4:05pm | Earlier today, we already established some ground rules for celebrating the upcoming New Year. Shooting guns into the air? Bad idea. Dining atop the city with exquisite cuisine at the Sky Room? Good idea.
But there are many more options to ringing in 2011. Keeping our guidelines above in mind, let’s explore some of the other festivities going on around the city.
The Shore Night Club on 2nd Street and PCH is hosting a NYE Ball 2011 that features gogo dancers and non-stop music from a stable of DJs, plus options for bottle service. Click here to register for the guest list.
For a more low-key, fine dining experience, the three downtown locations listed below offer an elegant evening of reflection and resolution-making:
ALEGRIA COCINA LATINA (115 Pine Ave, Long Beach):
Alegria (115 Pine Ave) in Long Beach will ring in the New Year by presenting their delicious buffet including many of their award winning menu items (buffet usually served on the last Friday of each month) and Happy Hour will take place from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. 2 seatings and 2 price points are available: the first seating takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., cost is $25 per person. The second seating begins at 9:00 p.m. and in will include live music, party favors, and a champagne toast at midnight, cost is $75 per person.
L’OPERA RISTORANTE (101 Pine Ave, Long Beach):
Join L’Opera Ristorante, located in the heart of downtown Long Beach, for their “Best is Yet to Come” New Year’s Eve party. A special festive menu has been set and starting at 9 p.m. diners can enjoy the sounds of 40’s music in the style of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin while having a fantastic meal off of a special menu. Cost is $80 per person. Those opting for an earlier meal can enjoy L’Opera’s award winning dinner menu from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. For reservations or menu questions please call 562-491-0066.LA TRAVIATA (301 Cedar Ave, Long Beach):
La Traviata’s “Black and White Celebration” will ring in the New Year with a 4-course dinner service starting promptly at 9:00 p.m. The cost is $69.00 per person (plus tax and gratuity) and includes party favors, a champagne toast at midnight, and a musical performance throughout the night from Sheryl Smith, resident jazz singer. For those opting for an earlier seating in order to make it to other parties, La Traviata will also be serving dinner off of their regular menu from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Reservations recommended, please call 562-432-8022.
Speaking of downtown, the Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA) will continue its tradition of hosting a blowout in the streets with outdoor bars, great deals from restaurants like Cafe Sevilla, Gaucho Grill and Kings Fish House, live DJ and cover bands and spectacular views of the Queen Mary fireworks show. The fun starts at 6:00pm. Click here for info and details.
Also, don’t forget to be safe and utilize free bus service from Long Beach Transit if you’ve been drinking.
If you’ve got any other cool plans to ring in the new year in Long Beach, feel free to leave them in the Comments below.