by Steven Doyle
Hanukkah is upon us and Christmas is drawing near. We all have our cherished family traditions, but perhaps it might be time for a fresh beginning on how you celebrate. At least when it comes to the family dining plans. We have a few suggestions. We will bring you more holiday ideas including tips for Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. Send us your suggestions!
For fans of A Christmas Story, you know the classic holiday movie ends with Ralphie losing an eye (almost) and follows the Parker family to the Chop Suey Palace for a true racist moment and a duck. You may recreate these memories sans the leggy lamp with a quick pick up from Mr. Wok for the city’s best duck as a take-a-way for the family feast. Pre-order now and enjoy one or several of their amazing Peking ducks for pick up Christmas Eve. They also have their amazing whole Beggars Chicken for take out as well.
Thinking a more traditional roast beast for the holidays? Lawry’s provides a goody bag to-go filled with family-style roasted prime rib alongside Lawry’s classic sides such as creamed corn, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes and Yorkshire pudding batter to bake fresh at home. Additional entrees such as turkey breast, whole corned beef and whole pastrami are also available, as well as all the accompaniments and desserts like pecan pie and triple layer chocolate cake.
One of the great BBQ up-and-comers is One90 Smoked Meats who does this amazing packaging for to-go smoked treats such as Whole Brisket (8 lbs average weight; serves 32) / $140, Half Brisket (4 lbs average weight; serves 16) / $70, Beef Tenderloin (3 lbs average weight; serves 12) / $90, Prime Rib (5 lbs average weight; serves 20) / $165 and a Turkey Breast (2 lbs average weight; serves 8+) / $37.50. These are all sealed and ready to reheat to perfection, and also have legitimate sides. They offer these year round in case you are throwing me a birthday party in January. Just saying.
Eatzi’s Market & Bakery now does this marvelous Hanukkah menu, which is available for the taking. Highlights of the Hanukkah menu include Matzo Ball Soup, Nutella Babka and Fried Apple Cheesecake Turnover. The full menu is available here. Items are available for pickup at Eatzi’s Friday, December 8 through Wednesday, December 20.
TJ’s Seafood always has the best shrimp and seafood platters for your dining pleasure. Seriously, their shrimp are large and delicious. But they also have stone crab and other varieties that you may serve at home, plus any number of fish combinations to serve at home for any holiday. Remember when we made large lump crab tacos?
Tamales!
Looking for a tamale feast? You’re in luck. We have a short list of recommended tamale makers just for you. Need more tamale love? We did a tamale story a week ago.
La Popular does an amazing job with tamales with a wide variety of flavors. They are doing pre-ordering plus shipping for our friends in the nether regions of the states where tamales are just seen in old movies.
Urban Taco is doing a dozen varieties of kicked up tamales including Pollo con Mole Poblano, Guajillo Pork, Cochinita Pibil and much more. These are for dine-in or pre-ordering for home.
18 Carrots is a caterer and does meal preparation for families on the go. They also make wonderful tamales from scratch each Christmas through the New Year. Order now. They deliver!
Open Christmas Day
Want to take the family out for Christmas Eve or even Christmas Day? We have a few places in mind. Remember, most hotel restaurants are always a great option because they never close. We know that the InterContinental will have a fantastic Christmas brunch served up with prime rib and more.
RJ Mexican Cuisine, an authentic Mexican concept in the heart of Dallas’ West End, will be serving a special holiday menu all day long on Christmas Day. Guests may enjoy a plethora of steak options including Filet Mignon, T-bone, or a juicy Ribeye – or load up from a spread of traditional Mexican dishes including Fajitas, Tacos or Nachos from the Nacho Bar. Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Second Floor Regionally Inspired Kitchen at the Galleria will provide patrons with a Christmas three-course prix fixe menu from 3 – 10 p.m. Created by executive chef David Smith, the prix fixe menu includes a choice of starters, a selection of entrees and desserts – all chosen to celebrate timeless Christmas classics.
We love the Canary by Gorji which will also be open Chrsitams from 5 to 9pm with a full on prix fixe menu with choices such as turkey or prime rime rib. A special additional menu kicks this up even higher. Haven’t tried this wonderful restaurant? You are in for a treat.
Join Chef Ryan Barnett at LARK on the Park for special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day suppers (5pm-10pm) featuring traditional holiday specials in addition to the a la carte menu. Festive offerings from Chef Ryan include Grilled Venison Loin, Traditional Baked Ham, Roast Goose and Grilled Salmon.
We love seafood and Shell Shack will be open Christmas! Shell Shack is offering complimentary dessert with each combo platter purchased (details below). And on December 25, they’re throwing a Onesie and PJ Party, so don’t bother putting on real clothes. Just show up in your stretchiest pajama pants and slippers, and prepare to enjoy a very relaxing day.
The VIP: 1lb of Snow Crab, 1lb of Boiled Shrimp, 2 corns, 1 potato and 1 sausage. All served with Fries and Hushpuppies. $42.99.
Date Night: 1lb of Snow Crab, 1lb of Boiled Shrimp, 1lb of King Crab, 4 corns, 2 potatoes and 2 sausages. Served with Fries and Hushpuppies. $84.99.
The Heavyweight: 2lbs of Snow Crab, 2lbs of Boiled Shrimp, 1lb of King Crab, 2 Catfish Filets, 8 Fried Shrimp, 8 corns, 4 potatoes and 4 sausages. Served with Fries and Hushpuppies; feeds 5-6 people. $156.99.
