Christmas Eve highlights
Friday - December 21, 2007
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A Magical Christmas Eve.
Few nights of the year are as magical as Christmas Eve. From twinkling lights on decorated trees to champagne cocktails and celebratory dishes, restaurants around the city are dressed up in their finery with chefs anxious to make memorable holiday meals.
We’ve picked a couple of places where the night is sure to be merry and bright, with everything on the menu from sugar-dusted foie gras to seared asparagus salad and aged prime rib.
Joyeux Noel at Brasserie du Vin.
If you’re looking for a unique atmosphere more reminiscent of Paris than Honolulu, then this gorgeous European brasserie has much to offer. Candlelit rooms, a long, mood-setting bar, tasteful Christmas decorations and a stylish open courtyard all add to the delightful experience of Du Vin. A special Christmas Eve menu will be served Monday evening, prepared by Chef Scott Nelson. It includes blue crab and sweet corn consomm, oysters mignotte, lobster thermador, and vanilla bean braised veal cheeks. Dessert is a unique combination of seared foie gras with powdered sugar beignettes. Nelson’s food is paired with wines from Du Vin’s sommelier Jason “Cass” Castle, including sparkling wines, Zilliken Riesling and a flute of Guinness. You’ll be guaranteed a little Christmas Eve magic if Du Vin is your choice.
Christmas Eve Wine Dinner Dec. 24 6:15 p.m.
$100 per person.
Limited Seating. Call 545-1115
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d.k’s Steak House, Waikiki.
d.k’s Steak House in Waikiki has a romantic air about it on almost any night of the year. With subtle lighting, dark wood booths, al fresco tables illuminated by tiki torches overlooking Waikiki beach and a menu that satisfies both sophisticated and relatively casual palates, the restaurant is the perfect place to spend a few hours getting away from it all. With Christmas lights twinkling along the bar and a spectacular dinner menu, this is a great bet for a holiday meal you’ll remember.
Start with oysters on the half shell, escargot, black and blue ahi or bacon-wrapped shrimp, and then taste Kahuku corn bisque or grilled asparagus salad. Entrees include the restaurant’s 30-day, dry-aged seared prime rib with blue cheese butter, rack of lamb, lobster pappardelle or fresh Hawaiian fish with prosciutto, mozzarella, fingerling potatoes and white wine garlic butter.
Dessert is included in the $65 per person price. Wine selections at this boutique steak house are by far some of the best value in the state. d.k Steak House Christmas Eve/Day Dinner, 5-10 p.m.
Waikiki Marriott Beach Resort and Spa
2552 Kalakaua Ave. 931-6280 (Parking is $10 with validation at WBMR. Self-Parking is $5 with validation. )
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Aaron’s Restaurant.
There’s nothing quite like the view from Aaron’s atop the Ala Moana Hotel, and if you’re looking for a place to view the entire city in all its festive glory, then this is one of the finest vantage points.
The menu is a combination of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, some of them shared with sister restaurant Sarento’s. Greek Salad, Caesar Sarento’s Style, Ahi Diane, Beef Filet and Opakapaka Gabriella are a few examples of signature dishes. Executive Chef George Gomes has perfected simple dishes like Herb Roasted Chicken ($26) with lemon rice, feta, arugula and tomatoes; Grilled Rack of Lamb ($36) in a balsamic marinade; and Blackened Salmon ($26) with a Hana papaya, tomato salsa and papaya lime beurre blanc. There are more than 2,000 bottles in the extraordinary wine cellar, and a private dining room within the restaurant is perfect for intimate gatherings if you need your Christmas Eve to be especially romantic.
Aaron’s Ala Moana Hotel 410 Atkinson Drive 955-4466
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