NEW YEAR’S EVE
Red New Year’s Eve Concert and Party at Anqi
Live it up at a unique, concert-style, over-the-top soiree filled with unlimited Nicolas Feuillatte champagne and an endless selection of gourmet fusion tapas including crispy lobster dumplings, tuna tacos, coconut Pacific prawns, mini lamb chop lollipops and of course, House of An’s famous garlic noodles. Live musical entertainment will be provided by American Idol winners Candice Glover from season 12 and Kris Allen from season 8 as well as other notable performers from American Idol and The Voice, plus some of Hollywood’s favorite DJs. 9 p.m. $234. VIP seating available. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.5679. anqibistro.com
Downtown Long Beach New Year’s Eve
Join this massive celebration with two events. At 5 p.m. the festivities begin with a family-friendly event in the Waterfront Amphitheater at Rainbow Harbor complete with face painting, balloon artists and a trackless train. At 9 p.m. the sky will light up with a ten minute fireworks spectacular for the East Coast countdown. Alternatively, at 8 p.m. rock out with a high-energy three block street party on Pine Ave. between First and Fourth streets where Fitz and the Tantrums will be headlining. Enjoy three live music stages, 12 bars and more with a midnight countdown and dancing until 2 a.m. Other bands include Youngblood Hawke, Mystery Skulls, The Knitts, The New Electric Sound, Prima Donna, Jessica Childress, DJ Medi4 and DJ Paul V. $25-$35. 100 W. Broadway, Long Beach. 4downtownlongbeach.org
XL NYE Block Party at The Triangle
Party at the ultimate block party with different entertainment at each restaurant including Black Knight Gastro Lounge, H20 Sushi & Izakaya, La Vida Cantina, Saddle Ranch, Sutra Nightclub, Tavern + Bowl and Yard House. Experience live music, DJs, cocktails, bites and more as you make your way to each restaurant’s party. Separate cover charge at each venue. 1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.777.3010. idymg.com
Pinot Provence
Bring in the new year with a delicious four-course meal prepared by Executive Chef Alfonso Ramirez including choices such as lobster bisque with chive espuma and American caviar; manila clams with fennel, saffron and bouillabaisse jus; roasted lamb with roasted eggplant, baby zucchini, harissa, eggplant puree and lamb jus and a coffee pudding budino with malt crumble, caramelized banana and cocoa nib waves. Westin at South Coast Plaza, 686 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, 714.444.5900. patinagroup.com
House of 80s Costume Countdown at House of Blues Anaheim
Join DJ Richard Blade as you relive the 80s by dancing to all of your favorite hits. Dress in your best 80s gear for a chance to win the costume contest. 21 and over. $22.50. 9 p.m. 1530 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.778.2583. houseofblues.com
Watertable
Spend New Year’s Eve Gatsby-style with a five-course dinner, with entrée choices such as pan-roasted branzino, pan-seared veal chop, Prime filet of beef, applewood grilled rock lobster tail and Maple Leaf duck breast. Enjoy live music, dancing, champagne, party favors and more. Reservations from 8-10 p.m. $175. 21500 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.845.4885. watertablehb.com
Vue Restaurant
Ring in the new year royally at Laguna Cliffs Marriott with a five-course menu and entertainment from 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Move to the OverVue Lounge until 1 a.m. for more live entertainment, champagne toast and a balloon drop at midnight. Dinner $109; lounge access $25. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, 949.487.7577. lagunacliffs.com
Hornblower Cruises
Toast to the new year under the stars aboard a Hornblower yacht. The champagne will be flowing, delicious food will be served and music will be provided to keep you dancing the night away! 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m. $175-$195. Opt for dessert and cocktails only at 9:30 p.m. for just $120. 2431 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.650.2412. hornblower.com
Iva Lee’s
Attend a New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball featuring entertainment by Adrianna Marie & Her Groovecutters as well as DJ Fernando. Dine on a three-course meal prepared by Executive Chef Christopher Starr. Seatings begin at 5 p.m. $65; includes feathered mask and beads. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855. ivalees.com
Waterline Newport Beach
Ring in the new year in glittering style with a black tie gala in the Grand Ballroom featuring an impressive martini bar, champagne and butler passed hors d’oeuvres. Delight your taste buds with an elegant five-course dinner paired with exquisite wines. Dance the night away to the twelve-piece party band Rembrandt who will play the best hits from today and yesterday. $215. 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. 1221 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.630.4145. balboabayresort.com
Oak Grill
Close out 2014 with a memorable dining experience at Oak Grill. Chef Marc will prepare a prix fixe feast with dishes such as chilled frutti de mare platter; pepper crusted ahi; spot prawn risotto; grilled filet mignon, pan seared sea bass, roasted Jidori chicken and pink champagne cake. Includes a choice of cocktail or glass of Veuve Clicquot champagne. 6 p.m-7 p.m. seating $100; 9-10 p.m. seating $150. Oak Grill at Island Hotel Newport Beach, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.760.4920. islandhotel.com
Fig & Olive
Celebrate the start of a new year with a festive four-course French Riviera-inspired menu and complimentary glass of sparkling wine alongside a cocktail reception, live music, party favors and balloon drop at midnight. Menu includes grilled Maine lobster; roasted butternut squash cappuccino; roasted rack of lamb; Chilean sea bass and Valrhona chocolate brownie. 9 p.m-11 p.m.; $150. Alternatively, revelers can also ring in the New Year at the cocktail reception which includes wine, signature cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres. 9 p.m.-midnight; $100. Enjoy music by Saint Tropez DJ Thomas Toccafondi. Bottle service available. Fashion Island, 151 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.877.3005. figandolive.com
Aqua Lounge
Celebrate the new year in style and take part in a festive atmosphere with a midnight toast and holiday party favors. Enjoy a menu of sharable bites and signature cocktails while the DJ spins an eclectic blend of party music beginning at 8 p.m. Table reservations available. Aqua Lounge at Island Hotel Newport Beach, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.760.4920. islandhotel.com
Scott’s Restaurant & Bar
For a New Year’s Eve perfect pair, join Scott’s for a sumptuous three-course dinner and orchestra terrace seats for the six-time Tony Award Winner Kinky Boots at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. After the show, return to Scott’s for New Year’s Eve festivities. Seatings begin at 4:30 p.m. $225 per person; includes valet parking. 3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.979.2400. scottsrestaurantandbar.com
Yacht Party in Newport Harbor
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style aboard The Ambassador, one of the most elegant and exclusive yachts that Newport Harbor has to offer. Enjoy a four-hour cruise, premium open bar all night, champagne greeting, appetizer buffet court, party favors, DJ, dancing and more. 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m. $140-$175. 21 and over only. 2901 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 714.485.6543. nyeyachtparties.com
St. Regis Monarch Beach
Spend a swank evening of decadence dancing to live music from Flashback Heart Attack this New Year’s Eve. Enjoy delicious culinary stations and timeless cocktails as you party the night away. 8 p.m.-1:30 a.m. $225 for full access; $145 for 10:30 p.m. entry, welcome beverage and two drink vouchers. One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, 949.234.3200. stregismb.com
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa
Ring in 2015 with the return of the Concerts on the Shore music series. The beachfront resort will be decked out in its holiday finest, offering expansive views of the sparkling Pacific Ocean while you enjoy an incredible evening of music and dancing, featuring the high-energy saxophonist Euge Groove, with very special guest vocalist Elliot Tamin of American Idol fame. Also appearing is the funky guitarist Norman Brown, along with DJÂ Jonathan Phillips spinning all your favorite party tunes, and host Pat Prescott, the morning show host of 94.7 The Wave. Celebrate the new year with dancing, a reserved seat in the Grand Ballroom, a champagne toast at midnight and party favors. $95-$150. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. VIP dinner packages available for $225. 21500 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 949.360.7800. concertsontheshore.com
Anepalco
Partake in an indulgent six-course tasting menu with dishes such as lobster salad with meyer lemon, micro salad and orange citrus; suck confit carnitas with green chilaquiles, onion ring and quail egg; barramundi with potatoes, chorizo and tortilla dust and hangar steak served with asparagus, shimeji and avocado air. $75. Seatings begin at 6 p.m. 3737 W. Chapman Ave., Orange, 714.456.9642. anepalcoscafe.com
Queen Mary
Celebrate the launch of 2015 under a fireworks-filled sky on the legendary decks of the Queen Mary themed Auld Lang ‘Shine’. Toast the new year in style and enjoy an unforgettable evening of great food, drinks and live entertainment. Dance the night away or simply enjoy the music and ambiance aboard the Queen Mary. 21 and over. $99-$199. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. 1126 Queens hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0738. queenmary.com
Knott’s Berry Farm
Ring in the new year with special fireworks, live entertainment and extended hours at the amusement park. Knott’s Sky Cabin will have special lighting effects to help countdown the final moments of 2014 with pyrotechnics and colorful fireworks at the stroke of midnight. Dance to R&B or opt to show off your dance moves with spicy salsa dancing. Enjoy a family-friendly comedian, entertaining shows and more throughout the park. A buffet in Spurs Restaurant is offered from 4-9 p.m. 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.220.5200. knotts.com
Social Costa Mesa
Executive Chef Jeffrey Boullt will be cooking us a prix fixe five-course tasting menu with dishes like Raviolo with fromage blanc, white truffle and horseradish; 48-hour short rib served with fingerling potato, Holland sprouts, cognac and roasted shallot demi and a chocolate tasting for dessert. Enjoy live entertainment and a bottle of champagne. 8 p.m. seating. $85. 512 W. 19th St., Costa Mesa, 949.642.2425. socialcostamesa.com
Eureka!
Enjoy an exclusive Beer and Champagne Edition of Steal the Glass at Eureka’s two Orange County locations. Bubblies from Piper Sonoma will pop at 6 p.m. In Bella Terra, Golden Road’s Point the Way IPA is the featured STG hops while the Irvine location will be tapping El Segundo’s Brewing’s Citra Pale. Guests ordering a Piper Sonoma sparkling wine will receive a complimentary champagne flute while those ordering the STG offerings will keep a branded pint glass from the local breweries. Bella Terra, 7631 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, 714.230.3955; University Center, 4143 Campus Drive, Irvine, 949.596.8881. eurekarestaurantgroup.com
Selanne Steak Tavern
Celebrate with a festive five-course tasting menu by Executive Chef Joshua Severson and his talented culinary team with dishes such as Maine diver scallops paired with Kurobuta pork belly glazed in calvados; black truffle-stuffed pheasant with boudin blanc and Mount St. Helens huckleberry and a tasting of Durham Ranch’s bison striploin paired with cabernet braised wagyu short ribs. Enjoy live entertainment, a glass of champagne, party favors and more. First seating is 5-6:30 p.m., $115; second seating starts at 9 p.m., $145; children 12 and under are $35. 1464 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.9881. selannesteaktavern.com
NEW YEAR’S DAY
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
Cure your New Year’s Eve hangover with brunch favorites including country fried chicken and biscuits; sunny side up pizza with spinach, sundried tomatoes, bacon and assorted cheeses topped with fresh eggs and baked until golden brown or wild blueberry pancakes with maple bacon butter. Bloody Mary’s, mimosas and housemade sangria will be available for only $5 for those looking for a little hair-of-the-dog action to jump start their 2015. 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. 240 S. State College Blvd., Brea, 714.529.9300; 16310 Beach Blvd., Westminster, 714.500.1140; 13290 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 714.731.9700; 1623 W. Katella Ave., Orange, 714.769.7020. lazydogrestaurants.com
Oak Grill
End the holiday season on a high note by dining at Oak Grill for brunch on New Year’s Day. Select from an array of plated obrunch items, including signature dishes such as chilaqueles, eggs Benedict, Begium waffle or cinnamon roll French toast. Oak Grill at Island Hotel Newport Beach, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.760.4920. islandhotel.com
Waterline
After a memorable evening to welcome 2015, keep the festivities going with a delicious brunch complete with all your favorite breakfast and brunch specials. $50 adults; $25 children 4-12. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 1221 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.630.4145. balboabayresort.com
A&O Kitchen+Bar
Enjoy food, drink and football on the first day of the New Year with an a la carte brunch and bloody Mary cart. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 1221 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.630.4145. balboabayresort.com
The Resort at Pelican Hill
Spend New Year’s Day at Coliseum Pool & Grill with a special breakfast buffet featuring smoked salmon, shrimp and a ribeye carving station. $60 adults; $30 children. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. 22701 Pelican Hill Road S., Newport Coast, 888.507.6427. pelicanhill.com