New Year, New Me(als): Where & What To Eat This NYE
Everyone’s been buzzing about the upcoming NYE celebrations – whether it’s in our hometown, Downtown Long Beach or even across oceans in Sydney – but all the hype centers around the latter half of the evening. The blurry, loud music and confetti- filled madness that December 31 is notorious for.
But what about the former half of the night, when you’ll inevitably have to grab dinner? (As you should’ve learned years ago that drinking on an empty stomach is a no-no.)
As special as the couple of hours before the countdown is, we, the foodies of LA, believe that the whole day should be a celebration, a commemoration of all the great food we’ve eaten in 2015 and will eat in 2016.
Our favorite restaurants seem to agree – as they’ll be hosting special NYE dinners with a specific menus for your last meal of 2015.
So get your elastic-waist pants and empire-waist dresses on, and grub like royalty – before partying like an animal.
New Year’s Eve Specials at Love & Salt
In addition to all the Cal-Ital favorites on the everyday dinner menu at Love & Salt, Chef Michael Fiorelli will be offering diners extra incentive to indulge on New Year’s Eve with specials that spotlight the decadence of the holiday. Revelers can opt for sea urchin toast, lobster pizza or a foie gras cheeseburger prepared with wagyu beef & truffle cheese.
WHEN:
Thursday, December 31st
Dinner service available from 5:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Bar open until 1:00 am
MENU SPECIALS:
In addition to the regular a la carte dinner menu, guests can opt for the following NYE-specific specials:
Sea urchin toast with lardo – $18
Lobster pizza, gruyere, grilled green onions, creamy lobster sauce – $26
Foie gras cheeseburger, wagyu beef, truffle cheese & house pickles – $32
Love & Salt
317 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 545-5252
www.loveandsaltla.com
Choose Your Own Adventure NYE at Aestus
Santa Monica’s best kept secret, Aestus, is offering diners the option of dining from the modern American restaurant’s a la carte dinner menu or opting for a $65 five-course tasting menu featuring selections like sunchoke & chestnut soup, housemade pappardelle with pork sugo, grilled lamb chops, and chocolate souffle. Wine pairings from Owner/Wine Director Kevin O’Connor are 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.
WHEN:
Thursday, December 31st
Dinner reservations available from 6 pm – 10 pm
MENU:
In addition to the everyday a la carte menu, diners can opt for the below $65/pp tasting menu. The tasting menu is exclusive to the entire table. Caviar and truffle supplements will be available at market price, along with optional $30 wine pairings with a $16 champagne-by-the-glass supplement.
New Year’s Eve Tasting Menu
Amuse Bouche
1st course – choice of:
Sunchoke & chestnut soup, Winter lettuces, Crudo
2nd course – choice of:
Wild mushroom risotto, Housemade pappardelle with pork sugo
3rd course – choice of:
-Diver sea scallops, Grilled lamb chops, Grass-fed waygu beef
Dessert – choice of:
Crème brûlée, Chocolate soufflé
aestus
507 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(424) 268-4433
www.aestusrestaurant.com
New Year’s Eve Party at The Pub at Golden Road Brewing
Say “cheers” to the new year at LA’s iconic craft brewery. The family-friendly Pub has crafted a special four-course menu paired with a pour of their seasonal brandy-aged Back Home Gingerbread Stout. (Note: folks can also opt to dine from the regular menu.) Live music, access to Chloe’s (the facility’s private event space), and a complimentary toast at midnight will also be available to revelers.
MENU:
Course 1 (For the Table):
Choice of: Skirt Steak Bruschetta (marinated skirt steak, roma tomatoes, basil & garlic on toasted baguette) or 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; or 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)
*vegan or vegan available
PRICE:
$50/pp (not including tax, gratuity)
Note: guests can also choose to dine from The Pub’s regular menu. A complimentary toast will be available to all those present at midnight.
The Pub at Golden Road Brewing
5410 W. San Fernando Road
Los Angeles, CA 90039
events@goldenroad.la
(213) 373-4677
Mushroom Tasting Menu at Gracias Madre
For New Year’s Eve this year, the 100% organic, plant-based West Hollywood Mexican hotspot will offer 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. Price is $65 per person.
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
Available Dec. 31, 5 pm – 12 am
(Note: The restaurant will remain open until 1 am.)
Gracias Madre
8905 Melrose Ave
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(323) 978-2170
New Year’s Eve Dinner at Herringbone Santa Monica
Ring in the new year in style at Chef Brian Malarkey’s new glamorous, seafood-centric hotspot in Santa Monica. The Top Chef alum has crafted a special five-course prix fixe menu that pays homage to his signature “Fish Meats Field” philosophy, including line-caught Ahi Tuna and a dry aged rib-eye. An optional wine pairing is available for those in need of an extra dose of celebratory cheers-ing.
Amuse Bouche: Beausoleil Oyster with Grannysmith Apple and Yuzu Koshu
First Course: Line-Caught Ahi Tuna with Charred Scallions, Oyster Crema, & White Truffles
Second Course: Salmon Confit with Matsutake Mushrooms, Braised Tomato, & Heirloom Bean Ragout
Third Course: Black Truffle Cavatelli (House-made Cavatelli with sausage, chantrelle mushrooms, tuscan kale, and black truffles)
Fourth Course: 28 Day Dry-Aged Rib-Eye with Pommes Robuchon and Clam Chimichurri
Dessert: Coffee Semifreddo with Creme Fraiche Sabayon, Passion Fruit Granita, Hazelnut Shortcrust, and 30 Second Chocolate Brioche
$125/pp (not including tax, gratuity)
Optional wine pairing available for $75/pp
Herringbone Santa Monica
1755 Ocean Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
www.herringboneeats.com
(310) 971-4460
New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dancing at Sausal
Bringing your dancin’ shoes! Chef Ann Conness’ Nuevo Rancho hotspot, Sausal, will be offering a three course prix fixe menu capped off with after-dinner salsa dancing led by an instructor. Drawing heavily on the wood-fire, smoke, and slow roasting technique popularized by the rancheros who once encompassed the land, the festive menu will feature soul-satisfying dishes that pay deference to both the history and local bounty of Southern California.
Thursday, December 31st, 2015
5pm-7:30pm: pre-fixe food menu
8pm-12pm: pre-fixed food menu, after-dinner Salsa dancing and a complimentary glass of Taittinger Champagne or a Margarita
First Course:
Choice of: Line-Caught Ahi Tuna with Charred Scallions; Oyster Crema, & White Truffles
Entrée:
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 w 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; include after-dinner salsa dancing
Sausal
219 Main Street
El Segundo, CA 90245
www.sausal.com
(310) 322-2721
New Year’s Eve Masquerade at Artisan House
For New Year’s Eve this Downtown LA staple will be hosting a masquerade themed prix-fixe dinner featuring a three course menu crafted by Executive Chef Karo Patpatyan. Guests can enjoy an earlier seating or opt for the later reservation that will include a champagne toast, a DJ to get the party started and celebratory New Year’s party favors!
Appetizer Options Include (select one):
Hamachi Sashimi: Thinly sliced Yellow Tail, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Japanese Cucumbers, Jalapeno & Serrano Chilies, Micro Greens and Citrus Ponzu
Winter Squash Tortellini, Burgundy Truffles: Truffle brown butter, roasted hazelnuts, parmigiana- Reggiano
Main Options Include (select one):
Main Lobster Pot Pie: Roasted root vegetables, Wild field mushrooms, english peas, sauce American
Duo of Prime Beef Filet Mignon & Braised Short Rib: Grilled 5oz Prime Filet Mignon, 6 Hour braised short ribs, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Confit bacon, Young Onions, Red Wine reduction
Dessert Options Include (select one):
Nutella Beignets: Madagascar Vanilla Ice Cream, Chocolate Espresso Sauce and Caramel
Coconut Crème Brulee: Vanilla Whip Cream with Hazelnut and Almond brittle
Seating 1: 6pm / $75 pp
Seating 2: 9pm / $125 pp and includes a Champagne toast and party favors
Artisan House
600 S Main St.
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(218) 622-6888
Soft Opening of the Ivory at Mondrian LA
One of our favorite luxury hotels just got even more lovable, with a highly anticipated dining concept that will debut this NYE. Ivory, inspired by the restless creativity of Hollywood’s golden age and its eternal, timeless glamour, will celebrate the attitude that made Hollywood iconic.
Designed by Built Inc. (THE NICE GUY, Bootsy Bellows) in collaboration with John Terzian of The h.wood Group and local Los Angeles-based design influencer, Brigette Romanek, Ivory’s 7,500 square foot space will take full advantage of Mondrian LA’s classic setting and famed history. Greeted by sweeping, panoramic views of the city, guests will enter via the space’s legendary patio, which will draw from a relaxed-yet-refined, midcentury aesthetic accented with soft, comfortable touches and lush palms. Inside, more dining tables, lounge seating, and a sweeping communal table will provide varied dining experiences, all of which will be tied together by a stunning and oft-played grand piano. Together, these elements form a concept that’s exceptional in its simplicity: a place where Angelenos and destination diners alike can come together to drink and eat well in a beautifully appointed – and timeless – environment.
“We’re thrilled to introduce our first culinary collaboration with The h.wood Group,” said Omar Gutierrez, Vice President of Restaurants for Hakkasan Group, which acquired the local nightlife and event production company last year. “Ivory is the perfect reflection of our combined strengths: delicious food, a beautiful ambiance, and a quintessentially L.A. vibe.”
The menu has been designed by ABC’s The Taste alum Chef Brian Malarkey, drawing on his passion for fresh, market driven ingredients and celebrating California cuisine. At the heart of the menu will be an enticing medley of shareable plates like Veal and Pork Meatballs with caramelized onion, braised kale, and smoked paprika that riff on classic comfort foods and encourage diners to embrace the restaurant’s communal philosophy. Starters will also include dishes like Hamachi Crudo with Baja shrimp, habenero, serrano pepper, lime and tortilla chips and Pork Belly with maple mustard, deviled egg yolk and apple slaw, while diners looking for something more substantial can dig into hearty entrees like White Seabass and Sonoma Brick Oven Duck. Fresh, Farmer’s Market salads and wood-fired flatbreads will round out the menu, while those looking for a sweet finish can enjoy desserts such as Sticky Toffee Pudding and Chocolate and Olive Oil Soufflé Cake. Weekday lunch and weekend brunch will also be available for midday diners, with more casual eats like the Avocado Wrap with red onion, pea tendrils, pickled peppers, and horseradish aioli and Crab Cake Benedict with avocado, lemon, and tarragon.
A selection of house-infused and signature cocktails will both echo and complement Ivory’s cuisine, giving diners and revelers alike a reason to cheers. Libations will include the kicking Dueling Pistolas with tequila, mezcal, housemade black mission fig jam, clove agave, lime, and bitters, as well as refreshing options like the Achilles Peel with blackberry and blueberry infused vodka, St. Germain, fresh berries, and lemon. Those looking for a more casual evening can opt for a glass of wine from the restaurant’s robust, globally-inspired list, or a pint of craft beer.
NEW YEAR’S EVE 2016 $100 Prix-Fixe
Ivory will be located at Mondrian LA
8440 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069