Starey Gazey Pie from The Pikey (Photo by Eric Shani)
When you’re young, New Years Eve is all about drinking yourself stupid. But when you get tired of champagne hangovers, it’s nice to usher in the new year with a quiet, special meal, eating yourself stupid. Here are some of our favorite places to have an elegant, yet gluttonous evening.
6 pm – 10 pm $65
Santa Monica’s intimate new restaurant is offering a $65 five-course tasting menu in addition to its usual seasonal dishes.
1st course – choice of:
Sunchoke & chestnut soup OR Winter lettuces OR Crudo
2nd course – choice of:
Wild mushroom risotto OR Housemade pappardelle with pork sugo
3rd course – choice of:
Diver sea scallops OR Grilled lamb chops OR Grass-fed waygu beef
Dessert – choice of:
Crème brûlée OR Chocolate soufflé
Wine pairings from Owner/Wine Director Kevin O’Connor are available for $30. Champagne, caviar and truffles will also be available for an additional charge.
GRACIAS MADRE (West Hollywood)
5 pm – 12 am $65 per person
Every vegan’s favorite organic, plant-based Mexican restaurant will be offering a four-course mushroom tasting menu from Executive Chef Chandra Gilbert. The prix fixe menu will also include a mushroom cocktail pairing from acclaimed Beverage Director Jason Eisner.
Fungus Among Us Cocktail Pairing (Courtesy of Beverage Director Jason Eisner)
Amantillado sherry infused with shitake mushrooms, house mulled Spanish vermouth, mezcal espadin, housemade, truffle bitters, orange oil, sparkling wine
Sopa de Hongos Morrel drizzled with truffle oil & cashew crema, served with grilled sourdough
Ensalada Oyster Asada Chaga, arugula, fig, hazelnut
Stuffed Portobello en Croix
Lion’s Mane, sunchoke puree, pastry, roasted root vegetables, guajillo sauce
Pastel con Chocolate y Reishi
Coffee cashew cream, chocolate reishi ganache, mezcal syrup
The restaurant will remain open until 1 am. (323) 978-2170
$125
Chef Brian Malarkey’s glamorous new seafood restaurant in the elegant Mondrian Hotel. The Top Chef alum has crafted a special five-course prix fixe menu including line-caught Ahi Tuna and a dry aged rib-eye.
Amuse Bouche: Beausoleil Oyster with Grannysmith Apple and Yuzu Koshu
Line-Caught Ahi Tuna with Charred Scallions, Oyster Crema, & White Truffles
Salmon Confit with Matsutake Mushrooms, Braised Tomato, & Heirloom Bean Ragout
Black Truffle Cavatelli (House-made Cavatelli with sausage, chantrelle mushrooms, tuscan kale, and black truffles)
28 Day Dry-Aged Rib-Eye with Pommes Robuchon and Clam Chimichurri
Coffee Semifreddo with Creme Fraiche Sabayon, Passion Fruit Granita, Hazelnut Shortcrust, and 30 Second Chocolate Brioche
Optional wine pairing available for $75. (310) 971-4460.
HINOKI & THE BIRD (Century City)
Keeping with the travel-inspired theme of past New Year’s Eve events, Hinoki & The Bird will feature a Buenos Aires theme this year. Sample menu:
Forest mushroom empanada, potato empanada, curry spiced empanada, yogurt raita sauce
Chorizo sausage, hoja santa, chili lime sauce
Sweet onion “fugazza”, burrata cheese, hijiki
Carbonada pumpkin stew, heirloom pumpkin, turnips
Braised short rib, fontina, caramelized onion
Yucca fries, garlic aioli
Chocotorta, miso sugar
Coconut macaroons, dolce de leche
The event will have open seating and a complimentary sparkling wine toast. There will also be a live DJ and decorations keeping with the Buenos Aires theme.
Ivory, a new dining concept, will join Herringbone at Mondrian LA, opening its doors for opening night on New Year’s Eve. Top Chef alum Brian Malarkey will present a celebratory prix-fixe menu.
Amuse: Oyster on the Half Shell, Yuzu Emulsion
Winter Squash Soup, Celery Root, Roasted Apple, Sage Pesto
Big Eye Tuna, Cabecero Iberico, Sorrel, Heart of Palm, Black Winter Truffle
Honey-baked Pork Belly, Roasted Pumpkin, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Cranberry Gastrique (*Foie Gras Supplement available for $25; includes Foie Gras on French Toast with Brown Butter Roasted Pears)
Choice of:
Australian Lamb Rack, Spiced BBQ Baby Heirloom Eggplant, Orange Curd, Chimichurri
Roasted Striped Bass, Baby Artichokes, Nantes Carrots, Cured Olives, Chorizo Nage OR
Prime Rib Eye, Pommes Puree, Bone Marrow, Bordelaise
Pumpkin Risotto, Butternut Squash, Goat Cheese, Saba, Candied Pepitas
Choice of: Tres Leches Cake, Candied Peanuts, Coconut Sorbet OR Pumpkin Panna Cotta, Almond Crumble, Saba
5 p.m $125 per guest
This Beverly Hills landmark, once frequented by Frank Sinatra, will be ringing in the new year with a lavish five-course prix-fixe. Reminiscent of a classic red brick New York Italian restaurant, La Dolce Vita serves up reimagined Italian cuisine by Executive Chef Alejandro Galan.
1st Course (Choice of)
Tuna Carpaccio: Cured black olives, shaved beets, saffron emulsion, paddlefish caviar
Green Goddess Salad: Little gem, pear, crispy shallots, gorgonzola goddess dressing
2nd Course (Choice of)
Winter Truffle Risotto: Chanterelle, oyster, cremini mushrooms, black truffle, parmigiano
Seared Foie Gras ($20 supplement): Rugosa heirloom squash, spiced jus, chive
3rd Course:
Fettuccini al Ragu di Vitello: Fresh fettuccini, veal ragu, winter vegetables
Main Dish (Choice of):
Almond Crusted John Dory: Wilted spinach, farfalle aglio olio, “martini” sauce
Roasted Venison Medallions: Broccolini, sunchoke mash, bacon chip, hazelnut demi-glace
Dessert:
Flourless Chocolate Cake: Marsala Chantilly, fresh berries
Additionally, the “Gentlemen’s Drink,” inspired by Frank Sinatra, an innovative twist on an Old Fashioned made with Jack Daniel’s rare Sinatra Select, “will be offered for those wishing to sip like the stars.” Topping off the evening, complimentary glasses of Prosecco will be passed at midnight to toast to the New Year.” 310.278.1845 or visit OpenTable; reservations required.
THE LITTLE DOOR (Westwood) / LITTLE NEXT DOOR/ THE LITTLE DOOR SANTA MONICA
6pm, 7:15pm $125 $150
Ring in the new year at all locations with an Alice in Wonderland inspired party(!!!) The party is playfully entitled “Jardin Enchanté.” The Little Door on West Third street will have a themed D.J., Dancers, and a Fortune Teller to complete the festivities, with a first seating from 6 – 7 p.m. ($125) and second seating after 7:15 p.m. ($150, includes a complimentary midnight toast).
Love & Salt (Manhattan Beach)
5:30 pm – 11:00 pm (Bar open until 1:00 am)
Chef Michael Fiorelli will be offering festive specials in addition to his usual exciting menu. We recommend the simple Tomato Pie pizza, but it might be the night to order that giant hog’s head you’ve been eying. If that’s not decadent enough, the NYE menu offers:
Sea urchin toast with lardo ($18),
Lobster pizza with gruyere, grilled green onions, and creamy lobster sauce ($26)
Foie gras cheeseburger prepared with wagyu beef and truffle cheese ($32)
After 10pm Love & Salt will be serving a “Late Night Love” menu until midnite at the bar and the chef’s counter. With the late night menu, you get Fiorelli’s “Downlow” burger or pizza, plus a glass of beer or wine for $20. (310) 545-5252.
Malibu Beach Inn’s The Carbon Beach Club
Starting at 4pm $115/person
Enjoy this special prix fixe menu with a spectacular ocean view. The glamour starts as soon as you are seated, with a glass of champagne and an amuse of Kumamoto Oyster, blood orange and champagne “ice,” horseradish, Petrossian Caviar, fingerling potato, chive crème fraiche, and lobster nag’e (flavored poaching sauce).
1st Course, Choice of:
-Porcini Arancini, Jamon iberico de Bellota, white truffle, pine nut butter
-Wagyu beef tartare, black truffle, “bright side” quail egg, veal demi-glace, artisan bread
-Roasted baby beets, walnut marzipan, orange curd, white truffle, biodynamic greens
2nd Course, Choice of:
-Black cod, olive oil poached, mustard potato gnocchi, king crab, asparagus velout’e, Meyer lemon
-Domestic lamb loin, banana polenta, foie gras, trumpet mushroom, root vegetables, lamb jus
-Muscovy duck, baby turnip, water cress, pickled mustard seed, forelle pear
-“Land and Sea”, 5 spice braised veal, celery root, Maine lobster, forest mushroom, parmesan
Dessert
Dessert trio – Green tea Crème Brulee, Pudwell berries, Chocolate bomb, chocolate mousse, hazelnut almond crust and Sea Salt caramel gelato, sea salt caramel macaroon
For those who can afford it, the hotel is offering a “New Years on the Beach!” package. The package includes a deluxe Queen Oceanfront room for 1 night, Chocolate Dipped Strawberries upon arrival with a bottle of chilled Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc Champagne; a New Year’s Eve Dinner for two, party favors for midnight and a Breakfast on New Year’s Day with two complimentary Mimosas or Bloody Mary’s. The price is set at $1031.00.
Chef Ralph Johnson, a Londoner who was first taught by Jamie Oliver, has served time at St. John’s, and The Spotted Pig. He brings this impressive resume to Hollywood to head up The Pikey. This year the pub is adding some exciting New Year’s specials along with the usual gastropub menu. House bartenders will be mixing cocktails from their new winter series. Party along to music by DJ D Rad from The Tyde that will rock the house to ring in 2016.
New Year’s Eve Specials
Foie Gras Terrine with Persimmon Chutney and Black Vinegar ($24)
Naked Cowboy Oyster Pan Roast with American Caviar and Grilled Bread ($24)
Pan Roast Veal Chop with Black Eyed Peas, Braised Kale and Mustard ($35)
Starry Gazey Pie with Rabbit and Crayfish ($21)
The Pikey will also be serving a New Year’s Day brunch with Crayfish and Grits with Fried Egg and Foie Gras Peanut Butter and Jelly on House-foie gras peanut butter and jelly. Beat that. Brunch starts at 10:30 a.m. and features Bottomless Bloody Marys and Mimosas with organic fresh orange juice for $15 a person.
THE PUB AT GOLDEN ROAD BREWING (Atwater)
$50 per person
LA’s famous craft brewery will be hosting a new year’s party this Thursday with live music, access to Chloe’s (the facility’s private event space), and a complimentary toast at midnight. In addition to the regular menu, The Pub has created a special four-course menu paired with a pour of their seasonal brandy-aged Back Home Gingerbread Stout. The menu also offers vegan plates, marked below with an asterisk.
Course 1 (For the Table) Choice of:
-Skirt Steak Bruschetta (marinated skirt steak, roma tomatoes, basil & garlic on toasted baguette)
-Tomato Bruschetta* (roma tomatoes, basil & garlic on toasted baguette)
Course 2 (Salad):
Fuyu Persimmon Salad* with arugula, curry-vanilla vinaigrette, candied walnuts, and cashew cream
Course 3 (Entrée) Choice of:
-Braised Pork Shank with potato & parsnip puree, glazed baby carrots, and au jus;
-Oven Roasted Chicken Breast with roasted potatoes, broccolini, and puttanesca sauce
-Fried Cheese Grits* with roasted root vegetables, wilted baby kale, and mushroom gravy
Course 4 (Dessert):
Apple Cranberry Tart* with cinnamon whipped cream, caramel and raspberry sauce
Beer:
Brandy-Aged Back Home Gingerbread Stout (aged in brandy barrels)
A complimentary toast will be available to all those present at midnight. events@goldenroad.la or (213) 373-4677
5:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Chef Akasha Richmond of the popular AKASHA, has opened her new Indian concept, Sambar, also located in Culver City. Diners at Sambar will enjoy the flavors of Singapore and India for their New Year’s Eve dinner at Sambar. Dishes include:
Mulligatawny Chicken Soup followed by a
Good Luck Salad (raw albacore, pomelo, carrots, daikon, ginger lime and plum sauce dressing)
Spinner Crab Cake
AKASHA restaurant, located just a few doors down from Sambar, will celebrate a New Year’s Eve in Spain with Spanish delicacies and delights throughout the menu (Tangerine Marinated Olives, Gavin’s Octopus with capers, tomatoes, and olives served with grilled bread and lemon vinaigrette).
5pm-midnite $75 – $120
Sausal is named for a vast ranch that once encompassed the South Bay. The restaurant strives to marry the wood fire, and smoke of the rancho with the bounty of the modern-day framer’s market. For New Year’s Eve, Sausal will be offering a three course prix fixe menu.
First Course:
Line-Caught Ahi Tuna with Charred Scallions OR Oyster Crema and White Truffles
Main Course (Choice of):
-Achiote Marinated Chicken, Guajillo Butter Rice
-Duck Tamale
-Steamed Black Cod Wrapped in Banana Leaf
-Spanish Sherry Braised Lamb Shank
-Beef Short Rib Barbacoa; Spiced Cauliflower, Jeruselum Artichokes, Roasted Tomatoes, Blistered Green Beans & Panela Cheese
-Pork Ribs with Adobo Sauce
Dessert (Choice of):
-Honey Cheese Cake, Pinon Sugar Crust, Spiced Pear Compote Chocolate Empanadas with Stumptown Coffee Mousse
-Cranberry Apple Crisp with Vanilla Whipped Cream
$75/pp (not including tax, gratuity) for seating between 5:30-7:30pm
$120/pp (not including tax, gratuity) for seating after 8pm; includes after-dinner salsa dancing. (310) 322-2721
5:30pm – 8pm $75
8:30pm – 11:30pm $115
This New Year’s Eve, Terrine Executive Chef/Owner Kris Morningstar will offer two seatings with two separate menus for their Midnight in Paris soiree. Guests dining during the first seating from 5:30-8 p.m. will be offered a $75, four-course menu with a caviar amuse bouche, while late diners from 8:30-11:30 p.m. can revel in a six-course $115 menu, complete with mignardises (little French pastries) and a champagne toast. NYE menu options include:
Wagyu Short Ribs with truffle, sunchoke, and Brussels sprouts
Potato & Spinach Lasagne with truffle salad
Roasted Foie Gras with pink lady apples, cippolini onions, and sherry vinegar
Add on optional wine pairings from Managing Partner/Wine Director Francois Renaud for an additional $35 at both seatings. The regular menu will not be available. Live music.
5:00 – 9:00 p.m. $140 per person
Valentino presents a special five course menu in addition to the à la carte menu of contemporary and classic dishes from Piero Selvaggio’s time honored restaurant.
Choice of:
-Insalata d’Aragosta con Farro e Olio Agrumato
Maine lobster salad with Tuscan spelt and orange infused oil
-Insalata Caprese
with heirloom tomatoes, burrata and sweet basil
-Cannelloni di Granchio, Salsetta di Crostacei
crab cannelloni, crustacean sauce and fresh water shrimp
Choice of Entree
Fresh Wild Salmon with lemon caper sauce
or
Costata di Vitello Pugliese prime veal chop with mosto cotto reduction
IL Formaggio
selection of artisanal cheeses
IL Dolce
Sicilian cannoli with pistachio
Optional wine pairings for $60 per guest, personally selected by Piero Selvaggio. Valentino will also offer their complete à carte menu.
First seating- 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Second seating- 9 p.m. – until late
Beverly Hills dining destination Viviane and the Avalon Beverly Hills present the ultimate New Year’s celebration and hangover recovery experience. Guests are invited to ring in 2016 at Viviane with a New Year’s Eve celebration dinner for two (choice of first or second seating), followed by a 1-night stay in the hotel’s beautifully appointed guestrooms. For the first meal of the New Year, patrons will be treated to Viviane’s New Year’s Day Hangover Brunch for two, in addition to the Hangover Remedy Kit (Advil, sleep masks, Visine, breath mints, cold pack, and small “hair of the dog” shot) delivered to the guestroom bright and early on January 1st. For those looking for further rejuvenation, a Zeel in-room massage is available as an additional cost.
For the first chapter of the “Suite Recovery” experience, Viviane offers two New Year’s Eve dinner seatings from 5-9 p.m. and 9 p.m. until late. Guests will be treated to a six-course prix-fixe at the first seating, highlighting Hung’s take on modern Continental cuisine. The second seating features seven courses along with a Champagne toast at midnight. Delectable courses include Gently Warmed Porc au Torchon with Celery Root á la Grecque, Pickled Mustard, and Caper Sauce Vert; Filet Mignon Roasted in Marrow Fat with Young Carrots, Potatoes Persillade, and Sauce Au Poivre; and a Petite Terrine of Foie Gras with pistachio crust, elderflower and fennel jam, whole grain levain.
For the morning after, Executive Chef Michael Hung’s Hangover Brunch on Friday, January 1st from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. features mouthwatering dishes such as the Fried Egg and Porchetta Ham Hoagie with Jack Cheese, House-made Hot Sauce, on a Puff Pastry Long Roll; Bone Marrow and Trout Caviar Short Stack of Whole Wheat Blinis, Asian Pear Conserve; and Roasted Mushroom Bread Pudding with green onion pistou, and truffle anglaise. Additionally, an invigorating “San Francisco Rooster Shot” is available, featuring a shot each of freshly pressed Wheatgrass Juice, Orange Juice, and Tapatío Tequila (taken in succession). Prices begin at $564.00 per night. Zeel massage add-on: $99 additional. Reservations required; please book online here with code “NYE” or call the Avalon at 844.328.2566
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