To help you keep it easy and festive as you enter 2018, we’ve compiled a guide to the best places to enjoy a champagne toast and a special dinner.
Antonello Ristorante – Santa Ana
Ring in the New Year with this special late-night dinner, highlighted by house-made ravioli and black truffle in a creamy mascarpone sauce, carpaccio heirloom tomatoes topped with baby arugula and burrata cheese, and a peppercorn-crusted petit filet served in a Barolo wine reduction. The evening includes a complimentary midnight prosecco toast, or celebrate with exclusive Hello Kitty sparkling wine for only $8 more. 3800 S. Plaza Dr., Santa Ana, (714) 751-7153; antonello.com.
Foundation Room at House of Blues at Anaheim GardenWalk
Raise your champagne glasses in the glamorous Foundation Room. The night’s theme is glamour and gold, so come decked out in your best digs and be ready to dance and mingle the night away. Enjoy live entertainment from Michael Dean Band and DJ Red as you experience tasty cuisine and craft cocktails. Want the VIP treatment? Upgrade your night with a beverage package that includes reserved seating for you and all your friends. 400 Disney Way, Ste. 337, Anaheim, (714) 520-2398; www.houseofblues.com/anaheim/fr.
Back Bay Bistro – Newport Beach
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort sends off 2017 country-style with a Boots On the Beach New Year’s Eve party for the whole family. It will be an evening of celebration featuring live music, food trucks, full bars, craft beer and whiskey tasting, and a cigar bar; country and western merchandise will also be available for purchase. Enjoy a bayfront view before the concert at Back Bay Bistro, which offers a VIP package with seatings at 6 p.m. and a four-course dinner along with special concert seating. 1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach, (949) 729-1144; www.backbaybistronewportbeach.com.
Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens – Newport Beach
Owner/executive chef Rich Mead hosts a special celebration on the beautiful terrace overlooking Roger’s Gardens scenic greenery. Each ticket includes a champagne toast, a signature New Year’s Eve cocktail, gourmet bites—a selection of highly curated cheese and charcuterie served with an assortment of crudité—and access to the Farmhouse photo booth in the beautiful garden. Note that dinner reservations may be made separately. 2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd., Corona Del Mar, (949) 640-1415; farmhouserg.com.
El Mercado Modern Cuisine – Santa Ana
Enjoy your last brunch of 2017 with huevos ahogados (poached eggs in a savory estofado broth that’s served with rustic toast for dipping), burnt piloncillo buttermilk pancakes that are ridiculously fluffy and mimosas. And from 6 p.m. to midnight, feast on the restaurant’s wonderful regular menu, plus a champagne toast. 301 N. Spurgeon St., Santa Ana, (714) 338-2446; www.mercadomodern.com.
Bayside Restaurant – Newport Beach
If you’re just looking to have a nice dinner before you turn up for a night on the town, Bayside Restaurant has you covered with tasty tapas and meat and seafood dishes right off the grill. 900 Bayside Dr., Newport Beach, (949) 721-1222; baysiderestaurant.com.
Cynthia Rebolledo covers anything and everything food, culture and spirits.