Write a review:

Your Review Title * * = required field

Your Review *
DREADING New Year's Eve due to a lack of plans? Buck up and book ahead to get in on these helpful restaurants' hot culinary action. Listings are organized alphabetically in three pricing categories, expensive ($$$), moderate ($$) and "cheap"($) -- though, let's face it, nothing's truly cheap on New Year's. -- Jessica.Gelt @latimes.com $$$ SKY ROOM AT BREAKERS HOTEL Perched high above Long Beach in the historic Breakers hotel, this Art Deco gem sways to a six-piece band and serves up a four-course dinner that includes a duo of filet mignon and whole Maine lobster. First seating 5:30-6 p.m., pianist, $125; second seating 8:30-9 p.m., band, $275. 40 S. Locust Ave., Long Beach; (562) 983-2703 $$$ WHIST, VICEROY SANTA MONICA Gawk at go-go dancers under the stars after savoring a prix fixe menu featuring Santa Barbara lobster bisque. This dinner-turned-soiree will feature DJ Mark Rae's hip hop-fueled beats. The price of admission includes dinner, entrance to the party and unlimited booze. First seating 5:30-6:30 p.m., four courses, $250; second seating, 8:30-9:30 p.m., five-courses, $325. 1819 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica; (310) 260-7500 $$ ABODE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE Party healthy at Abode with an organic prix fixe menu, a DJ, dancing and complimentary Champagne for toasting your fellow revelers at midnight. The menu includes Kumamoto oysters and foie gras-stuffed prime tender of beef. First seating 5:30-6:30 p.m., four courses, $75; second seating 8:30-9:30 p.m., five courses, $135. 1541 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica; (310) 394-3463 $$ BLUE ON BLUE AT AVALON HOTEL Stay the night at the '50s-chic Avalon Hotel with its cozy cabanas and figure-8-shaped pool. For $529, you and that super-special someone can hole up in a "Classic" room at the hotel, have a four-course meal in the restaurant and nurse your hangovers with a poolside or in-room breakfast. Or just come for dinner. First seating 5:30-6 p.m., four courses, $85; second seating 8:30-9 p.m., five courses, $100. 9400 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills; (310) 407-7791 $$ BLUE VELVET Put some class in your act with chilled-vodka bottle service paired with a flight of five caviars. Blue Velvet's chic back patio and fire pit boast stunning vistas of the downtown skyline and the menu is as modern as the environs. First seating 5:30-7 p.m., four courses, $80; second seating 8:30 p.m. and on, four courses, $80 or eight courses, $125. 750 S. Garland Ave., downtown, (213) 239-0061 $$ CAF