Message: | Having a driver is an excellent move. The landscape in dining and entertainment changes for New Year's as I'm sure it does in most metro areas. The desire to make a buck, turn tables (2 seatings are typical, the later being more expensive), etc. So, in any kind of venue where there's entertainment, this means advance reservations. Elsewhere, Macy Gray at the House of Blues and the Conga Room are suggested (a funkier alternative to Conga would be La Floridita, located in a Hollywood strip mall). You would need to line up the places now. Don't know about food at the Conga, but it's nothing real special at HOB. If you want seating at HOB, you've got to be eating. If you like jazz, Catalina Bar & Grill in Hollywood is the place to go (generally, you don't have to eat there). For other sorts of swinging, the Derby suggestion is good. There are a lot of one time things that happen on New Year's and I'd suggest you look at the Sunday Calendar section of the L.A. Times and/or the LA Weekly for details as to who is appearing where. You might also check LATimes.com; at some point they will have a piece on New Year's possibilities in the area. I note you're at the Ritz in MDR. Just read somewhere that this has been remodeled to avoid the "stodgy" look of other Ritz properties; apparently a more casual atmosphere prevails--in keeping with MDR. You might check with Cicada downtown, (323)655-5559, which is in an elegant art deco building, serving good food, and has a small upstairs bar and dance floor. Could well have a combo and vocalist. In the city, the weather should be great, the air clear (presenting good views of the mountains), and a good time to be had by all. |