The new year is upon us, but before the resolutions come the celebrations. This year there are several options for Santa Monicans who want to count down in style on Dec. 31, whether it be at a masquerade ball or with a prix-fixe dinner.
The Upper West restaurant (3321 Pico Blvd.) will be holding a celebration that includes a first seating from 5 - 7 p.m. with their regular menu, as well as a second seating from 8 - 10 p.m. with a four course prix-fixe dinner ($90 per person). The celebration will include party favors, a champagne toast, a DJ after 11 pm (no cover charge) and a screening of Times Square’s New Year’s countdown on a 12-foot projector screen. For reservations, call (310) 586-1111.
Another savory option for the evening is the Choose Your Own Adventure dinner at Aestus (507 Wilshire Blvd.) from 6 - 10 p.m. Diners can choose from the modern American restaurant's a la carte dinner menu or opt for a $65 five-course tasting menu featuring selections like sunchoke & chestnut soup, house-made pappardelle with pork sugo, grilled lamb chops, and chocolate soufflé. Wine pairings from owner/wine director Kevin O'Connor will be available for $30 with a champagne supplement available for $16 a glass. Caviar and truffle supplements will also be on offer for those wishing to further indulge. For reservations, call (424) 268-4433.
Those who are looking to include more than food in their plans can look to the Sweet ’16 Black & White New Year’s Eve Ball at Wokcano Santa Monica (1413 5th St.). The party will go from 8 p.m. - 2 a.m. and will include music by DJ Frankie, hosted hors d'oeuvres from 8 -10 p.m., a champagne toast, a photo booth, party favors, a New Year’s Eve countdown and more.Tickets are $40 in advance, $50 on Dec. 31 and $60 for the VIP option. Tickets can be purchased at http://wokcanosmnye2016.eventbrite.com. For bottle service/table reservations, call (310) 497-6324; for dinner reservations, call (310) 458-3080. Black and white cocktail attire is required to attend.
Another party option is Viceroy Santa Monica and 89.9 KCRW’s New Year’s Eve 2016 Black Tie Masquerade Ball. The event, held at Viceroy (1819 Ocean Ave.) from 9 p.m. - 1:30 a.m., will feature a hosted bar and hors d’oeuvres from Cast Restaurant. KCRW DJs Jason Bentley and Raul Campos will be spinning tunes poolside. Tickets are $180, with tax, gratuities and food and beverage included. Tickets can be purchased at http://viceroynye2016.eventbrite.com/?aff=VSMNYE2014. For VIP cabana reservations, call (310) 260-7507. Black tie and cocktail attire are required to attend, masquerade masks are optional. All attendees must be 21.
And for those who want to continue the celebration through New Year’s Day, Del Frisco’s (1551 Ocean Ave.) is offering a special brunch from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Jan. 1--3. For reservations, go to http://delfriscosgrille.fbmta.com/a/0/45110855256/45097801814/default.aspx.
jennifer@www.smdp.com
