Menu help!

[queenofcorona]

I would like to make a nice dinner for NYE. I'm admittedly far from a gourmet cook, but am willing to give a new dish or two a go. So far the menu has some possible sides - spinach/strawberry salad w/ pomegranate vinaigrette, roasted seasoned potatoes, and what for a main dish? Also perhaps some type of bread? Suggestions please, with instructions or recipes if possible (keeping in mind my kitchen skills aren't extensive)?
I would like to do a beverage in place of dessert ... perhaps hot buttered rum topped with homemade whipped cream? There will of course be a little bubbly later.
Does any of this stuff go together? Feel free to suggest replacements for things I listed. This will be dinner for two, no need for cooking for a crowd type recipes/quantities needed.
TYIA.

[marvholly]

My menu is based on stuff we LOVE but cannot generally afford on a regular basis + a salad & veg to keep it somewhat health.

I indulged in a really good steak (boneless NY strip). I will be doing a seafood or sushi appetiser. I plan to buy a cheesecake (Sara Lee outlet 6 blocks from home).

You might want to consider irish coffe, Baileys, Kaluha or Amaretto for your drink desert.

[queenofcorona]

I considered steak as well, but am hoping to avoid that since he'll arrive that afternoon from an almost 2000 mile drive and would insist on being the one to go outside to the cold to operate the grill.
Maybe salmon (though I've only ever grilled this previously) ... Any great (indoor cooking) ideas for that? The potatoes are a favorite side for both of us, but I think I'll make a rice dish if I do salmon. The spinach salad is the obligatory nod to nutrition.
I was planning Irish coffee & mimosas with NY day brunch - we have a party at the neighbors that afternoon, so probably just wine with dinner (or some type of sangria) and the remaining strawberries (with whipped cream or choc) for a lighter dessert.
I like cooking, but hate the planning part of it!

[The Virginian]

I suggest Baked Lemon & Pepper Chicken - It is easy to prepare and cook!

Man, you guys are making me hungry!

[queenofcorona]

No chicken, I've prepared chicken dishes the last few times he was here (though it does sound good and I'll def. use it it the future if you provide instructions - prefer tried and true advice to googling). He's relocating here this trip so there will be more time to test plenty of dishes in the future!
He's likely arriving late Thursday now, he traveled from the West Coast to Vegas yesterday and ended up heading out from Vegas last night instead of this morning to try to stay ahead of the storms coming through. Unfortunately snow caught up to him in NM so he's back on the road after only a few hours sleep because high winds are forecast for that area and he doesn't want to get stuck there. Hopes to hit Amarillo by afternoon for a good 8-10 hours sleep and then back on the road likely in the middle of the night. Ugh, I'm going to spend today worried.

[marvholly]

How about a really good roast like pprime rib or leg of lamb? You will have to know EXACTLY when you will be eating so the roast is not overcooked or cold.

[jax]

I wanted to give you the secret to true English roasted potatoes!

They are really nice, and I didn't know how to do it until I began dating an Englishman. I could sell him off for this, I swear...

1. Peel your taters
2. Par-boil them until they are tender to the fork (that means to boil them for maybe 15 min, until the fork just pierces them easily, but they are not mushy or fully cooked)
3. Fish them out of the boiling water when ready, and put them into a roasting pan. Drizzle your favorite cooking oil (Canola is healthy) over each - no need to drown them!
4. Salt and pepper them, and you can then roast at nearly any temperature as long as you watch the time. 350 to 425 seems to be magic.
5. They are done when they are browning on top.