Looking for a place to go on Christmas Eve? How about Christmas Day? Or maybe you’d just like to know what specials are on over the holidays around town? Here’s a list of a few things happening around and near San Mateo to keep your holiday belly full and happy.
Astaria
Kick off the holiday celebrations with a fabulous buffet spread at San Mateo’s very own Astaria at 50 East Third Avenue. Their Christmas Eve feast begins at 5pm on Friday December 24, 2010 and includes five different “stations” and a bottomless champagne fountain.
Start the night off at “The Cheese Shop” with a variety of domestic and imported cheeses, cured meats and pates and gruyere fondue; then move along to the “Third Avenue Pier” for mussels, steamed clams, prawn cocktail and fresh caught Dungeness crab. Enjoy filet of beef Wellington, slow roasted pork loin with harvest stuffing, potatoes au gratin and seasonal vegetables at the “Bistro”, accompanied by butternut squash ravioli and garlic bread at “The Pasta Shop”. Finish off the night with a variety of holiday desserts at “The Bakery”.
Large parties welcome, reservations recommended, $45/adult, $20/children 10-12, $15 children 5-9, under 5 years old free.
Spiedo
If you’re looking to avoid the kitchen on the big day, head down to Spiedo in San Mateo for a beautifully catered Christmas lunch or dinner that doesn’t require even a glance at your stove. Spiedo can be found at 223 Fourth Avenue and offers the freshest ingredient in their authentic Italian cuisine. A special holiday menu will feature their most popular mesquite grilled and rotisserie items along with their specialty pizza and pasta dishes offered year around. Open 11.30am – 10pm on Christmas Day.
Swiftwater Cafe
Just up the road at Burlingame’s Hyatt Regency is the Swiftwater Cafe, offering a Christmas buffet that can be enjoyed as a lunch or early dinner from 12pm – 5pm.
1333 Bayshore Highway, reservations are recommended, $55/adult, $25/children 5-12.
Siam Orchid
If you’re feeling like taking a vacation this Christmas instead of the same old turkey and stuffing, take a trip down to Siam Orchid at 496 Hamilton Avenue in Palo Alto where they’re offering their regular menu on Christmas Eve and Day. All organic fine Thai cuisine is what you’ll find inside the front doors of the Orchid — or, if you’re really feeling saucy, try out their order online menu to pick up and enjoy the tastes of Thailand in your own dining room, cozy couch, or hot tub. It’s your holiday, do what you want, right?
Junnoon
And while we’re thinking Palo Alto, let’s not forget one of the most exciting holiday deals going on all month long at Junnoon restaurant at 150 University Avenue. Junnoon has a holiday menu that will spice up anyone’s month: a mouth-watering 3-course “Wicked Christmas” menu for $58.00 that includes special options such as Warm Shrimp & Arugula Salad; Goan Lobster (must order when reservation is made), Chicken Musallam, Roasted Eggplant Crush, Pumpkin Eischeri, Warm Buche de Noel Bread Pudding, Warm Spiced Molten Chocolate Cake with Ginger Gelato, and more. Complimentary “Fire & Ice” cocktail or non-alcoholic Passion Fruit Lassi will be offered, as well as espresso, tea or coffee service. This special menu runs the entire month of December, in addition to their regular nightly menu offerings. Open Chrismas Eve, closed Christmas Day.
