Picture the ideal Christmas feast.
More likely than not, the image you have in mind is that of a home-cooked spread — a meal fit for a large gathering of people, with dish after dish laid out across a long table. A whole roast chicken. Ham, maybe. Salads and sweets, for sure. Gingerbread cookies, if you don’t mind the cliche. All of it is sumptuous, inviting, festive. But also it’s a whole lot of work to prepare. And not everyone has the time or the wherewithal to bring such a feast to life themselves.
Which is why, this Christmas, consider this humble recommendation: leave cooking to the professionals. Rather than preparing your Christmas feast yourself at home, take your loved ones out for a good meal — the kind of meal they deserve — at a nice restaurant. You get the guarantee of good food without the difficulty of kitchen work. More time for what really matters during the holidays: enjoying the festivities with loved ones.
If you’re so inclined, here are seven restaurants to consider for your holiday celebrations. Each is, in its own way, perfect for the occasion. And each is conveniently located at a Far East Mall.
Fireplace by Bedrock
One Holland Village, #03-27/28
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of dining at Bedrock, you’ll be excited to know that a new fiery concept is now open at One Holland Village. Fireplace by Bedrock keeps Bedrock’s philosophy of “keeping all things classic, sourced from the earth, and inspired by the earth”, but takes the cooking to an open wood fire. Looking for extra smoky steakhouse classics? Queue up here.
Tapas Club
Orchard Central, #02-15
In some ways, tapas would be an unconventional choice for a Christmas meal. It’s all about small plates, after all, whereas the holiday cooking is typically all about huge pots and pans. But in other ways, Tapas Club makes perfect sense as a restaurant for your Christmas celebration. The vibe is festive and distinctly European, with an indulgent variety of flavours that always, always pair well with wine.
Bones N’ Slaw
Cafe Iguana
Riverside Point, #01-03
If, on the other hand, you’re looking to colour your Christmas with the flavours of Mexico, consider Cafe Iguana at Riverside Point. One look at their Smoked Turkey Chimichangas and Chispa Navideña cocktail — both holiday menu items — is enough to get any of your dinner guests in the spirit of the season.
Happy Lamb
Pacific Plaza, #02-10
Brunch is all well and good, but if you want to go all-out on a big get-together meal, there’s nothing quite like a good old-fashioned hot pot dinner. Consider Happy Lamb, a chain known for its flavourful lamb dishes and its signature broths that don’t require dipping sauces. It’s a hotpot place that can promise a festive meal any day of the year, really, but on Christmas, it’s sure to hit different.
Black Cherry
Bijou, #01-08
Fancy a Christmas charcuterie plate? Swing by Black Cherry this holiday season and indulge in this and more modern European dishes with the sensibilities of Italian and Spanish cuisines. Looking for a steak dinner for you and your loved ones this Christmas? This is the place to celebrate.
IO Italian Osteria
HillV2, #02-01