We've already supplied you with an extensive list of major New Year's Eve events that can easily run $150 per person and up. Nothing wrong with that – the Buzz loves swanky parties. But for those looking for something a little different and a little cheaper, here are some wonderful ethnic alternatives.
Over the years, we've spent some terrific New Year's Eves in Downtown's Old Chinatown and in the San Gabriel Valley's New Chinatown. (Ocean Star is always a good bet.) We'll assemble a group of a dozen good eaters, pre-select a menu so our guests don't have to spend half the evening trying to decide between 300 items and bring along our own wine and champagne (the corkage fees are modest, if they exist at all). And we've spent a jolly evening surrounded by friends, stuffing ourselves with lobster, crab and shrimp. The cost is usually only around $40 per person.
For even less, we've spent good evenings in Thai Town, on the east side of Hollywood – if you can get into Palms Thai, with its Thai Elvis impersonator, you're in for a great evening. We've also opted for sushi extraordinaire, heading for hot spots like Mori Sushi on Pico, where the chef grows his own rice, makes his own plates and soy sauce, and serves sushi of sublime perfection. Since it's New Year's Eve, we indulge in the toro to excess. Even though they don't throw in a noisemaker, it still tastes like a pretty good deal to us and a great way to finish off they year.
– Merrill Shindler