Menus of New Year's Past

What will you eat this New Year's Eve? However we plan to celebrate the new year, Angelenos have a lot of dinner options this December 31st—from buck-fifty street tacos to a $285 tasting menu at Spago.

While I've indulged in the New Year's Day tradition of Hoppin John (my southern friend recommends the recipe in this cookbook), I honestly can't remember a single New Year's Eve meal. Whether your dinner is forgettable party fuel or an Instagram-ready indulgence, you might be inspired by these historical New Year's Eve menus, all from the library's extensive Menu Collection.

If these whet your appetite, be sure to order up a copy of To Live and Dine in L.A., an entire book based around the Menu Collection. And if you hear of another place around town where I can get a lobster for $1.25 this Sunday, please let me know.\