As 2016 becomes a thing of the past, local businesses in the Michiana area will be open to offer scrumptious meals, a variety of drinks and musical entertainment.
Perhaps shopping and eating local will make your list of New Year’s resolutions after sampling some of these local businesses. The following events take place on New Year’s Eve Saturday, Dec. 31.
Dowagiac
Restaurant: The Wood Fire Italian Restaurant
Location: 134 S. Front St.
Type of restaurant: Upscale casual, serving Italian food, with a twist
Hours on New Year’s Eve: Reservations can be made from 4 p.m. till 10 p.m. The restaurant will remain open after 10 p.m., until people wrap up their evening.
Residents who visit Wood Fire in Dowagiac on New Year’s Eve will not only be treated to made from scratch dishes — they will also get to ring in the New Year three times.
There will be a champagne toast at 6 p.m. to celebrate the New Year in England; 8 p.m. for the New Year in Greenland; and early toast for the U.S. New Year Champagne at 10 p.m.
In between toasts, customers will be treated to a special New Year’s Eve menu.
Chef Cheryl Horiuchi will cook up some customer favorites including three appetizers: seafood paella, lobster crab cakes and lobster bisque soup. For dinner the menu will offer 10-ounce bacon wrapped fillet, in a demi gloss sauce, smoked prime rib, seafood provincial, (which is crab, lobster, shrimp, scallops and red pepper cream sauce) and Chilean sea bass, with tequila citrus lime glaze. Regular menu items will also be available.
Horiuchi was born and raised in Hawaii and these roots have long-inspired her cooking as a chef. She has worked for Wood Fire for the past 12 years.
“The culture of the island is very mixed influx of Chinese, Japanese, Filipino foods [creating] melting pots of different flavors,” Horiuchi said. “I learned to utilize a lot of different spices and herbs.”
This year, Horiuchi said she modeled the New Year’s Eve menu around food items that have received some of the best response.
Reservations are encouraged. The wait for a table on New Year’s Eve typically ranges between 20 to 30 minutes, Horiuchi said.
To make a reservation call 269-782-0007. For more information, including a full menu visit: woodfiredining.com.

Nonprofit club associated with the Fraternal Order of Eagles: Dowagiac Eagles 2441
Location: 101 E. Railroad St.
The Dowagiac Eagles 2441 will host the band The Mix, a classic rock, blues and country band. The musical performance will start at 8 p.m.
For more information contact (269) 782-8038.
Niles
Sports Bar and Grill: Jay’s Lounge
Location: 3025 S. 11th St.
New Year’s Eve hours: 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.
Jay’s Lounge will host a New Year’s Eve Bash. There will be a double DJ session, with artists DJ Fury and DJ Erelevant. There will also be a Hacienda and Jay’s Lounge gift card giveaway.
For more information call (269) 684-8353 or visit facebook.com/JaysLoungeNiles.

Restaurant: Pizza Transit
Location: 215 E. Main St.
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Pizza Transit will offer free breadsticks on New Year’s Eve for anyone who checks in on Facebook for dine-in. Those who visit the restaurant on New Year’s Eve can also pick up a pair of free 2017 sunglasses.
To check in on Facebook visit www.facebook.com/pizzatransit. Or visit their website at www.pizzatransit.com.

Do you know of an event? Send New Year’s Eve events to kelsey.hammon@leaderpub.com Leader Publications by 2 p.m. Thursday to be included in the community calendar.