Dancing in the New Year

Christine Carrillo

Where would you like to be when the clock strikes 12 and the new

year rolls in?

Shakin’ your groove thang on the dance floor, mingling with other

sophisticates in a fine restaurant or, perhaps, as most of us have

done at one time or another, sitting in front of the television with

Dick Clark, watching the ball drop.

Well, if you’re tired of having Clark as your New Year’s date,

Newport-Mesa is offering a plethora of other options that might be

just what you’re looking for.

If the words “cover charge” don’t make you squirm, then you’re in

luck. Newport-Mesa is willing to give you New Year’s fun at a fee and

here are a few events to get you started.

If dancing to the beat is more in tune with your celebratory

habits, then you have a number of options. And don’t fret about

having to make a choice. The amount of that cover charge may serve as

your deciding factor.

For the louder, younger and, more importantly, cheaper crowds, the

Hard Rock Cafe in Newport Beach and the Detroit Bar in Costa Mesa are

just a few of the ways to go.

The Hard Rock Cafe ((949) 640-8844) and Star 98.7 FM are hosting a

New Year’s bash from 7 p.m. till close that will feature a mishmash

of live entertainment and DJ mixes. With only a $30 cover, people can

enjoy champagne toasts, party favors and music till 2003.

With only a $20 cover at the door cover, Detroit ((949) 642-0600)

will host another New Year’s Eve Bash to celebrate the last night of

2002 and give people an opportunity to party. With champagne toasts,

hors d’oeuvres, party favors and dancing to soul, house and funk

beats, Detroit is certainly the place to be.

Although music, dancing and mingling may be the solution to your

New Year’s quandary, you may be looking for a more elegant ambience.

If so, than look no further than the Hyatt Newporter and the Four

Seasons Hotel in Newport Beach.

Still allowing plenty of room for dancing, both hotels are also

offering a more upscale atmosphere at a more pricey fee.

If you’re thinking of ringing in the new year while you eat, drink

and be merry, then both hotels have an answer for you.

From 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., guests will get music, dancing, champagne

toasts, party favors and appetizers for $75 per person or $150 per

couple at the Hyatt Newporter ([949] 729-1234) and $90 at the Four

Seasons ([949) 759-0808).

If neither of those options satiates you, then this other offering

might be more to your liking. The Four Seasons is hosting a

five-course meal with a pianist duet, champagne toasts, party favors

and dancing for $175 per person.

And your dining options aren’t finished yet.

For fine dining and sophisticated mingling, the Five Crowns in

Corona del Mar and Pinot Provence in Costa Mesa are ready to

celebrate in style.

Extending their dining hours and providing complimentary champagne

and party favors, the Five Crowns ((949) 760-0331) is providing their

patrons with their traditional fine dining with a hint of holiday

celebrations.

On the other hand, Pinot Provence ((714) 444-5900) is offering

guests a fine six-course meal with sounds from a DJ, champagne toasts

and party favors for $125 per person.

Whether you decide to celebrate the new year by dancing or dining,

the thing you must remember “for auld lang syne, my dear” is party

favors and champagne toasts -- I’m sure even Dick Clark would agree.