The holidays are the perfect time to celebrate! And, what better way to share love and joy with your friends & family than delicious & decadent feasting at
Southern California’s best restaurants!
Take a look at the Christmas specials, sure to keep your eyes, mouth, and belly in the Christmas spirit!
Celestino Ristorante:
Christmas Eve:
Deck the halls with a delectably delightful Italian Christmas Eve Dinner at Celestino Ristorante in Pasadena prepared by Owner and Executive Chef Calogero Drago. Christmas Eve is meant to be celebrated with loved ones and what better way than with a delicious meal that will make the whole family sing Christmas carols. Chef Calogero Drago is offering a special Christmas Eve Dinner Menu featuring his new seasonal specials and classics alike, such as his Eggplant Souffle, Angel Hair Pasta, Pumpkin Tortellini and Risotto with Mussels. Due to popular demand, Chef Drago will also be featuring a “Feast of the Seven Fishes” Prix-Fixe À la Carte Menu on Christmas Eve for those that love this famous tradition. For something sweet, save room and share a Pear Tart, or for something even more decadent, guests can indulge in the Mascarpone Pistachio Cheesecake.
Celestino Ristorante will be open for Dinner on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24th, 2019 from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm; Celestino Ristorante will be closed on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25th, 2019; 141 South Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105; 626.795.4006; www.CelestinoPasadena.com
Chez Jay:
Christmas Eve:
Dive into the holiday spirit at Chez Jay, the historic dive bar and restaurant located in the heart of Santa Monica this Christmas Eve.
Start celebrating with Lunch by the sea with a Startersuch as Jay’s Seafood Salad comprised of King Crab Legs, Bay Shrimp and secret dressing, or savor the Sand Dabs Almondine Entrée accompanied by fresh vegetables and rice pilaf.
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For Christmas Eve Dinner, begin with Jay’s Steamed Clams prepared with fresh herbs in a white wine broth, or enjoy the Wedge made with iceberg lettuce, and topped with bacon, croutons and a tomato Roquefort dressing. At the top of the Christmas list are Chez Jay’s infamous Entrées such as the 10 oz. New York Butter Steak; the Angus New York Steak and lobster tail Surf & Turf, or the Fresh Swordfish “Roti” Au Poivre, each offered with a choice of soup du jour or salad, and choice of a baked potato, rice pilaf, or scalloped potatoes.
Indulge in a Santa-approved sweet with Desserts including the Chez Jay Cheesecake and Sticky Toffee Pudding. Christmas Eve is not the same without a cocktail, and no one knows this better than Chez Jay, so they will be serving up their famous Dirty Martini all evening! Classically made with a choice of vodka or gin, vermouth, olive juice, and fresh olives, this celebratory sipper has the ability to get even the Grinch in the spirit, and Wine and Beer will also be available.
Chez Jay will be open on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24th, 2019 from 11:30 am to 2:00 am. Chez Jay will be serving Lunch from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm, and Dinner from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm; Chez Jay will be closed on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25th, 2019; 1657 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401; 310.395.1741; www.ChezJays.com
Drago Centro:
Christmas Eve:
‘Tis the Season at Drago Centro in Downtown Los Angeles this Christmas Eve with Owner and Executive Chef Celestino Drago’s The Feast of the Seven Fishes Prix-Fixe Menu ($100.00 per person plus tax)!
Chef Celestino Drago aims to please this Christmas Eve with his celebratory Feast of the Seven Fishes Prix-Fixe Menu where guests will be gifted with a sumptuous seafood offering featuring the Panna Cotta, Ricci di Mare, Crudo di Ventresca di Tonno, sea urchin panna cotta, toro and tuna tartar; the Cappesante, Polpo, Purée’ di Barbabietole e Lattughe Novelle, jumbo scallops, octopus, red beet purée with micro lettuce;
Spaghettini Verdi alla Chitarra, Vongole e Carciofi Croccanti, basil spaghetti, clams and crispy artichokes; the Agnollotti con Aragosta, Brodetto di Peperoni Gialli profumati all’ Anice, lobster filled agnollotti, yellow bell pepper broth, and anise essence; Branzino, Purée’ di Melanzane, Pomodorini arrosto su corallo di Pane, roasted branzino, eggplant purée, roasted tomato, bread corral, and for Dessert guests can choose their individual sweet treat directly from the Drago Centro Dessert Menu.
For those who are not driving the sleigh, Bar Manager Emraan Jawaid’s Apple of My Eye cocktail made with brown butter Infused vodka, Cognac, Amargo Vallet, lemon juice, apple syrup, and three dashes of Cassia Cinnamon Tincture is one of Santa’s favorites, and Wine Director Mark Sadr will be offering Wines by the Glass and Wines by the Bottle from Drago Centro’saward winning Wine List. So Come, All Ye Faithful and let Drago Centro create a joyful and triumphant Christmas Eve for you!
Drago Centro will be open for Lunch on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24th, 2019 from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, and for Dinner from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm; Drago Centro will be closed on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25th, 2019; 525 South Flower Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071; 213.228.8998; www.DragoCentro.com
Drago Ristorante:
Christmas Eve Day:
Sleigh Bells ring this Christmas Eve Day at Drago Ristorante at the Peterson Automotive Museum as the Drago Brothers celebrate with Executive Chef Tanino Drago’s Feast of the Seven Fishes Prix-Fixe Menu ($95.00 per person) or Drago Ristorante’s Traditional Menu all day long!
Executive Chef Tanino Drago’s Feast of the Seven Fishes Prix-Fixe Menu flows beautifully with the:
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First Course – Saltspring Island Mussels prepared with white wine sauce, fresh herbs and lemon;
Second Course is the Swordfish Carpaccio dressed with fresh pomegranate and passionfruit vinaigrette;
Third Course – the Risotto Al Nero, made with squid ink risotto, fresh calamari, shrimp, and bay scallops;
Fourth Course – Paccheri al Fuoco made with large rigatoni, Thai chili, cherry tomato, and rock shrimp;
Fifth Course – Linguine Alle Vongole prepared with clams, garlic, crushed red pepper, and parsley;
Sixth Course – Seared Scallops with Shiitake Mushrooms; Seventh Course – Pan-Roasted Branzino with sardine couscous, clams, tomato, and turnips, and finally
Dessert directly from the Drago Ristorante Dessert Menu. Drago Ristorante will also be offering their Traditional Menu on Christmas Eve Day and be sure to enjoy the festive Mistletoe Minty Martini made with vodka and shaken with Crème de Menthe and ice, or the refreshing Drago Cranberry Spritzer mocktail mixed with lime soda, cranberry juice, sparkling water, and fresh cranberries created by Mary Le and Catalina Parocua. May each guest enjoy the Feast of the Seven Fishes Prix-Fixe Menu, the joyful Cocktails, and all the Holiday cheer at Drago Ristorante!
Drago Ristorante will be open all day on Christmas Eve Day, Tuesday, December 24th, 2019 from 11:30 am to 6:00 pm; Drago Ristorante will be closed on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25th, 2019; 6060 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036; 323.800.2244; www.DragoRistorante.com
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Georgia’s Restaurant in Long Beach:
Christmas Eve:
What better way to celebrate the love and warmth that Christmas Eve brings than with Southern soul food at family-owned Georgia’s Restaurant at the Long Beach Exchange!
The charismatic Mother and Daughter duo behind this establishment, Nana Gretchen Shoemaker and Nika Shoemaker-Machado have something for every member of the family to enjoy this Christmas Eve with savory dishes such as their famous Fried Chicken cooked in a Brazilian buttermilk brine and seasoned crispy cornmeal crust;
St. Louis BBQ Ribs, a half-rack of slow roasted pork ribs in Georgia’s Restaurant signature house-made BBQ sauce, or opt for Nana’s signature Gretchen’s Jambalaya cooked to order with shrimp, andouille sausage and chicken, served over pasta or rice.
‘Tis the season to have fun, so savor any of these dishes with a Seasonal Sangria, Red Wine and White Wine by the glass or the bottle, and add a delectable Soulful Side to share such as the Collard Greens, Baked Beans, Mac & Cheese, and Nana Gretchen’s famous Cornbread, served with house-made honey butter.
For the perfect sweet ending this Christmas Eve guests can enjoy Nana Gretchen’s “soul-delicious” Desserts such as the Peach Cobbler, Sweet Potato Pie, Lemon Cake, or Pound Cake with a side of house-made à la Mode upon request.
Georgia’s Restaurant will be open on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24th, 2019 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm; Georgia’s Restaurant will be closed on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25th, 2019; 4104 McGowen Street, Suite 155, Long Beach, CA 92630; 562.420.5637; www.Georgias-Restaurant.com
Mi Piace:
Christmas Eve:
Spend this Christmas Eve at Old Town Pasadena’s Mi Piace and celebrate with a big Italian family feast!
Executive Chef Gil Saulnier is preparing a special Christmas Eve Specials Menuavailable from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and this will feature Italian treats and seasonal specials to satisfy every guest at the table.
Begin this year’s holiday feast with the Pasta e Fagioli Soup made with organic red and white Cannellini kidney beans, pasta, escarole lettuce, carrots, celery, and Maui onions in a San Marzano tomato broth;
the luscious Roasted Bone Marrow served with Cowboy bacon shallot jam and toasted ciabatta, or guests can share the decadent Oyster & Seafood Platter featuring Malpeque P.E.I Mussels, Kusshi B.C. Oysters, an Alaskan King Crab Leg, half Maine Lobster, and jumbo shrimp, served with a mignonette, cocktail sauce, and tartar sauce with fresh lemon.
Those on Santa’s nice list are invited to savor Mi Piace Entrées such as the Prime Delmonico New York, a bone-in 18 oz. steak with fresh shitake mushrooms, Napa Cabernet demi glaze, and Chef Saulnier’s special potatoes;
the Colorado Slow Braised Lamb Shank in a red wine reduction with braised Japanese eggplant, salsify, rutabaga, and turnips, or the Chilean Sea Bass served with a creamy Reggiano risotto topped with French black truffle.
Even those on Santa’s naughty list can indulge in Mi Piace’s decadent Desserts which are a big part of the Christmas Eve celebration at Mi Piace, so do not miss any delectable delights such as the Almond Rocha Cake made of layers of almond gateaux layered between chocolate ganache, covered in milk chocolate and topped with caramelized almonds, or the Midnight Fantasy, a chocolate cake with Swiss bittersweet chocolate fudge and raspberry purée.
Guests craving any of Mi Piace’s classic dishes can enjoy the Italian eatery’s traditional Lunch Menu which will be offered from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, and the Mi Piace Classic Dinner Menu which will also be offered from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Accompany this Christmas Eve gathering by pairing these delicious dishes with any one of Mi Piace’s award-winning wines, or try one of Bar Manager Nikos Baltas’s Christmas Cocktails such as the Naughty or Spice made with Absolut Vanilla Vodka, Bailey’s, espresso, a house-made cinnamon and nutmeg syrup, topped with house-made whipped cream and freshly grated nutmeg, so be prepared to have a very Merry Christmas Eve at Mi Piace!
Mi Piace will be open from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24th, 2019 and they will be closed on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25th, 2019. Mi Piacewill offer their traditional Lunch Menu on Christmas Eve from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, and they will also be offering their Classic Dinner Menu from 4:00 pm to 11;00 pm, along with a special Christmas Eve Specials Menu from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm; 25 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626.795.3131; www.MiPiace.com
Preux & Proper:
December 2019:
Preux & Proper, the preeminent Southern house on the West Coast where hospitality is a way of life, will have guests rocking around the Christmas tree throughout the holidays with
SLEIGH BELLS on SPRING
a holiday spectacular featuring Holiday Specials, Christmas Cocktails and a Holiday Calendar of Festivities that includes weekly visits from Santa Claus himself through Monday, December 30th, 2019!
Taking the reindeer reins of this Christmas spectacular is Beverage Director Kassasdy Wiggins, whose enthusiasm for the holidays could rival Buddy from ELF.
Along with her two helpful elves, Owner and Operator Joshua Kopel and Executive Chef Sammy Monsour, Wiggins has transformed Preux & Proper into the unparalleled holly jolly destination for locals and L.A. transplants alike.
“When guests walk through our doors, I want them to get a spark of that childhood holiday excitement and wonder they had growing up; and when they walk out, we want them to leave filled with holiday cheer.”
In the giving holiday spirit, Preux & Proper and SLEIGH BELLS on SPRING will be supporting NKLA, an initiative led by Best Friends Animal Society, bringing together passionate individuals, city shelters and an entire coalition of animal welfare organizations to end the killing of homeless pets in L.A. city shelters.
All month long, guests are encouraged to spread good will by bringing any new and unused pet food, treats, toys, paper towels, blankets, litter, or grooming supplies to Preux & Proper and be gifted a Complimentary Cup of Cheer!
Executive Chef Sammy Monsour is whipping up some Yuletide yum in the Preux & Proper kitchen where he wraps his signature creativity and dons it with festive flair featuring Holiday Specials such as the Harlem Chicken & Waffles, featuring Melba’s eggnog waffles, sorghum molasses glazed wings, lemon verbena, and cherry & bourbon whipped butter.
On the thirteenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me the Orange Ginger Duck Confit, comprised of Liberty Farms duck leg, Chinese five spice, Asian pear, mint, baby lettuces, and a benne seed vinaigrette.
“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear,” and this ELF inspired Buddy Breakfast Pasta will have guests singing for more, made with Nate’s nutmeg fettuccine, sage-maple, heirloom squash, hickory smoked hazelnuts, Pecorino, raw duck yolk, and house-cured coppa ham.
The Whoville Roast Beast is so delicious even The Grinch will pull up a seat, featuring Beeler’s Tomahawk Pork Chop, fried rosemary, garlicky Weiser fingerlings, and cranberry pork neck jus. Celebrate Christmas and say Buon Natale before tucking into the “Feast of the Seven Fishes” Style Jumbo Prawns with Mayocoba bean ribollita, leather britches black kale, and kumquat gremolata.
Oh, come and let us adore Dessert and rejoice, so don’t be a Cotton Headed Ninny Muggins comprised of Grey Goose Vodka infused cotton candy, or for a non-boozy treat, there is Preux & Proper’s Dark Chocolate Candy Cane Pie.
Beverage Director Kassday Wiggins is making spirits bright with Christmas Cocktails for every palate such as the Oh Bring Us a Figgy Cocktail, comprised of Haku Vodka, house-made fig and vanilla syrup, lemon, Fever Tree Club Soda, and rosemary.
Santa will be checking his list to see If guests have been Naughty or Spice, featuring Angels Envy, house-made gingerbread syrup, sassafras and sorghum bitters;
remember that He Sees You (Both) When You’re Drinking, a drink for two (if guests are in the spirit of sharing!) made with Tito’s Vodka, basil, pickled cranberry, absinthe, orange bitters, and Prosecco.
In all of the holiday, melee don’t forget to Treat Yo’ Elf, made with Teeling Irish Whisky, cocoa, almond milk, roasted marshmallow, heavy cream, and chocolate rim.
Forget the milk and cookies; leave a Santa-gria out for Old St. Nick, made with red wine mulled citrus, fig, pear, cinnamon, clove and ginger, served warm;
Whizzing like a shooting star, the Rum Rum Rudolph is made with Bacardi Gold, St. George NOLA coffee liqueur, ripe banana, and orange zest.
With a name like Fra-gee-lay it must be Italian, featuring El Tesoro Paradiso, house-made pear liqueur, limoncello, apple cider, and mint.
During SLEIGH BELLS ON SPRING, guests are never Gnome Alone: Lost in LA this holiday season, featuring Glenlivet 21-year, cranberry shrub, applewood smoke, and house-made ginger liqueur.
Time to don the tinsel and get Oaxacan around the Christmas Tree, prepared with Ilegal mezcal, pomegranate-infused St. Germain, lemon, apple bitters, and Fever Tree Club Soda,
and the party has been saved with the I’ve Brought Some Corn for Popping, made with brown butter washed Grey Goose Vodka, house-made heirloom popcorn syrup, sage, lemon, and maple salt.
For guests feeling dizzy from the eight crazy evenings of Hanukkah, the I Dread-el the Holidays is made with Bombay Sapphire, lemon, chai, blue spirulina algae, a fortune cookie, and edible gold.
The entire Preux & Proper team wish guests a very Happy Swanza, featuring a dairy-free libation for groups of four made with Copalli Barrel Rested Rum, Makers Mark, coconut eggnog, and pumpkin spice.
Deck the halls with SLEIGH BELLS on SPRING’S full Calendar of Festivities as Preux & Proper celebrates the spirit of Christmas all throughout the month of December, along with special appearances by Santa Claus himself.
Christmas comes but once a year, now it’s here, now it’s here, bringing lots of joy and cheer with SLEIGH BELLS on SPRING at Preux & Proper!
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Preux & Proper will be officially celebrating SLEIGH BELLS on SPRING from Tuesday, December 3rd, 2019 through Monday, December 30th, 2019. Preux & Proper will be closed on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24th, 2019 and Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25th, 2019.
Lunch is served every Monday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Dinner is served every Monday through Wednesday from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm; every Friday and Saturday from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and every Sunday from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Sunday Brunch is served every Sunday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Preux & Proper also serves Happy Hour every Monday through Sunday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. For more information on SLEIGH BELLS on Spring at Preux & Proper or for reservations, please visit www.preuxandproper.com or call Preux & Proper directly at 213.896.0090.
The Raymond 1886:
Christmas Eve:
O Christmas Eve, O Christmas Eve at The Raymond 1886!
This special night calls for a very special meal and Executive Chef Jason Francisco is offering a Christmas Eve Three-Course Prix-Fixe Dinner Menu ($110.00 per person) that would leave even Santa speechless.
This festive feast begins with a First Course choice of Lobster Bisque with lobster tail, brodo and crème fraiche;
Scallop Rockerfeller with sea scallops, garlic breadcrumbs, spinach and Champagne butter, or the Grape and Prosciutto Salad with Prosciutto di Parma, frisée, red grapes and Gorgonzola dolce.
The savorous Second Course selections feature four exquisite options to choose from including the Cornish Game Hen accompanied by roasted root vegetables and cranberry orange harissa; a Branzino served with roasted bell pepper purée, lentils and fennel; the Chateau Briand, a prime center cut Filet Mignon with pommes purée, crispy Brussels sprout leaves and bone marrow bordelaise, or for vegetarians, the Stuffed Eggplant with Moroccan lentils, baby heirloom tomatoes, sweet peppers and Romesco sauce.
The Dessert selections from Pastry Chef Mignon Jones are the perfect sweet finale to this fabulous celebration with a choice of Eggnog Cheesecake, Chocolate Lava Cake, or Pumpkin Spice Panna Cotta.
This Christmas Eve Three-Course Prix-Fixe Menu is meant to pair perfectly with a bottle of wine from The Raymond 1886’s Wine List, or a special handcrafted holiday cocktail such as the 1886 Egg Nogg.
Christmas Eve Dinner at The Raymond 1886 is sure to become a special new tradition for the entire family!
The Raymond 1886 will be open for Dinner and offering their Christmas Eve Three-Course Dinner Menu for $110.00 per person on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24th, 2018 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm; 1886 will be open from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm; The Raymond 1886 will be closed on Christmas Day, Tuesday, December 25th, 2018; 1250 South Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626.441.3136; www.TheRaymond.com
Via Alloro:
Christmas Eve:
Deck the Halls at Via Alloro in Beverly Hills this Christmas Eve with the legendary Drago Brothers and celebrate with Chef Tanino Drago’s Feast of the Seven Fishes Prix-Fixe Menu ($95.00 per person) or Via Alloro’s Traditional Menu!
If the family decides to indulge in the Feast of the Seven Fishes Prix-Fixe Menu each member will enjoy seven seafood courses with the
First Course – Swordfish Carpaccio With Fresh Fennel, Oranges and Pomegranate: the
Second Course – Baccalá, a baked Cod with tomato, potatoes, and olives;
Third Course – Couscous in a Red Mullet Broth;
Fourth Course – Risotto With Black Mussels, Wild Arugula, and Lemon Zest;
Fifth Course – Squid Ink Spaghetti with Clams and White Wine;
Sixth Course – Seared Ahi Tuna “Esotico,” served on a bed of green beans topped with papaya-bell pepper salsa;
Seventh Course – the Fresh Mediterranean Branzino with Lentils,
and finally the Dolce for a sweet finish including Biscotti and Vin Santo.
Guests that opt for the Via Allora Traditional Menu will enjoy all of the Drago Family Italian classics along with some celebratory Sicilian Holiday Specials.
For those that opt for a strong cup of Christmas Cheer, Via Alloro has a special Signature Handcrafted Cocktail List and their full Wine List will also be available.
So, HO! HO! HO! and come have a very Merry Christmas Eve at Via Alloro!
Via Alloro will be open on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24th, 2019 from 10:30 am to 10:30 pm; Via Alloro will be closed on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25th, 2019; 310 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210; 310.275.2900; www.ViaAlloro.com
