Ring It in Right

Special occasions call for special meals--a notion that certainly applies to the feting of the new year. So in keeping with the culinary-style auld lang syne tradition, we offer a highly random selection of area eateries offering celebratory dinner service New Year’s Eve.

* Mattie’s By-the-Sea, Pierpont Inn, Ventura:

Talk about an auld lang syne salute.

After 70 years of ownership, the Gleichman family will bid farewell to the scenic property, which includes Mattie’s restaurant. After a recent sale, the inn has become the property of the owners of the neighboring Pierpont Racquet Club.

“This will be our final party as owners,” said Rod Houck, the fourth and current general manager of the Pierpont Inn.

Festivities, held outdoors under a canopy, will be from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Deejay Bruce Barrios will provide the tunes.

A buffet prepared under the guidance of chef Louis Ludwig will feature various stations, including fruits and cheeses, bacon-wrapped scallops, cold cuts, sushi, carved meats and desserts.

$55 per person. Reservations are required. The regular dining room will be closed. The restaurant is at 550 Sanjon Road. Call (805) 653-6144 Ext. 143.

* 2087 An American Bistro, Thousand Oaks:

A la carte service will be from 5 to 6:30 p.m. for those diners with plans to move on to festivities elsewhere. But the real fun begins here at 8 p.m., when patrons can dance to a six-piece swing band.

The gala will include a four-course meal, with appetizer, salad, entree and dessert. Main course choices include red wine beef tenderloin with juniper berries and bread dumplings; sea bass in spicy Thai curry broth; crepinette of veal with forest ham, fontina cheese and wild mushroom sauce; and sweet Moroccan shrimp couscous.

$100 per person. Reservations required. The restaurant is at 2087 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Call (805) 374-287.

* Secret Garden, Moorpark:

Live jazz music will accompany a six-course meal at this old ice cream shop-turned-highbrow restaurant. Your appetizer options include roasted baby lamb chops in a rosemary mint sauce; shrimp in a black pepper and tomato sauce; potato crostini with an ahi tuna saute; sauteed portobello mushrooms; and smoked salmon with capers. Then it’s on to soup--dill watercress; salad--tossed baby greens with a pear vinaigrette; champagne sorbet; and selected entrees and desserts. Main course options will include lobster Thermador, beef Wellington in a cabernet sauvignon and roasted garlic sauce, and pan-seared Jon Dory with fresh herbs in a citrus sauce.

Service will be limited to 25 couples. Dinner and entertainment begin at 7:45 p.m. and include a champagne toast. $240 per couple. Reservations required.

Early seating will begin at 5 p.m. for guests setting out for other destinations after dining.

The restaurant is at 255 E. High St. Call (805) 552-9523.

* Fins Seafood Grill, Westlake Village:

The John Marx Blues Patrol will provide the live soundtrack for celebrants, who will dine on a multi-course meal and tip a champagne toast. Main course options include osso buco (veal shanks) with a Taittinger rose sauce; Hawaiian onaga with a sweet onion sauce; roast prime rib; herb-crusted salmon; and fettuccine with lobster in a light cream sauce.

$89.50 per person. Reservations required. Seating will begin at 8:30 p.m.

There will also be regular menu service from 4 to 8:30 p.m.

The restaurant is at 982 S. Westlake Blvd. Call (805) 494-6494.

* Suzanne’s Cuisine, Ojai:

A three-course menu has not been finalized, but patrons will have a choice of seafood, pasta, meat and vegetarian entrees. A champagne toast is included. Doors open at 6 p.m. and seating will continue through 9:30 p.m.

$55 per person. Reservations required. There will be no service from the regular menu.

The restaurant is at 502 W. Ojai Ave. Call (805) 640-1961.

* 71 Palm Restaurant, Ventura:

Doors open at 5 p.m., with regular menu items served until 7 p.m.

A four-course prix fixe menu will begin thereafter and will offer a choice of smoked salmon terrine or Russian potatoes with two caviars and creme fraiche and lobster bisque or baby mixed green salad with Gorgonzola and carmelized walnuts. Entrees will include rack of lamb Provencal with flageolet and haricot vert, salmon Napoleon with champagne and caviar sauce, wild mushroom risotto with baby winter vegetables or half pheasant Normand with Calvados sauce and rice medley; a choice of chocolate creme brulee or vanilla ice cream with seasonal berries and Godiva Chocolate Liqueur. Coffee or tea included.

$60 per person. Reservations required. The restaurant is at 71 Palm St. Call (805) 653-7222.

Rodney Bosch writes about the restaurant scene in Ventura County and outlying points. He can be reached at 653-7572, fax 653-7576, or e-mail to: rodney.bosch@latimes.com