ Create a New Year’s Eve event at home with accents of Spain.
First, however, start with a quote by English playwright Ben Jonson, poetic words suggested by the folks at Mesón Sabika, perfect for the annual ending of another year and a new one that begins right after midnight on Dec. 31, 2020.
“To the old, long life and treasure; to the young, all health and pleasure.” —Ben Jonson (1572-1637)
Next plan a menu for take-out and pick-up from Mesón Sabika, the community’s Spanish tapas and sangria specialist for 30 years, set in the historic mansion at 1025 Aurora Avenue, just west of downtown Naperville
New Year’s Eve to-go packages offer a special 4-course dinner for $45 per person that includes cold and hot tapas plus an entrée and dessert. A second option is a 4-course vegetarian menu at $35 per person that includes cold and hot tapas plus an entrée and dessert. A children’s menu is available for pickier eaters, ranging from $6.95 to 18.95.
Since tapas are intended for sharing, folks at Mesón Sabika also suggest ordering different menu items to pass as a way to experience the true taste of Spain.
For the complete menu, click here. The special New Year’s Eve take-out menu is featured at the bottom of this post. Simply scroll down through several entertainment options with plans to pick-up dinner at spaces provided in the parking lot located at 1025 Aurora Ave.
Meanwhile…Create some live entertainment to go with dinner
Savor memories of flamenco dancing in the mansion at Mesón Sabika by planning family festivities at home with other Spanish accents. Try flamenco dancing, watch a movie set in Spain, view videos of travel experiences and teaching English in Spain, all while enjoying a taste of Spain from one of Naperville’s favorite restaurants, located right in the heart of the city.
Currently, the restaurant is available only for daily take-out reservations and pick-up, including New Year’s Eve.
For the fun of it, plan to dance flamenco style… Make your own fan… Create castanets… Enjoy take-out at home…
Make a simple fan with two sheets of 8 1/2 x 11 colored paper
- Fold each sheet accordion style with 3/4 inch folds
- After folded, staple one edge together in several places
- Pinch one end. Staple several times to hold.
- “Fan” the top. Hold from the bottom.
Make your own castanets / Supplies Needed
- Small paper plate or thick cardboard
- Colored permanent markers or any water-based paint (If you choose to decorate)
- Scissors
- Glue gun or quick-drying glue
- Buttons or coins (six to eight hard plastic or metal items to create clicking sound)
- Ribbon or elastic (10 inches or less)
- Fold in half a piece of heavy paper or cardboard that fits in the palm of your hand… A paper plate folded in half also will work.
- Place the folded paper between you thumb and fingers. Draw an outline around your fingers, “palm size,” on the cardboard.
- Cut out the shape.
- Open paper.
- Glue three or four buttons/coins to correspond along the two inside edges and allow to set. Be sure to place the buttons/coins opposite each other so when the two sides of the castanet are clapped together, they produce a clicking sound.
- Fold again. Click. Click. Click.
- Punch two holes on one side of the castanet far enough apart to thread and tie with a ribbon that will hold the handmade castanets on your fingers.
- You’ll likely be set with enough clicks for the evening to accompany traditional Spanish Flamenco music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAXTA4YlREE
Watch a movie set in Spain
For the evening’s entertainment, also search online for movies set in Spain. For instance, A Fistful of Dollars, Once Upon a Time in the West and Dr. Zhivago all were filmed in Spain. One website dedicated to travel offers “A Guide to the Most Scenic Films Shot in Spain” at www.vogue.com.
Order from Mesón Sabika New Year’s Eve Menu for Take-Out/Pick Up
Menu $45 person
Cold Tapas (Choose one)
Jamon Serrano / Traditional Serrano ham with Manchego cheese, tomatoes, and toast points
Patatas con Alioli / Robust garlic potato salad
Queso con Pacanas / Goat cheese rolled in crushed roasted pecans served with red wine, poached pear and toast points, drizzled with honey
Hot Tapas (Choose one)
Datiles con Tocino / Roasted dates wrapped in bacon served with red bell pepper sauce
Gambas a la Placha / Grilled tiger shrimp in garlic lemon butter
Champiñones Rellenos / Mushroom caps filled with Spinach and cheese, served with tomato basil sauce
Entrée (Choose one)
Pasta Salmon a la Plancha / Grilled Atlantic Salmon served with julienned vegetables and a lemon butter sauce
Chuletas de Cordero / Grilled lamb chops served with roasted potatoes, grilled asparagus with a red wine sauce
Solomillos a la Plancha / Grilled beef tenderloin medallions (5-6) oz., served with mashed potatoes, drizzled with red wine sauce
Dessert (Choose one)
Pastel de Chocolate / Three layer mousse cake featuring dark chocolate, white chocolate and caramel mousses with raspberry sauce
Pastel de Bailey’s / Bailey’s Irish Creme cheesecake
Flan de Vanilla / Our classic vanilla flan
Vegetarian Menu $35 person
Cold Tapas
Ensalada de Remolacha / Gold and red beets with lamb’s ear lettuce, honeyed walnuts, Manchego cheese and a lemon mayonnaise dressing
Hot Tapas
Champiñones Rellenos / Mushroom caps filled with Spinach and cheese, served with tomato basil sauce
Entrée
Pasta Vegetariana / Fettucine pasta with spinach, asparagus, and peapods, tossed with tomato goal cheese sauce
Dessert
Flan de Vanilla
Children’s Menu from $6.95 to $18.95
Chicken Fingers with French Fries – $6.95
Penne Pasta with tomato basil sauce or butter and cheese – $6.95
Beef Tenderloin Skewer with French Fries – $9.50
Beef Medallions with French Fries – $18.95
For the complete menu that includes additional signature dishes at Mesón Sabika, click here. For more information or to place a take-out order for a scheduled pick-up, call (630) 983-3000, ext. 2.
Feliz año nuevo.
Valentine’s Day returns on Sun., Feb. 14! Watch for the special prix fix menu designed for sweethearts with tastes for two ($49 per person). Reservations are now being accepted.
