Calendar: Scotch dinner at Matherne’s … New Year’s Eve with the BRSO

Kilts not required: If you want to treat yourself to something different than a wine dinner this holiday season, Matherne’s is offering a wee nip of something special—a Scotch-tasting dinner with whiskey expert Jim McCartney. Each of the five courses is paired with a tasty single-malt scotch, picked to compliment the tastes of dishes like lamb with rice pilaf and smoked salmon. Friday, 7 p.m. $50 per person. Call 767-0074 for reservations. New Year’s cheers: Baton Rouge has no shortage of places to party this New Year’s Eve, but it’s never too early to plan your evening. One sure-to-be-hot event is at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Ballroom, featuring music by the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra and classic rockers the V-Tones. Dining, dancing, and fabulous entertainment await. $220 per couple. Visit brso.org for more information.