Where you’re spending your last hours of 2016

Assuming you have religious holiday plans squared away, here are a few delicious ways to spend New Year’s Eve 2016.  They are organized from über fancy to ultra smart.

INTRO Art Gallery & Chef’s Table (Noho)

Usher in 2017 with pure debauchery that includes edible cocktails and dime bags at INTRO Art Gallery & Chef’s Table Black Tie Masquerade Tasting Dinner! Expect to have your mind blown with dishes created by Executive Chef Paul Shoemaker that might include the Dime Bag, a palate cleanser with foie gras powder, Cocoa Puffs, pine nuts, candy Cocoa Nibs encased in a vanishing edible bag or edible cocktails like Green Apple Crisps, featuring Bourbon, green apple, and bourbon caviar.

This 10-course tasting menu includes wine pairings and fizzy Champagne cocktails, as well as Unlimited Champagne all night long! Host Rob “Rob C” Ciancimino along with a live DJ will ensure you make it to the champagne toast at midnight.

The How & When: Although this is the most expensive New Year’s Eve experience on my list, it’s also the most valuable! $250 per person (INCLUSIVE of tax and service) for a 10-course meal, wine pairings, unlimited champagne, and entertainment. Book directly on their website. Doors open at 8:30 PM and dinner starts promptly at 9:00 PM.

Norah New Year’s Eve (Weho)

Nothing is more New Year’s Eve than wine pairings and truffles. Best of all this can all be enjoyed at Norah in West-Hollywood with a five-course tasting menu created by Executive Chef Mike Williams. Bid farewell to 2016 with Pommes Dauphine with caviar and crème fraiche; Chilled Main Lobster with griddled brioche, smoked oyster, and saffron; Foie Gras Boudin with savory oats and huckleberries; and a Wagyu Striploin with smoked mushroom jus, beef cheek croquettes, romanesco, and whipped mornay.

The How & When: $200 per person (exclusive of tax and service) and available through Tock. First seating: 6-9 p.m. Second seating: 9 p.m.-close

Last Hours at Otium (DTLA) 

Highlights of this multi-course meal include Royal Ossetra Caviar with Buñuelos and whipped white truffle butter to start, and a Terrine of Foie Gras with walnut genoise, cranberry, celery, and whipped honey to keep you busy until savoring a Dry Aged Beef with sunchokes, and celery root-black truffle gratin. Following dinner you’ll be whisked away into the Dom Perignon Champagne Lounge for dessert and drinks while you countdown till the new year!

The How & When: $175 per guest (exclusive of tax & grat) or $50 per guest for the Dom Perignon Champagne Lounge alone. Reservations may be booked through their website. First seating available from 5:30-7:00 PM. Second from 8:00-11:00 PM. Lounge access include a glass of champagne as well as live music and other festivities.

Countdown at Clifton’s Republic (DTLA)

Go back in time to the golden age of Los Angeles this New Year’s Eve with a 4-level Luau celebration at Clifton’s Republic. There are four different ticket price points ranging from $75 – $350, but for the best value I recommend the Clipper Class which includes one Bottle of Champagne per 2 people, dinner at the cafeteria, and access to most levels of the building.

The How and When:  $150 per guest (exclusive of tax and grat). Book online at Reservations@CliftonsLA.com. The luau begins at 8 PM.

Evening at E.P.&L.P. (Weho)

If you’ve been waiting all year to hit the slopes then consider spending December 31st 2016 in 1980 instead at the L.P. Rooftop’s L.A. Chalet, a pop-up ski lodge themed experience! Guests are asked to don their best 80’s Aspen Ski Wear as you enjoy an open bar from 8:00-11:00 PM, a selection of L.P.’s signature appetizers, and more!

The How and When:  $125 per guest. Tickets available through Eventbrite. Doors open at 8 PM and they won’t kick you out until 2 AM!

The How and When:  $78 per person (exclusive of tax, grat, and drinks). Items may also be ordered à la carte. Dinner service runs from 5:00-10:00 PM and reservations can be made through opentable.

Hyperion Public (Silver Lake & Studio City)

Enjoy everything à la carte with dinner specials like Shrimp, Crab & Nduja Fettucine Fra Diavolo from Executive Chef Paddy Aubrey. Start your evening off with a Hyperion Old Fashioned made with Buffalo Trace bourbon, Peychaud’s bitters, sugar cube, orange peel and a Luxardo cherry before counting down the year with a DJ Dance Party Celebration in the Bar.

The How and When:  No cover! Expect to spend $20-$40 per person on drinks and à la carte items and enjoy free party favors and a complimentary Champagne Toast at Midnight.