Warren resident Sophia Paul opened A Calcutta Affair in February, so 2012 has some special meaning for her—and she's not letting the end of the year slip by without celebrating.

The restaurant offering contemporary Bengali cuisine will host a special New Year's Eve gala Monday, with a DJ, dancing and midnight countdown. Of course the night will also include A Calcutta Affair's popular buffet, all of which can be enjoyed for $40 ($75 per couple).     

"I wanted to do something special for New Year's," Paul said. She said her restaurant is still one of the township's newer ones, so she hopes to entice some new customers—and what better way than with a New Year's Eve event?

While A Calcutta Affair may be new to the local places to mark the holiday, it's certainly not the only nearby choice for end-of-the-year celebrations. Most of the township's popular restaurants are offering New Year's specials, including:

• Saly G's New Year's special includes a four-course meal for $75, that includes a night of music with DJ Vero welcoming the New Year and a champagne toast.
• Uproot Restaurant is offering a special three-course dinner for $65, featuring Lobster Bisque, Roasted Quail, Heirloom Beet Salad, and (for a slight upcharge) Seared foie gras...for the first course!  
• Spending New Years Eve at The Somerset Hills Hotel Tap Room means no early morning driving...the hotel is offering a special open buffet for two, breakfast and a deluxe guestroom for $195.

Reservations are needed for all of the special events.