HOLIDAY DINING : Year In, Year Out: Celebrations Abound

Hundreds of restaurants throughout Orange County plan special festivities to usher in 1992. Here are just a few:

Perhaps the most spectacular celebration will unfold at Gustaf Anders, which again this year will bring on the fire dancers, fortunetellers, “madness and much more.” This “Night in Paradise” begins at 8:30 p.m., runs “to whenever,” and includes a four-course dinner with one bottle of champagne per couple. It’s $125 per person. If you prefer a quiet dinner at Gustaf Anders, come for the early seating (6 to 8 p.m.) and enjoy a four-course dinner with a bottle of champagne for each couple. $65 per person. Gustaf Anders is in South Coast Plaza Village. Reservations: (714) 668-1737.

If no one in your group wants to be designated driver, John Dominis will provide complimentary transportation within a 10-mile radius of the restaurant for those who request it. And you might want it, considering the open bar, seven-course dinner (entree choices include pan-seared opakapaka with mango glaze and roasted half spiny lobster), live music and dancing. The cost is $135 per person, including tax, gratuity and valet parking. Festivities from 7:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.; tickets must be purchased in advance. Reservations: (714) 650-5112. The location: 2901 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach.

Celebrate with a harbor cruise. The Cannery offers two sailings/sittings. Come for dinner at 5 p.m. and take a 6:30 to 8 p.m. dessert cruise ($55 per person inclusive) or tour the harbor from 9 to 11 p.m. (complimentary hors d’oeuvres, cash bar), then return to the restaurant for an 11 p.m. steak and lobster dinner with champagne at midnight ($65 inclusive). (714) 675-5777. 3010 LaFayette Ave., Newport Beach.

There are many party options at the Disneyland Hotel, but the biggest appeal for parents may be the Kids’ Party. It runs from 7:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., costs $35 per child (ages 4 to 12), and keeps them busy with visits from Disney characters, Disney movie videos, a light buffet and supervised games and activities.

Meanwhile, Mom and Dad can attend a $135-per-person, black-tie-optional gala from 7:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. in the Grand Ballroom. It includes a four-course dinner with wine service, cocktails, two dance bands, a bottle of champagne and gaming tables. The Monte Carlo setting includes strolling entertainers and fortunetellers. Reservations: (714) 956-6413. The resort is at 1150 W. Cerritos Ave. in Anaheim, next to Disneyland.

“Rumba to Rap” is the overall theme of the grand ballroom party packages at the Dana Point Resort. The celebration includes a musical floor show journey through five decades, a four-course meal, a bottle of red or white wine with dinner, a bottle of champagne and dancing. These festivities are available only as part of a one- to five-night stay at the hotel. The packages are priced from $305 per couple with an overnight stay on New Year’s Eve only, to $585 per couple for a five-night stay (Friday to 6 p.m. New Year’s Day).

Also at the resort, Watercolors Restaurant offers early dining for those who want to jump-start the evening and a late dinner for those who want to stay until midnight. The 6 to 7 p.m. seating is $155 per couple, the 9 to 10 p.m. seating, $199 per couple. Both include a four-course dinner with four entree choices (such as rack of lamb encrusted in pine nuts and herbs, or seared capon with Szechwan shrimp), accompanied by a bottle of champagne. The later seating includes dancing and party favors.

And this resort hasn’t forgotten the kids, either. For $25 each, children ages 4 to 12 get dinner, games, music by a deejay, and films. At midnight, they’ll have their own balloon drop with noisemakers. For children who need a less active evening, the Sandman Room will feature soft music, more restful movies, freshly baked cookies and milk. Rollaway beds will be available for those who wish to nap and each program will have its own group of counselors. Reservations: (714) 661-5000. The hotel is at 25135 Park Lantern St., Dana Point.

You have four options at the Ritz-Carlton in Dana Point. In the ballroom, Al Martino will entertain and the Sid James Orchestra will play dance music. Executive chef Christian Rassinoux’s five-course Escoffier menu includes beef filet with duck liver, grilled mushrooms and truffle sauce. The evening will begin with an open bar reception and includes one bottle per couple of Veuve Clicquot NV champagne, plus dinner wines. It’s $189 per person including tax and tip, with festivities from 7 p.m. to 1:15 a.m.

The Club Grill and Bar’s five-course menu will be served in two seatings: at 6 to 6:45 p.m. ($105 including tax and gratuity) and at 9 to 9:30 p.m. ($165 inclusive). Entertainment by Leslie Lewis and Touch of Class is from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

The Terrace Restaurant will also offer two seatings for a five-course dinner. Come at 6 to 6:45 p.m. and move to the lounge after 9 p.m. for dancing and party favors ($65 inclusive). The second seating is at 9 to 9:45 p.m., with dancing to Simon & Simon until 1:30 a.m. The cost for that is $105.

In the Dining Room, chef Boris Keller will present a seven-course Michelin dinner, with an entree choice of pheasant breast with white truffle or venison loin in puff pastry with quince sauce. The dinner is 6 to 10 p.m., and guests may move on to the Library/Lounge for the Ilene Clark Trio from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Reservations: (714) 240-2000. 33533 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point.

Some other New Year’s Eve possibilities include:

Hotels

Westin South Coast Plaza. The Cafe: buffet of soup, salad, entrees, desserts. First seating, 5 to 6 p.m., $18 per person. Second seating, 8 p.m., $65 per person, including party favors and bottle of champagne. Alfredo’s Ristorante: 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., $185 per couple. Includes six-course dinner with champagne at midnight and entertainment by the four-piece band Sounds of Music.. Reservations: (714) 540-2500. 666 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa.

Le Meridien. Cafe Fleuri and the Deauville Ballroom: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., five-course dinner, entertainment and dancing, $85 per person, including tax and gratuity. Restaurant Antoine: 6 to 7 p.m. seating, three-course dinner, $60 per person inclusive. 8:30 p.m. seating, five-course feast including bottle of champagne or wine per couple, dancing to music of Gerard Barbut beginning at 9 p.m. $120, tax and tip included. Reservations: (714) 476-2001. 4500 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach.

Surf & Sand. The Towers: Sunset dinner seatings at 5:30, 6 and 6:30 p.m. Four-course prix fixe menu with Robert Mondavi 1989 Chardonnay. Diners adjourn by 8:30 p.m. for dancing in the Towers piano lounge and Top of the Surf room with the Warren Jason Trio, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $150 per couple exclusive of tax and tip. Gala Celebration dinner: seatings at 8:30, 9 and 9:30 p.m. Five-course prix fixe menu, French champagne and wines, dancing and entertainment until 1 a.m. $285 per couple excluding tax and tip. Jackets required for men. Splashes: special a la carte menu of Mediterranean fare from 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., with entrees from $16 to $25. Reservations: (714) 497-4477. 1555 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach.

Beverly Heritage. Five-course dinner at 8 p.m. in Brandon’s, with a bottle of Chandon Blanc de Noir champagne per couple and dancing to the Charlie Clark Band until 1:30 a.m. Cost is $175 per couple or $230 per couple with overnight room accommodations. (714) 751-5100, Ext. 199, or (714) 754-1303. 3350 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa.

Hyatt Regency Alicante, Garden Grove. Papa Geppetto’s will have two seatings: 5 to 8 p.m., three-course dinner ($30 per person); and 8:30 to 11 p.m., four courses, favors, champagne toast, entertainment by Laine Edwards and Wesley Brown, with dancing from 9:15 p.m. to 1 a.m. ($45 per person). Reservations: (714) 740-6093. 100 Plaza Alicante.

Hyatt Regency Irvine. Le Cafe: gourmet buffet including glass of champagne, 6 to 10:30 p.m. $149 per couple includes admission to festivities in the Atrium, with live five-piece band, and to Zot Night Club, with Top 40 hits. Overnight package with breakfast buffet, $219 per couple. Morrell’s: 6 p.m. seating offers four-course dinner with choice of three entrees and glass of champagne ($149; with overnight package, $219). The 9 p.m. seating is five courses with choice of entrees and glass of champagne ($199 per couple; with overnight package, $319 per couple). Includes admission to festivities in Atrium and Zot Night Club. Reservations: (714) 975-1234. 17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine.

Doubletree at the City, Orange. Dovers Restaurant: 6 p.m. seating features regular menu; 9 p.m. seating offers a four-course dinner at $30 per person. Hunters Saloon: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., $20 per person for live entertainment, midnight champagne toast and continental breakfast at 12:30 a.m. (714) 634-4500. 100 The City Drive.

Anaheim Marriott. La Plaza: five-course dinner, including split of champagne, from 6 p.m. to midnight ($25.95). (714) 750-8000, Ext. 117. Gambits night club: dancing to Top 40s, music videos, hors d’oeuvres buffet and a champagne toast. Cost is $15 per person, 7 to 10 p.m., $10 after 10 p.m. (714) 750-8000, Ext. 5210. 700 W. Convention Way.

Fullerton Marriott. Dinner in University Court from 6 p.m., dancing to a vocal duet in the lounge 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. 2701 Nutwood Ave. (714) 738-7100.

Irvine Marriott. Black-tie-optional gala features hors d’oeuvres, four-course dinner, open bar, champagne at midnight and live entertainment. Cost: $300 per couple, including service charge and tax; $365 per couple with deluxe guest room and check-out New Year’s Day at 5 p.m. Reservations: (714) 724-3670. Champions American Sports Bar: four-course dinner for two, open bar, deejay, dancing, overnight accommodations and breakfast buffet, $260 per couple including tax and gratuity. Reservations: Lauren Geller, (714) 724-3640. 18000 Von Karman Ave.

Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and Tennis Club. View Lounge: Appetizer buffet 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. or, if seated at sushi bar, all-you-can eat sushi; open bar, split of Chandon Brut at midnight, live entertainment. $200 per couple, $349 per couple with ocean view overnight room, $250 per couple at sushi bar, $399 per couple at sushi bar with ocean view room. Reservations: (714) 729-3554 after 4 p.m. 900 Newport Center Drive.

Restaurants

Barbacoa, Newport Beach. First seating, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., features a limited menu of island-influenced cuisine. Second seating begins at 9 p.m., with a fixed four-course menu and seven-piece band ($50 per person, not including tax, liquor, wine or gratuity). There is a cover charge of $15 for bar-only patrons. (714) 646-6090. 3333 W. Coast Highway.

Bistro 201, Irvine. First seating, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., features the regular Bistro menu. Second seating begins at 9:30 p.m. and includes four-course dinner, six-piece band and dancing ($50, not including tax, liquor, wine and gratuity). (714) 553-9201. 18201 Von Karman Ave.

Pascal, Newport Beach. First seating by 6 p.m., features five-course menu ($65 including tax and tip); second seating at 9 p.m., six courses, live music and glass of Perrier Jouet ($90 inclusive). (714) 752-0107. 1000 Bristol St.

McCormick & Schmick’s, Irvine. Dining and dancing package: three-course dinner with choice of entrees (emphasis on seafood) and dancing in Mick’s Night Club next to the restaurant. Domino’s plays Top 40s until 2 a.m. Champagne toast at midnight. $110 per couple, plus tax and gratuity. Tickets to Mick’s Night Club only, $25 per person in advance, $30 on New Year’s Eve. (714) 756-0505. 2000 Main St.

The Cellar, Fullerton. Five-course dinner of French specialties, 5 to 8 p.m. $45 plus tax and gratuity. (714) 525-5682. 305 N. Harbor Blvd.

Shanghai Inn, South Coast Plaza Village, Santa Ana. A four-course dinner for two or more with premier sparkling wine is $20.95 per person, 5:30 to 11 p.m. (714) 754-4344.

Revere House, Tustin. Complete turkey and ham dinners ($12.95) or order from the menu ($15.95 to $32.50). Children’s meals, half-price plus a dollar. Serving from 5 to 10 p.m. 900 W. 1st St. (714) 543-9319.

Gandhi, South Coast Plaza Village. Five-course dinner of Indian specialties, dancing, and entertainment by the Cesar Frazier duo, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. $40 plus tax and gratuity. Regular menu served from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. (714) 556-7273.

Chanteclair, Irvine. Six-course dinner, first seating at 5:30 to 6 p.m. ($50), second seating at 9 to 9:30 p.m., with live contemporary quartet from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. ($92). Wines and champagne not included. 18912 MacArthur Blvd., (714) 752-8001

Antonello, South Coast Plaza Village. Six-course dinner at 8:45 p.m. with live band, dancing, gift and New Year’s champagne toast ($79 plus tax and tip). Regular menu from 5:45 to 8:45 p.m. (714) 751-7153.

Maxwell’s, Huntington Beach. Seatings at 5 and 7 p.m. for dinner with menu featuring roast turkey, baked ham and variety of other entrees ($14.95 to $33.95). Three-course dinner seatings at 9 and 9:30 p.m., with live entertainment for dancing until 1 a.m., champagne toast and party favors ($110 per couple, plus tax and gratuity). Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street at the Huntington Beach Pier. (714) 536-2555.

Tete-a-Tete, Balboa Island. Seating at 9:15 p.m. for six-course menu with dessert wine by Moet et Chandon ($47.50, exclusive of dinner wines, tip and tax). 217 Marine Ave. (714) 673-0570.

A’Roma, La Palma. Five-course dinner of Italian specialties with choice of entrees, 5 to 11 p.m. ($35, tax and gratuity not included). (714) 523-3729. 30 Center Pointe Drive.