For New Year’s Eve Celebrations, Try Sherman Oaks!

For those who still haven’t answered the question, “What are you doing New Year’s Eve?” Sherman Oaks restaurants and a nightclub are ready to help.

At least half a dozen venues are catering to locals or repeat customers. Since they’re positioned along Ventura Boulevard, that means Sherman Oaks residents won’t have far to drive during the hazardous night, or they can even dump the car and arrive on foot.

Those celebrating the arrival of 2012 include:

Il Tiramisu, 13705 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, 818-986-2640, il-tiramisu.com.

On the boulevard for 13 years, Il Tiramisu will serve a three-course menu, $45 per person, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Choices include grilled shrimp, mushroom soup, osso bucco, salmon, filet mignon, creme brulee and more. Owner Peter Kastelan says those arriving by 10 p.m. can help usher in the
new year when he passes out party favors, cranks up the disco music, does a countdown and allows a bit of dancing in the bar.

"On New Year’s Eve I usually get about 60 percent to 70 percent of  my regular guests," Kastelan said. “I try to give a wonderful evening at a fair price to thank my guests for patronizing us all year long. I don’t advertise a DJ or a party, but it becomes a very intimate party naturally.” 

Reservations are still being accepted, Kastelan said, adding “I know a lot people wait until the last minute.”

The Local Peasant, 14058 Ventura Blvd., 818-501-0234, thelocalpeasant.com.

It’s all about local at this new restaurant that passed its first year in business in October. Actor Karl Makinen focuses on local produce, beer, wine, products, employees and, you guessed it, local customers.

“If it winds up being a line outside, people who live in Sherman Oaks will get first priority,” Makinen said. Though he doesn’t take reservations for parties smaller than ten, Makinen says he’ll make an exception for Sherman Oaks residents who can leave a message on the restaurant phone. “We do try to take care of people who live in the neighborhood first,” he said.

The restaurant will serve a $40 three-course set menu with a champagne toast starting at 4 p.m. At midnight he’ll have balloons and will pump up the music.

La Cava, 13565 Ventura Blvd., 818-981-1517, lacavashermanoaks.com.

It’s a more intimate celebration at this Italian restaurant open since January. The small restaurant has no bar or television, so diners will have to focus on the Italian food with a Tuscan flair and on each other. A prix-fixe menu at $60 per person provides extensive antipasti, entrée and dessert choices. Seating is from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; reservations still being accepted.

Café Bizou, 14016 Ventura Blvd., 818-788-3536, cafebizou.com.

If you haven’t booked yet, try this 16-year Ventura Boulevard standout ... next year! As of noon Wednesday, the only spots left open were three for 4:45 p.m. New Year’s Eve. Those who booked early will enjoy the prix-fixe menu at $34 per person and can opt out of an appetizer or desert with a substitute a glass of wine. Party favors and a New Year’s countdown at midnight will likely catch those arriving for dinner by 10:30 p.m.

Casa Vega, 13301 Ventura Blvd., 818-788-4868, casavega.com.

This 56-year-old stalwart, which often draws celebs for its margaritas and Mexican platters, is serving its regular menu but expects to draw a crowd. So, those wanting a spot should book ahead to be there at midnight when complimentary champagne is poured and the New Year’s special entertainment with showgirls begins. 

Smiles Nightclub, 13615 Ventura Blvd., 818-907-6336, smilesnighthclub.com.

For those in the 21- to 40-year-old age bracket, Smiles is offering champagne packages and group admissions, sort of a create-your-own party at the dance club that serves up food and Top 40, electro dance music. The $1,000 option for 12 people in the club’s VIP room is gone, but smaller packages remain from $150 to $800 for groups of up to eight.

Otherwise, walk in at $25 per person on New Year’s Eve or jump onto the club’s Facebook site before 8 p.m., Thursday and reserve complimentary admissions. Club owner Chris (who holds back his last name to discourage name droppers trying for freebies), says the 3-year-old club has outlasted its competition on the boulevard. So, to celebrate, they’ll have a complimentary champagne toast at midnight and crank up the music with their regular DJs and go-go girls.

"We get a mixed crowd," Chris said, "about 50 percent local and 50 percent from neighborhing cities.

UPSTAIRS@VITELLOS

Mel Tormes son James Torme is putting on a fantastic New Year eve show Upstairs @ Vitello's.   There a just a few seats left and it is going to be an incredible show.