FELÍZ AÑO NUEVO: Ring in the new year Mexican style – with a tequila toast at midnight! – at Besito (402 New York Ave., Huntington 631-549-0100). In addition to the regular menu, the Dec. 31 offerings will include several specials: Enchiladas de Jaiba y Langosta ($27), crab and lobster-filled enchiladas, baked in a two chile salsa topped with queso fresco, onions and cilantro; Bistec Al Hongos ($29), grilled New York strip steak topped with wild mushroom cream, and seasoned with green chile and epazote.

PORTO VIVO NEW YEAR: Ring it in at Huntington’s newest hot spot, Porto Vivo (7 Gerard St., Huntington 631-385-8486 www.porto-vivo.com). Arrive early – between 5 – 7:30 p.m. – for a special New Year’s Eve menu priced at $59 per person. Afterwards, the special New Year’s Eve menu kicks in at $125 per person and promises an unforgettable experience. Just want to be on the scene? Premium open bar and passed hors d’oeuvres in the lounge area is $99 per person between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.

HO-NU YEAR’S EVE: HONU Kitchen & Cocktails (363 New York Ave., Huntington 631-421-6900 www.honukitchen.com) will be celebrating New Year’s Eve on Thursday, Dec. 31 with some special menu items.  The Honu New Years Eve Tasting Plate ($60), includes 4 oz. Petit Filet Wellington with a port wine reduction, Maine Lobster Tail with white truffle butter and herbs, and Herb Crusted Lamb Chops with Fig Chutney. Other specials include Red Snapper Filet with Alaska King Crab and  pan roasted trumpet mushrooms ($28); or Dry Aged Porterhouse Steak with Bordelaise ($45).

TEACHING CHEF HONORED: Chef Victor McNulty of the Culinary Academy of Long Island has been named the 2009 Instructor of the Year by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). McNulty, a Huntington resident, was recognized for his efforts in providing outstanding career and technical instruction at an ACCSC accredited institution. ACCSC governs 800 private career schools throughout the US and abroad, making this merit even more impressive for McNulty and the Culinary Academy of Long Island. During his five-year tenure at the school, McNulty has researched, developed and implemented a new Professional Baking and Pastry Arts Program, as well as instituted weekend Recreational Cooking and Baking classes. As a chef, Instructor and Continuing Education Director, McNulty provides unique educational opportunities for his students while teaching the programs he has developed, as well as Professional Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry Arts, and Restaurant Management. McNulty has used both his professional and educational experience to inspire and motivate students. He regularly gives his time to organizations such as The Interfaith Nutritional Network, Family Residences and Essential Enterprises. and The Black Culinarian Alliance, among many others.

HEY, BIG SPENDER: The Garden City Hotel (45 Seventh St., Garden City 516-747-3000 www.gardencityhotel.com) has a New Year’s Eve package for you. Just $595 will get you cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in the Rotunda, dinner and dancing in the Grand Ballroom and, for after the countdown to midnight, over-night accommodations with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries. You’ll be sent off on New Year’s Day with a breakfast buffet. The same package without the overnight stay is $195 per person. Advance reservations and payment are required.

GOT TURKEY? Panera Bread is serving as a designated drop-off site for Island Harvest annual Turkey and Trimmings Collection Campaign. To lend a helping hand, Panera Bread is asking its neighbors to donate frozen turkeys or supermarket turkey coupons at any of its 19 Long Island bakery-cafes on or before Dec. 24. “The food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters and other agencies we serve are desperately in need of more than 25,000 turkeys to feed Long Island’s hungry this holiday season,” said Island Harvest CEO Randi Shubin Dresner. Donations can be dropped at any Panera Bread location until 9 p.m., including the East Northport and Huntington Station locations.

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