New Year's Eve Celebrations in Toluca Lake

Like most of my neighbors, I hate venturing out on New Year's Eve. The traffic alone is reason enough, but factor in crowded restaurants and drunk drivers after 12:01 a.m. and it's enough to just stay in bed.

Fortunately, my neighborhood is full of fantastic places to ring in the new year.   Some are even close enough to reach by foot. Here are some options if you want to celebrate New Year's Eve close to home in Toluca Lake:

- Start 2012 Italian style by dining at Firenze Osteria. Top Chef owner/chef Fabio Viviani will be serving a five-course set menu with complimentary champagne at midnight. Located at 4212 Lankershim Boulevard.  Reservations can be made at 818/760-7081.

- This authentic Irish pub serves up fish n' chips, shepherd's pie and other favorites from across the ond as well as great ale, stout and lager. Located at 10111 Riverside Drive. Reservations can be made at 818/985-3359.

- The warm red-lit bar and plush leopard booths are inviting and offer the perfect location to chill with your special someone on New Year's Eve. Fill up on affordable appetizers including th standard chicken fingers and buffalo wings, or grab a burger, tacos or fish and chips for dinner and then enjoy one of their famous martinis while wathing the all drop on their many flatscreen televisions.  Located at 10149 Riverside Drive. Reservations can be made at 818/763-5200.

Smoke House - Enjoy your favorite cut of meat and then head to the back lounge and bar after 9 p.m. to groove to your favorite oldies perfromed by the Higher Ground band. Located at 4420 West Lakeside Drive. Reservations can be made at 818/845-3731.