Dan's Papers - December 21, 2007 - When In Manhattan... by Amanda Kludt

It's already time to start planning how you're going to ring in 2008. Manhattan presents the obvious opportunity for revelry, but there's so much going on, it can be hard to wrap your head around the events and decide what to do. Every New Yorker and Long Islander knows what a nightmare Times Square is on New Year's Eve, but besides avoiding Midtown, how does one choose among the endless number of clubs, bars and restaurants that are throwing special parties? Well, whatever you decide, you'd better do it quick, as most places require reservations or tickets, which can sell out quickly. To help you get your act together, I've compiled a preliminary list of some of the evening's top options.

To have a guaranteed classy New Year's, get tickets to Cipriani's gala hosted by Esquire magazine. The restaurant's gorgeous Wall Street location - with soaring ceilings, grand chandeliers and a beautiful ballroom - always presents a great place for star-studded and high-end benefits and events. The Esquire party will feature a surprise live musical performance, a seven-hour long open bar, hors d'oeuvres, dessert, a champagne toast and party favors. Tickets start at $200 and go as high as $500 for premium seats, bottles of Grey Goose, and plates of antipasti. A portion of the event's proceeds will go to ASPCA, so you'll be helping while you party. Buy tickets at www.noo.com.

If you're looking for something more high energy, and dance-centric, check out the New Year's Eve celebration at the relatively new dance club Rebel. The venue is known for its raucous parties, and for New Year's they'll have live DJs in all five dance rooms, a six-hour-long open bar and a live feed for the ball dropping in Times Square. Entrance is $85 and tickets are available at http://newyork.joonbug.com/events

For guaranteed celebrity spotting, stop by the Carson Daly and Friends New Year's Eve Party held at adjoining clubs The Madison and Gypsy Tea. I can't vouch for the clubs themselves, or for the crowd, but celebs including Ashlee Simpson, Fat Joe, Jeremy Piven, Chris Noth have made it to his party in the past. The $95 ticket includes an open bar all night long, music by DJs Philip Anthony & Sap and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets available at www.newyears.com.

Personally, I'd rather celebrate by eating than dancing, so my favorite pick for New Year's Eve is dinner at Del Posto. Mario Batali's Michelin-starred upscale Italian restaurant will serve five to seven course tasting menus for $125-$250. They are constructing a special dance floor for the night and have hired a live jazz band to provide the music. If New Year's is a time for excess, I say do it up right by feasting on black and white truffles, caviar, foie gras, and lobster. To reserve a table now call 212-497-8090

For something a little more intimate for you and your New Year's date, hit up one of the city's coziest little Italian restaurants, Aroma Kitchen & Wine Bar. I adore all of their Italian specialties here and their wine pairings always complement what they serve. The restaurant will have two seatings, at 6 p.m. & 8 p.m., for diners who want to ring in the New Year elsewhere at midnight, and an 8 p.m.-2 a.m. seating for those who'd rather celebrate with an extended dinner. The three-course menu will only run you $60 each with an optional $35 wine pairing for the early seating. The later seating includes a $100 five-course dinner with a $65 wine pairing, which includes a half bottle of champagne at midnight. For reservations or more information call 212-375-0100.

And if you want to just try something completely different, avoid those busy clubs and restaurants and head to Pier 17. Being stuck on a boat away from shore isn't everyone's idea of a great New Year's, but if you happen to love being out on the water, you'll be rewarded with some incredible views of Manhattan and a great seat for the South Street Fireworks. The boat departs from the dock at 10 p.m. and returns at 1 a.m., leaving you plenty of time to continue the party at another venue. The $120 ticket gets you hors d'oeuvres, an open bar and a champagne toast. As with the other events around town, the cruise will show a simulcast of the ball dropping in Times Square. Get tickets at www.nywatertaxi.com.