Let’s Feast: Christmas-Chi is Here!
There’s nothing quite like Christmas time in Chicago! The lights are twinkling, the carolers are singing, the Christkindlmarket is in full swing, and there’s even a chance to see some snow. So if you want to take the night before Christmas off and enjoy all the city has to offer in terms of food and fun, let one of Chicago’s amazing chefs take over the cooking…
NoMI {Seventh Floor, 800 Michigan Avenue, Chicago; 312.239.4030}
Beginning on Saturday, December 24 from 5-9PM, NoMI is hosting a Christmas Eve dinner to remember. The evening will include a 4-course meal in their stunning dining room with Michigan Avenue views! Menu highlights include hearty selections like Chestnut Soup as well as desserts like a Fondant au Caramel adorned with nougat snow, salted caramel crunch, and popcorn ice cream.
Siena Tavern {51 West Kinzie Street, Chicago; 312.595.1322}
Spend Christmas Eve at one of our Chicago favorites, Siena Tavern. Enjoy a four course tasting menu featuring favorites like Coccoli made with crispy dough, stracchino cheese, prosciutto di parma, and truffle honey. As you bite into your first course, explore other menu items like the Gnocchi with truffle cream, fried sage, and crispy pancetta or the Brick Chicken Diavolo (one of Chef Fabio’s favorites) with parmesan potatoes, arugula, cherry tomato, and grilled lemon. Your tummy will thank you for this one!
via Gioia
Gioia {1133 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 773.672.8955}
Spread some holiday cheer at Gioia, which appropriately means “joy” in Italian. Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine as you sip on wine pairings and munch on one of their seven deluxe seafood specials. And for those of you wanting a white Christmas, we recommend The SnowBall on the winter cocktail menu. The delicious drink features Diplomatico rum, coconut rum, pumpkin spice, lemon, and a coconut shaving rim.
Andros Taverna {2542 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago; 773.365.1900}
Try this Logan Square spot for your Christmas dinner if you want something different the classic Christmas Day ham. To start your celebration earlier in the day, you can head to their Christmas Eve Brunch from 10AM to 2PM, with classic Greek dishes including Christmas Tsoureki Bread filled with chestnut cream, chocolate ganache and topped with white chocolate glaze. For your dinner plans, there will be a Christmas Eve feast with menu items like Roasted XL Royal Red Prawns with black truffle orzotto as well as Grilled Wild Turbot.
Cebu {2211 West North Avenue, Chicago; 773.709.9153}
Don’t want to go out for Christmas Eve, but don’t want to cook either? Cebu has you covered! Dishes on their to-go menu include Lumpia, Calamari, Cebu Lechon, Grilled Gambas Prawns, and Garlic Rice. If you’re like us, you’re always looking at what’s for dessert and they have an Ube Cheesecake to satisfy your sweet tooth. Santa would love this feast!
via Kinzie Chophouse
Kinzie Chophouse {400 North Wells Street, Chicago; 312.822.0191}
We are all for Christmastime Chi! So if you want a spot not too far from all of the holiday festivities, reserve your spot at Kinzie Chophouse. The menu will include Dry Aged Prime Rib with red wine & bone marrow sauce, Duck Breast Tagliata with parsnip purée, fresh blueberries and raspberries, and more! The best part? For dessert they are offering a Mont Blanc Classic tender meringue with Chestnut Crémeux and warm chocolate sauce. You’ll head home with visions of that dessert dancing in your head ;)
George Trois {64 Green Bay Road, Winnetka; 847.441.3100}
Go all out this Christmas Eve with an intimate dining experience at George Trois! Head to Winnetka for a festive 8-course tasting menu from Chef Lachowicz and his team. The exemplary selection of dishes features Golden Kaluga Caviar with butternut squash royale, Pithivier of Pheasant with madeira sauce, and Orange Dusted Lobster with sweet curry glaçage. The lavish Christmas Eve dinner will have seating at 5:30 and 6PM.
By Madison Freeman | Special Correspondent