Finding any business that is actually open on Christmas Day can be a challenge. One can hardly blame people for not wanting to be at work on this day, so extra kudos to those who are working on this holiday! Show your support (and get some rest and relaxation) by letting someone else cook the “roast beast.” Don’t forget to make reservations.
Are you looking for Christmas Eve dining options? Click here for that post. Stay tuned for a list of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day dining suggestions next week.
White Oak Kitchen + Drinks
On both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, White Oak will be open from 11 am to 10 pm and offering a three-course prix fixe meal ($39 per person). The tasty-sounding selections include crispy smoked duck with cranberry chutney, smoked macaroni and cheese and balsamic wild mushrooms. Round out the holiday meal with a slice of pecan or pumpkin pie. Call 713-960-6588 for reservations.
The Tasting Room (Uptown Park Location Only)
There is never too much wine. The Uptown Park location of The Tasting Room will open at noon on Christmas Day and will be serving Christmas Dinner buffet from 2 pm to 7 pm with reservation tickets available here. Regular dinner will be available from 7 pm to 10 pm that evening. The Christmas buffet prices is $30 per person, and children under 12 can dine at $8 each. Wine-to-go is the perfect last minute gift on your way to a relative’s house, and it just so happens that the big holiday sale for retail wine is going on Christmas Day as well.
024 Grille
024 Grille at the Westin Memorial City is cooking up a delicious-sounding Christmas Day meal of prime rib, Yorkshire pudding, “rich potatoes” and roasted Brussels sprouts. The cost is $39 per person plus tax and tip. Call 281-501-4350 for reservations.
QUATTRO AT THE FOUR SEASONS
Quattro is going all-out this Christmas. Not only is there a special dinner menu for both Christmas Eve and Christmas day, but a Christmas Day brunch, also. (Speaking from a fond memory of dining with my kids when they were small… if it’s anything like the fabulous, over-the-top Christmas brunch that their predecessor from years ago, Deville used to have, this is a sure bet for the family.)
Brunch will run from 10:30am—2:30pm and feature “a wide array of Christmas delights” and the line of diners will wend its way right to the kitchen, where hot items will be served by the chefs. The cost is $79 for adults and $35 for children (plus tax and gratuity). Reservations: 713-276-4700.
Monarch Bistro
Chef Jonathan Jones (formerly of Xuco Xicana and Concepcíon) is working his magic at Monarch Bistro in Hotel ZaZa on the holiday. A four-course meal is offered for $55 per person. Choose from delights such as roasted pumpkin soup, stuffed quail, ossobucco and cranberry bread pudding. For reservations, call 713-527-1800 or 713-639-4539.
Kiran’s
Kiran’s continues its tradition of hosting a Christmas Day brunch buffet. It runs from 11 am and 3 pm and features holiday-themed dishes—many with a delightful, Indian twist, such as meatballs in Rogan Josh sauce. Cranberry martinis and pomegrante champagne cocktails are available for $8 and $6, respectively. Enjoy blood orange salad, tandoori leg of lamb and gingerbread trifle with poached pears and spiced cream for $45 per adult and $19.95 per child. For reservations, click here.
Bistro Alex
In the Citycentre complex near Beltway 8 and I-10 West, you’ll find that Bistro Alex is serving up a $32 three-course holiday meal, as well as their regular menu. The prix fixe menu includes roasted pear salad to start, followed by cane syrup-glazed ham with caramelized Brussels sprouts, walnuts, pancetta and celery root mash. Call 713-827-3545 for more details.
The Restaurant at Royal Sonesta
Yes, it’s really just called The Restaurant. They’re serving a four-course, $70 dinner on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Choices include a roasted winter vegetable salad and petite filet with Texas blue cheese pecan butter. Finish out with a sinful-sounding gingerbread-chocolate cake with coconut ice cream. Give them a call at 713-627-7600 to secure a table.
For a handy-dandy map of many of these options (along with a few more), check out Eater Houston’s list. For an even bigger (but unscreened) list, check out the “Open Christmas Day” link at B-4-U-Eat.