The holidays are stressful enough with all the shopping, wrapping and bow-tying. Forget cooking! Treat your family (and your sanity) to a little downtime with Christmas dinner restaurant-style.
Caliterra
Northern Italian fare gets a California twist at this hip hybrid. A four-course menu of appetizer, pasta, entree and dessert gives you options galore, such as the ahi tuna sashimi with blood-orange wasabi and caviar, enriched duck leg risotto and grilled veal T-bone with pan-roasted sweetbreads. $55. Add $28 for four wine pairings. Reservations recommended. 5-10 p.m. 633 N. St. Clair St. 312-274-4444.
The Great Street Restaurant
Ditch the fam and cozy up with your honey on Christmas Day. The Renaissance Chicago Hotel’s low-key restaurant provides stellar views of the skyline, perfect for hitting a romantic note. A three-course dinner is priced per couple ($79) but can be split for one person ($39.50) if Mom just has to come along. Some options: seared beef tournedos and pumpkin creme brulee. You’ll also get a free glass of bubbly. Reservations recommended. 5-10 p.m. 1 W. Wacker Drive, 312-795-3333.
Horizon Cafe
This Lakeview diner is decked out for Christmas (tree, garlands, lights, the works) and serving up a hearty dose of holiday cheer. Order one of the dinner specials of house-made soup, salad, entree and pie ($10.95-$12.95). Offerings include turkey and roast beef. Try a Christmas milkshake ($3.25): pumpkin spice, eggnog or chocolate amaretto. Reservations not necessary. Noon-10 p.m. 3805 N. Broadway, 773-883-1565.
Phoenix
Remember the final scene in “A Christmas Story” when the family eats “Chinese turkey” (duck) for Christmas dinner? We think it’s a great idea. Why not try it yourself at this popular Chinatown spot? The regular menu, along with seasonal specials, will be served from 2:30-11 p.m. Or stop by for dim sum from 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and try the smoked turkey pot pie ($3.75). Reservations not necessary. 2131 S. Archer Ave. 312-328-0848.
Drake Bros.’
Family staying at the Drake? Haul your gifts to the hotel and celebrate in the dining room of the former Oak Terrace restaurant (recently given a modern facelift). For $62.50 you’ll get a four-course meal of appetizer, salad, entree and a dessert buffet. On the menu: minted melon soup with berries, and baked ham with bing cherry sauce, string beans and sweet potato Louisiana. Reservations required. Noon-7 p.m. with seatings every half-hour. 140 E. Walton Pl. 312-932-4626.
Joe Marchetti’s
Christmas dinner doesn’t have to cost a bundle. Try the turkey dinner at this sweet Italian cafe for $18.95. It comes with chestnut dressing, giblet gravy, cranberry sauce, sweet or mashed taters, corn, Italian bean soup and pumpkin pie or ice cream. Reservations required. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 825 W. Erie St. 312-421-0022.
Aria
Rather than serve the same old turkey and stuffing, Fairmont Hotel’s house restaurant is doing updated versions of the classics. Try the roast goose with huckleberry sauce and organic green beans with french-fried shallots and house-made cream of mushroom soup ($32). For dessert, try the deconstructed carrot cake, with citrus cheesecake, carrot chips and more ($10). Plus, every table gets a complimentary trio of stuffing. Reservations recommended. 5:30-11:30 p.m. 200 N. Columbus Drive, 312-444-9494.
Indian Garden
Just because the three kings of Orient didn’t include curry in their gifts doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a little rogan josh (cardamom-flavored lamb curry). If curry isn’t your spice, go for the navratan korma (mixed veggies in a mild cream sauce) instead. Entrees range from $10.95-$11.95. Naan ($2) and basmati rice ($3.95) are served separately. Reservations recommended for parties of five or more. 5-10 p.m. 2546 W. Devon Ave. 773-338-2929.
Ate crazy nights
Get your dreidels ready: Hanukkah begins Tuesday at sundown. Celebrate at Shallots, the Skokie-based kosher bistro.
In addition to her seasonal winter menu (including bison chili, $18), chef Laura Frankel will offer a different traditional treat each night of the holiday. Look for latkes, soufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), veggie fritters, a tasting of olive oils from around the globe, and Moroccan cigars–pastry rolls stuffed with spiced beef and lamb. (Prices to be determined, but the sharable plates will be priced under $10 each.) 4741 W. Main St. 847- 677-3463.
