Take the Night Off… And Take Christmas To-Go
From carrying bags of gifts on the bus and figuring out a way to get your Christmas tree through the door of your apartment, to attempting to fit a turkey in your mini sized oven, the holidays can be a source of stress for many. And making Christmas dinner on top of all of that can be quite a commitment! But don’t worry, that doesn’t mean you have to settle for eating candy canes and take out fast food either. There are plenty of Chicago restaurants offering holiday specials for takeout and delivery, so let them cook this year!
Beatrix {River North, Streeterville, Fulton Market, Oak Brook}
If you can’t celebrate Christmas on the actual day, head to one of Beatrix's multiple locations for their Christmas Eve dinner. With offerings like Grilled Filet Medallions, Short Rib Ragout and Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes for dine-in plus Butternut Squash and Apple Soup, Filet Medallions with Short Rib Ragout and Oh My! Caramel Pie for carryout, all you’ll need to do is eat! The menu is available for groups of 2, 4 or 6 and carryout orders must be placed by Tuesday, December 21 at 3PM for pick-up or delivery on Friday, December 24 from 11AM- 3PM.
Siena Tavern {51 West Kinzie Street, Chicago; 312.595.1322}
As you sit around your dining room table, let Siena Tavern treat you to a holiday meal to-go. They have a twist on a more traditional meal, with items such as Honey Mustard Glazed Ham, Quattro Formaggio Mac n Cheese and Butternut Squash Bisque. Pre-orders are required by Wednesday, December 22 for pick-up on Friday, December 24, which means it’s also great for those who miggght have waited until the last minute.
Tanta {118 West Grand Avenue, Chicago; 312.222.9700}
Tanta’s Christmas tradition is anything but traditional. Instead of trying the same old Christmas ham, you can get dishes like Chanchito Roll Crocante with crispy porchetta and pachamanca sauce, a side of yucca and aji amarillo cream mash or Arroz De Navideño (wok-fried wild rice, bacon, fried noodles, raisins, pecans and dates). To top it all off, they are offering Pastel NavideÑo, their holiday fruit cake! Order by Monday, December 20 at 8 PM and pick up on Christmas Eve from 12 - 5 PM to get your best Christmas meal to date.
Prime & Provisions {222 North Lasalle Street, Chicago; 312.726.7777}
Maybe you don’t like traditional holiday dishes, but you still want to have a great meal for Christmas. Keep Prime & Provisions in mind! This downtown spot has created a holiday menu with comfort food in mind and let’s face it, we could all use a little comfort around the holidays. Guests will enjoy a Christmas Feast To-Go with items like Chestnut Bisque, Slow Roasted Beef Tenderloin, and Mac & Cheese for groups of 2 to 10. Pre-orders are required by Monday, December 20, for pick-up on Christmas Eve Day.
avec Restaurant {615 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.377.2002}
If you are dying to have a fancy dinner party for Christmas or Christmas Eve, but don’t actually want to leave home, check out Chef Paul Khan’s Holiday Feast at Avec. He’s cooking up menu items like Porcini Rubbed Prime Rib, Twice Baked Potatoes and Spiced GingerBread Cake. You can pick up your meal on December 22 and 23 from 11AM-5PM or on December 24 from 10AM-1PM.
Osteria Via Stato {620 North State Street, Chicago; 312.642.8450}
There’s really never a bad time for a meal at Osteria Via Stato, and since Chef David DiGregorio is preparing The Feast of The Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve, you have another excuse to go. The multi-course meal captures the spirit of Italy with an abundance of seafood dishes, plus dessert and sides. Expect dishes like Seared Scallops and Roasted Local Butternut Squash for your meal. If you want to enjoy this amazing meal from the comfort of your own home, pre-order by 5PM on Wednesday, December 22 to be picked up or delivered on Friday, December 24 from 2:30 to 5PM.
Le Sud {2301 West Roscoe Street, Chicago; 773.857.1985}
There’s no doubt this Roscoe Village spot has some of the best Mediterranean French cuisine in the city. And while you should be eating here all year long, they are offering a special holiday meal to go that is a must try. Le Sud’s holiday menu includes Grilled and Sliced Filet Mignon, Whipped Potatoes with creme fraiche and Red Velvet Donut Bread Pudding, not to mention they will have half priced bottles of wine to go with your meal. Nothing says “Happy Holidays” like good food and half priced wine! Orders must be placed online at their website by Sunday, December 19. Meals can be picked up on Thursday, December 23 between 4-8 PM.
Avli Taverna {1335 West Wrightwood Avenue, Chicago; 773.857.5577}
Avli Taverna is offering holiday meals to go from Monday, December 20 through Friday, December 24. The holiday servings include an Oven-Roasted Lamb Shoulder, Turkey Breast and Half a Chicken, as well as an array of sides and trays of desserts including their delicious Baklava. Each meal can be picked up hot and ready to eat or cold with reheating instructions. Meals serve one to two people.
By Madison Freeman | Special Coorespondent