Dining Chicago Weekday Planner: New Year's Edition

Butterscotch Bargain at M Burger

What resolutions? There's no better way to start the new year than with discounted milkshakes. M Burger takes the sting out of the potential hangover with 50% off butterscotch milkshakes on January 1. The special shake is available all month long, but discounted to $2.50 for one day only. The handiwork of chef Tim Hockett's, the shake features housemade ice cream and local ingredients. It's available at all Chicagoland locations. 

 

New Year's Brunch at Taco Joint

If a full meal of Mexican food is more your mood, then head to Taco Joint for a little New Year's brunch action. Starting at 11:00 a.m. on January 1, both locations will be cooking up special brunch tacos to go along with micheladas, Bloody Marias, and Mexican beers. Those special tacos are a carnitas-pancake taco made with buttermilk pancakes, confit pork shoulder, citrus maple syrup, and powdered sugar; and a green eggs and ham taco with salsa verde scrambled eggs, grilled Canadian bacon, queso fresco, cilantro, and a flour tortilla. Taco Joint will operate until midnight on New Year's Day. 

Cerise Gets Timeless

In case you're still on the prowl for New Year's Eve plans, look no further than the revelry taking place on the rooftop of the Virgin Hotels Chicago. Cerise will host Timeless, a celebration of 2015, with a premium open bar, midnight Champagne toast, a DJ set by Sasha Grey, and food by chef Rick Gresh. Tickets are available here.  To coincide, Miss Ricky's diner on the ground floor will feature a limited late night menu from 10:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m., with items like boozy milkshakes, sloppy fries, and something called the "Big Bowl of Regret," with Sour Patch Kids, Flaming Hot Cheetos, wasabi peas, pretzel sticks, and M&Ms. Hmm. 

- Matt Kirouac