Don’t look now, but it’s almost Christmas. It may be too late to come up with the perfect celebration, but maybe not—several area restaurants have created special menus and events for the last big holiday of the year.
Start off early on Christmas Eve with “Breakfast with Santa” at Costeaux French Bakery, from 9-11am. Enjoy a deep-dish quiche, lox omelette or even chilaquiles among other breakfast favorites, while the kids gaze wide-eyed at Mr. Claus himself and more than 800 nutcrackers lining the wall.
Costeaux’s bakery is cooking up a holiday storm as well, featuring its celebrated cinnamon-walnut bread and other seasonal treats. 417 Healdsburg Ave, 7:30am to 2:30pm.
Seven Fishes
If it’s time for dinner, several local restaurants are happy to oblige. One of them is Spoonbar, the dining area on the ground floor of H2Hotel. Years ago it adopted the Italian-American Feast of the Seven Fishes as its own annual contribution to the season, and the Feast returns this year.
This “festive culinary journey honors family and the bounty of the sea,” focusing on seafood since many traditional Catholics practice abstinence from meat until Christmas Day itself. Spoonbar’s family-style menu will include delicately prepared shellfish Dungeness Crab Fusilli; a bold, flavorful Baked True Cod; and dessert offerings that include Sicilian Cannoli, Amaretti and Warm Donuts.
Led by executive chef Wyatt Keith, the menu is an expression of Spoonbar’s innovative “SoCo-Med” cuisine, bringing together the bold flavors of the Mediterranean region with the bounty of Sonoma County.
The Feast of the Seven Fishes is $120 per person, at Spoonbar, 219 Healdsburg Ave., open 3-8pm on Tuesday, Dec. 24. Reservations are recommended, at (707) 433-7222.
Other Feasts
Also open in Healdsburg on both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve is Baci Cafe & Wine Bar, even though it is usually closed Tuesdays. It will be open from 3-9pm both days, and will offer a “very special holiday dinner” from husband-and-wife team Lisbeth Holmefjord and Shari Sarabi. 336 Healdsburg Ave. (707) 433-8111.
Another Christmas Eve idea involves chefs Nate Davis and Dustin Valette’s Holiday Takeaway Dinner. The “indulgent holiday feast for four” includes a 40-oz. Prime Rib, roasted Brussels Sprouts, potato-and-celeriac Gratin, and Bone Marrow Focaccia. Orders must be placed by end-of-day Dec. 19; pick up Dec. 23 or 24; $256 serves four. 106 Matheson St. (707) 723-1106.
Down the highway toward River Road, John Ash & Co. promises a “special menu featuring a selection of seasonal favorites,” from the kitchen of new executive chef Sergio Howland. Dinner service is 5-9pm on Tuesday, Dec. 24. Prices vary.
Spoonbar is also open on Christmas Day from 2-8pm when its Christmas buffet will be filled with seasonal delights for a memorable dining experience. Dishes include classic Roasted Prime Ribeye, sides including Mixed Winter Brassicas and Crispy Smashed Potatoes, and indulgent desserts like Chocolate Hazelnut Cake and assorted Christmas Cookies.
The special Christmas buffet is $95 per person, $45 for children 12 and under. Visit spoonbar.com/events/?id=64 to view the full menu, make a reservation via Open Table or for more information.
