Christmas Day Dining Picks

Photo courtesy of kimberlyfaye
Capitol Christmas Tree
courtesy of kimberlyfaye

It seems like we’re all still working off those pounds from Thanksgiving. If you want a more hassle-free holiday this Christmas Day, how about you keep the pots and pans in the kitchen and head out to one of your favorite DC restaurants open on the holiday.

After the jump are my top five choices of where to go. Keep in mind some are a bit pricey, but special menus can be worth it if you chose wisely.
Photo courtesy of LaTur
Une Tranche de Paradis
courtesy of LaTur

1. Adour

Located in the St. Regis Hotel, Adour is offering a four-course Christmas menu “featuring American holiday favorites with an international twist.” You definitely have to be ready to splurge here, with the cost coming to $95 dollars a person, but the choices look great.

For the appetizer, the two top choices look like the Maine Lobser Salad or the Foie Gras “Au Torchon.” The second course winner is definitely the Day Boat Scallop Tian. The third course dishes all sound simple and tasty: Venison Medallions, Mucovy Duck Breast or the Beef  Tenderloin.

If you even make it to dessert, you have three choices there too.

Children pay $45 per person. For reservations, call 202-509-8000.

2. Blue Duck Tavern

Who doesn’t love brunch and an open kitchen? On Christmas Day from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm, Chef de Cuisine John Melfi will prepare a farm-fresh Christmas menu.

Menu hightlights include: baked eggs with pipperade, petit salad, and creme fraiche; muscovy duck breast with duck leg ragout & roasted quince; slow roasted rib eye of beef, au jus & horseradish; creamy stone ground grits with red eye gravy and smoked gouda.

Oh, and the pastries sound to die for.

Brunch is priced at $90 per person and $42 for children between six and 12 years of age; under six are complimentary. For reservations, call 202-419-6755.

Photo courtesy of Plantains & Kimchi
tequila! @ El Centro D.F., Washington DC
courtesy of Plantains & Kimchi

3. El Centro D.F.

Haven’t tried out this taqueria and tequileria on 14th St. yet? This could be the right time. There’s no special menu here. Instead,  El Centro will be offering its regular full menu on Christmas Day–so think tostadas, tacos, plantains, tamales and more. You will also find 200 tequilas & mezcals, of course.

El Centro’s last seating will be at 9 pm. Call 202-328-3131 for more information.

4. Corduroy

Celebrate Christmas at Corduroy with a special 3 course prix fix dinner for $55. The menu will have five choices per course and feature holiday dishes and local produce. The actual dishes will be announced next week, but Corduroy is always a good choice, and the price point is perfect.

Photo courtesy of Jenn Larsen
“When Life Gives You Lemons” cocktail
courtesy of Jenn Larsen

5. Sou’Wester

It might be a bit off the beaten path, but Sou’Wester is located in the beautiful Mandarin Oriental in Southwest. It’s offering a three course family-style dinner for Christmas Day at $65 per guest. Children up to 12 years old are $35 each.

Call 202-787-6140 with any questions.

Tricia is a native Washingtonian, born and raised in Columbia Heights. She loves DC so much that she was only able to leave the city for one year after college and immediately came running back. Tricia works in PR during the day, and spends her nights trying out new restaurants in DC with friends or watching The Good Wife, Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice. Tricia recently decided to eat her way though all of Zagat’s 2011 restaurants until she realized she would be old and broke by the time she finished. Follow her on Twitter and email her at Tricia (at) welovedc.com.

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