Orange County

Weekend roundup

December 30-January 2

New Year’s Eve Events

Welcome Midnight with a Masquerade Party at The Blind Pig

Dec. 31. The Blind Pig Kitchen + Bar will be opening up its restaurants in Rancho Santa Margarita and Yorba Linda for an NYE party unlike any other. Guests are invited to wear a masquerade-style mask for a one-night-only event that will include live music, food and cocktail specials, and a champagne toast at midnight. The Lobster special in particular will be available in a limited supply, so guests are encouraged to call the location of their choice to reserve theirs in advance. Both locations will be open from 4 p.m. until 1 a.m. 31431 Santa Margarita Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita, 949.888.0072. 4975 Lakeview Ave, Yorba Linda, 714.485.2593. www.theblindpigoc.com.

The Country Club Celebrates New Year’s Eve in Style

Dec. 31. There are New Year’s Eve parties, and then there are New Year’s Eve parties at The Country Club. One does not simply ring in the new year here – you bling it in. With options for the standing-room-only champagne bar, or table options featuring bottle service and other accessories, The Country Club has all manner of options to keep things festive before the ball drops. Reservations can be made here. Prices for packages vary, but all include entrance starting at 10 p.m. 330 E 17th Street, Costa Mesa, 949.281.2582. countryclubcm.com

Winter Wonderland at BluSky Restaurant and Bar

Dec. 31. BluSky Restaurant & Bar has partnered with Belvedere Vodka to present Winter Wonderland – one of the grandest NYE events in years. Featuring two DJs (one in BluSky’s main dining room and one by the rooftop pool), tray pass hors d’oeuvres, live-action food stations throughout the rooftop, a complimentary sparkling wine toast at midnight, and a 6-hour bar package of designated liquor and wines. The opulent and stylish venue has phenomenal views of the city and the Disney parks, and the event as a whole has been designed to be like nothing else you’ve experienced. Here’s a link to the official Eventbrite page with more details on what each admission package includes. Radisson Blu Anaheim, 1601 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, 657.726.0145. radissonbluskyrestaurantbar.com

Feast Your Way Into 2022

Sushi Roku

Dec. 31. For your final meal of the year, enjoy the finest, freshest fish from around the globe, prepared with the kind of artistry that can only be executed by a seasoned sushi chef to ensure an unparalleled sushi experience. Sushi Roku in Newport Beach is renowned for creating ethereal experiences on a daily basis, so just imagine what they can do with New Year’s Eve on deck. Eat and smile to your heart’s content. Raise a glass to 2022 with your favorite champagne, wine, sake, or the restaurant’s superb signature cocktails. To make reservations, please visit here. Fashion Island, 327 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, 949.706.3622. sushiroku.com

Las Brisas

Dec. 31. When you think of a perfect view to enjoy with your meal, you think of Las Brisas. They will be offering an exclusive three-course prix fixe New Year’s Eve lunch & dinner from 3-11 p.m. For $125 per guest, the celebratory meal comes with some of Las Brisas’ beloved dishes such as Spicy Tuna Tostada, Butternut Squash Tamales, Filet of Beef, Tres Leches Cake, and more. Of course, what is a New Year’s Eve event without champagne, which is also included. There will also be a two-course kids’ meal for $25 in addition to a separate holiday takeout menu. Reservations are highly recommended, which can be made via OpenTable. 361 Cliff Dr., Laguna Beach, 949.497.5434. lasbrisaslagunabeach.com

Nochejieja en Gracias Madre

Dec. 31. Looking to ring in the new year with delicious plant-based Mexican bites, expertly-crafted cocktails, and a champagne toast? Gracias Madre in Newport Beach is the destination for you. They will be serving special dishes just for the holiday, as well incredibly well-designed libations for guests to enjoy, such as the Nuevo Dia (Tequila, Giardino Dry Vermouth, Sage, Blackberry, Lemon and Aquafaba), and Coco Bailar (Coconut, Agave, Pineapple, Reposado, Copalli Cocoa and Champagne). A DJ will be on hand to set the mood, as well as photo booths, and more. Reservations can be made here and are highly encouraged. 1617 Westcliff Drive, Newport Beach, 949.386.8100. graciasmadre.co

Raise a Glass and more at Glasspar

Dec. 31. Belly up to one of the best oyster bars in Orange County, then grab a seat and imbibe and order à la carte to your heart’s content at the wonderful Glasspar in Dana Point. Make reservations here and see for yourself why Chef Rob Wilson’s sublime seafood hall has critics and customers alike raving. A restaurant that is already a good time no matter the day of the week, this will be a whole new occasion to have fun. The New Year’s Eve festivities kick off at 10 p.m. when the DJ starts up, dancing begins, and bottles begin to pop open. 24961 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point, 949.240.6243. glasspar.com

Celebrate at La Casa del Comino

Dec. 31. Enjoy the panoramic views and unparalleled flavors of The Rooftop Lounge’s prix-fixe menu, or an à la carte menu. Downstairs, Comedor steals the hearts and minds of guests with its tapas dishes and deep flavors. Guests who dine at either restaurant at the hotel will be given free admission to the New Year’s Eve party hosted at Comedor, which begins at 10 p.m. (A $20 door fee will be applied to guests who wish to attend, but did not dine at either restaurant prior to the party). The party will feature local artists 8rae and Hot Climate. A true beachside destination, La Casa del Camino is a beautiful way to enjoy the evening! 1289 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, 855.634.5736. lacasadelcamino.com

New Year = New Opportunities

January Activities at Sherman Library and Gardens

Events begin January 7. Guests of the ever-charming Sherman Library & Gardens can look forward to a new month in the coming year chock-full of wonderful activities for the whole family! From the Gnome Scavenger Hunt to the Sherman Station miniature train running through January, there is whimsy everywhere. Resuming on January 7, Little Seedlings Story Time returns – free of charge for all preschool children and their caregivers – to once again venture into the world of books and poems. Garden tours and painting classes also begin later in the month, and more information can be found on their website. 2647 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar, 949.673.2261. thesherman.org

Photo credits: Bling Pig Kitchen + Bar and La Casa del Comino courtesy Ajenda Public Relations. Sushi Roku courtesy of Moxxe Public Relations. Glasspar courtesy of Outshine Public Relations. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.

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