It’s never too early to start thinking ahead— especially when it comes to New Year’s. We’ve got so many options for you, we had to divide it up between two posts. So if these don’t get you excited (But they should!), there’s always next week.
Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine
Starting at 6 p.m., diners have a couple of options to choose from. Three-course dinner reservations are available until 10 p.m. for $89 per person (optional wine pairing for $30 additional). Their gluten-free options are aplenty, and can be viewed on this page. Champagne toast and party favors are also included. If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, Andrei’s will also serve a small plates menu in their lounge area. Either way, you’ll be able to enjoy the DJ. 2607 Main St, Irvine, (949) 387-8887; www.andreisrestaurant.com.
Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen
Both branches of the Latin kitchen will be partying down with live music, dancing, even party favors to ring in the new year. A three-course menu will be your dining agenda. Bonus: They’ve also posted Christmas Eve and Christmas Day operating hours! Talk about options. Kudos on their recent Holiday Toy Drive. Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen has two locations: 110 W Birch St, Brea, (714) 255-1040 and 13126 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, (714) 408-7819; www.chachaslatinkitchen.com.
Chapter One: the modern local
With a theme of “The Golden Age of Hollywood”, folks should get glammed up for one exciting chapter. Confetti cannon, midnight toast, special menu items (we heard rumors of truffles) and a dedicated DJ spinning extra late mean DTSA will be a hot spot. Did we mention there’s no cover charge? Cheers to Chef Jason and the hard-working crew! Make a res if you want to guarantee a spot. 227 N Broadway, Santa Ana, (714) 352-2225; www.chapteronetml.com.
The Federal
Offering three levels of partying in one space, choose your own Long Beach adventure at this spacious location. To drink the night away, hit up their Parlour speakeasy for a premium open bar package beginning at 9 p.m.. A more traditional prix-fixe trio will run you $65, but includes both a bubbly toast and additional alcoholic beverage. Lastly, the Federal Underground dance party gets ready to rock at 7 p.m. in three different rooms for only $20. Time to get that party started! 102 Pine Ave, Long Beach, (562) 435-2000; www.thefederallb.com.
Marche Moderne
Holding both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve events, the classy coastal dining room has a four-course extravaganza at the end of the year. Pictured is Marche’s second course option of foie gras over creamy parsnip, with pickled mango and grilled onion. We also spy turbot, lamb ribeye, and New Zealand langoustine among the third courses. It’s worth the $150 per person reservation, because to fine dine there on a non-holiday runs us at least $100. 7862 Pacific Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, (714) 434-7900; www.marchemoderne.net.
A contributing writer for OC Weekly, Anne Marie freelances for multiple online and print publications, and guest judges for culinary competitions. A Bay Area transplant, she graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona. Find her on Instagram as brekkiefan.