24 December 2009
Our 2009 Picks for Great Christmas Dinners
Posted by Crystal under: News .
Many restaurants close doors for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, yet it is an invaluable money-making opportunity for any restaurant owner. You’d be surprised how many people are looking to go out for dinner on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. In general, this works especially well for major metropolitan areas with rich city life and big tourist attraction areas, such as ski resorts, popular tourist destinations, like Maui or the Wine Country in California. We did our own review of some great restaurants hosting Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dinners this week:
Cliff House, San Francisco, CA. A world-famous restaurant, Cliff House is located in the Sutro Historic Landscape District in San Francisco. It occupies a uniquely designed building and has floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning panoramic ocean views: from one side you can see the famous Seal Rocks, the entry to the Golden Gate, the Marine coastline, the Sutro Bath ruins, and the Pacific Ocean. Its Christmas menu this week features holiday favorites such as Slow Roasted Prime Rib with Yorkshire Pudding and Creamed Spinach, and Maple Glazed, Smoked Pork Chop with Apple Compote, Gruyere and Onion Spatzle. You are guaranteed a wonderful meal this Christmas at the Cliff House, the restaurant that received multiple awards, including 3 Michelin Guide awards, 4 Wine Spectator awards, and great reviews from Zagat.
Mama’s Fish House, Maui, HI. A converted beach house in a coconut grove, Mama’s Fish House is a favorite destination of many Maui tourists. It is located on a secluded white sand beach along a historic and scenic Hana highway. The restaurant serves Hawaiian Cuisine and Seafood, and is open on Christmas.
Allred’s, Telluride, CO. Located in the ski resort of Telluride, Colorado, this restaurant is nestled on top of the ski mountain at 10,551 feet above sea level. To get to the restaurant, you actually have to take a Gondola, a Telluride’s preferred way of transportation, which will take you to the top of the mountain. The restaurant boasts marvelous views of the surrounding mountains, and you can also see the Town of Telluride 1800 feet below. Allred’s serves American cuisine, and their Christmas menu includes many traditional Christmas dishes such as Ranch Turkey with Gravy; Korabuta Spiral Ham or Roasted NY Strip & Red Wine Reduction. You can help yourself to side dishes like Traditional Sage Stuffing, Sweet Potato Mash, Cranberry Sauce, or Maple Glazed Acorn Squash. Dessert selections include a pumpkin pie or building your own Sundaes.
Maestro’s City Hall, Scottsdale, AZ. Located in the downtown area, in a hip part of upscale Scottsdale, this restaurant is always full to its capacity, never mind its capacity is 500 people. It’s located in a trendy night spot, has a cosmopolitan, yet sophisticated style. At this stylish gathering place, you can enjoy classic steaks and fish and listen to live music. For Christmas dinner you can choose Mastro’s Herb Roasted Chicken Breast or “Chef’s Cut” Ribeye Chop complemented with side dishes like Shoestring Potatoes or Au Gratin Lyonnaise Potatoes.
Bistro Jeanty, Yountville, CA. Located in Napa Valley, this classic French Bistro features classic French cuisine. It is the only French owned and operated restaurant in the Napa Valley. An extremely popular place, it is always busy. Their Christmas dinner menu features sophisticated French dishes, such as Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder with Butternut Squash Gratin, Brussels Sprouts & Bacon; or Ham & Leek Quiche with a Butter Lettuce Salad. The restaurant features a special dessert menu, as well, offering a Lemon Meringue Tart with Candied Orange Sauce or a Creamy Rice Pudding with Brandied Cherries.
Bourbon Steak, Washington, DC. Owned and operated by an award winning chef Michael Mina, this restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine, made from organic and hormone free ingredients. The restaurant entertains its guests by regularly hosting performances by local talent. In addition to their great regular items, Bourbon Steak will serve these unique dishes this Christmas: Roasted Farm Goose with Foie Gras & Chestnut Stuffing, Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage; Salt-Roasted Prime Rib with Yorkshire Pudding & Horseradish Cream; or Braised Oxtail. You can supplement your main entrée with festive appetizers like Roasted Chestnut Soup or Spiced Marshmallows. Their special dessert menu features Squash Sticky Toffee Pudding; Butter Pecan Ice Cream; and Pumpkin Seed Nougatine.
These are just a few of the many great restaurants across the US that host special Christmas dinners this week. For guests who want to relax this Christmas and not spend their time cooking, these restaurants certainly make a wonderful Christmas destination by creating a holiday atmosphere.
Image provided by Free Foto.