[Kristi]

We traditionally go out to dinner on Christmas Eve but since it falls on a Sunday this year, many places are closed. It will be me and my husband and our 2 kids (5 years and 11 months). We eat out with our kids a lot and they are well-behaved so we definitely are not looking for a kid place. Some of my ideas were Mingo, Cafe Castagna, and Alba but they are all closed. I'm going to see if Tabla will be open, but let me know if any of you have any other fantastic ideas. Thanks!

[ExtraMSG]

What are the limits? I know your husband is a bit of a meat and potatoes guy, so it sounds like you're looking for places that would be in his range of western eats. Are you hoping for something Christmasy on the menu at all?

[Kristi]

No limits as far as cost, but I'd like to keep the tab with wine under $150. Someplace that serves a steak would be great, but Mr. Kristi is somewhat open to being adventurous. It doesn't have to have a Christmasy menu.

I also called Olea and they're closed.

[Flynn]

London Grill is 'spensive, but likely to do a holiday dinner. Perhaps with roast, gravy, yorkshire pudding, roasted potatoes, etc. Nothing says xmas like the british traditional.

[ExtraMSG]

I'll do a little research, but you should also contact the hotel restaurants, such as Heathman and Pazzo.

[ExtraMSG]

So I was just looking here:

http://portland.chowbaby.com/10_2006/Artic...lr=1&id=237

And if you search by "Christmas Day" it'll have an indication if they're open or not. This may be out of date, but it's good list to start with. What's open according to the list:

Genoa
Huber's
Olea
Todai

[Kristi]

Alberta Street Oyster bar is open so I think we might go there. They have oyster stew on Sundays and I've been wanting to try their burger. I'll try Tabla tomorrow to see if they're open, too.

Thanks for your ideas, Nick. We thought of the Heathman but it might be a touch formal with the little ones. Let me know if you have other ideas, though.

[polloelastico]

Kristi, on Dec 11 2006, 05:23 PM, said:

Alberta Street Oyster bar is open so I think we might go there. They have oyster stew on Sundays and I've been wanting to try their burger.

If you do go, I would suggest diverting the money towards one of their distinctive apps rather than the burger. In my humble estimations, their burger isn't as strong. The ciabatta bun has too much of a chewy bread to protein ratio, and the garnish (including two cornichons?) and blue cheese is meager. The bacon on the burger is good, though.

[ExtraMSG]

Pollo, I think I liked their burger more than you. For one, it's one of the juiciest burgers I've had in Portland since GBT went under. I agree there's a lot of bun and the blue cheese could be more intense (I though the bacon could use more umph, too). But I liked the mustard-herb seasoning on the meat. Also, last time I got the fries they were actually pretty darn good, whereas the first time they were pretty darn bad. However, with the exciting menu they have, I can't imagine going and just getting the burger.

[Kristi]

Since we're going with the kids the burger will be a good thing to get for them and I can share a bit of it. I definitely will be trying some other things on the menu, too. I'm also looking forward to having some oysters there because I think they serve some of the freshest and best oysters in the city. This settles it, we're going to ABSOBG.

[Schmeesa]

We are having Christmas Eve dinner at the Ringside on W. Burnside. I know they still have reservations open, because I booked my table today (dec 18).

[Epicurious]

Both Paley's and Carlyle are also serving Christmas Eve dinner.

[felix]

Schmeesa, on Dec 18 2006, 04:17 PM, said:

We are having Christmas Eve dinner at the Ringside on W. Burnside. I know they still have reservations open, because I booked my table today (dec 18).

Forget the Ringside, It is way past it's prime and living on a reputation that is fading fast. My suggestion is for you to go to London Grill, One of my favorite restaurants, outstanding service, elegant atmosphere and very good food. Try the Steak Diane, very delicious.
The Grill also has an outstanding wine list. Genoa is another option; I was very impressed with the food and service when I was there a couple of days ago.

[Kristi]

felix, on Dec 18 2006, 09:20 PM, said:

Forget the Ringside, It is way past it's prime and living on a reputation that is fading fast.

I love the Ringside and always have.

[Jamesongrrl]

Wow, if I was around for Xmas eve dinner I'd definately take either Paley's or Carlyle. The two best fine dining place in town. Love em' both.

[The Mick]

Anybody have any suggestions? Thanks

[LadyConcierge]

From my Concierge Sheet (includes certain restaurants only)

Bo Restobar: Open 2pm to midnight
Chart House: Open 11am to 9pm
Heathman: Buffet Seatings 2, 2:30, 5, 5:30 $45 adult/ $12 child. Prix Fixe 1-9pm CC Req. for Res.
Jake's Grill: 12pm-9pm
London Grill: Breakfast 8am-10:30am. Holiday 5 course feast 1-9pm $45 adult/ $19.95 child CC Req.
McCormick's Harborside: Reservations 12pm to 8pm Special & Regular menu
Sungari 1st & Yamhill: Open 5pm to 9pm
Typhoon!: Special Menu 6am to 8pm $20 per person


Closed List:

23Hoyt
Al Amir
Alexis
Andina
Bluehour
clarklewis
El Gaucho
Everett Street Bistro
Fratelli
Huber's
Jake's Famous Crawfish
McCormick's Fish House
McCormick's 1st & Oak
Mint
Mother's
Oba!
Pazzo
Red Star
Ringside Downtown
Ringside East
Ruth's Chris
Salty's
Saucebox
Typhoon in the Round
Urban Fondue

[Amanda]

I bet Cinetopia in Vancouver will be open. I'll be close to there on Christmas day and wouldn't mind checking it out for the first time over some Dreamgirls and some apps...even though, as a general rule, I dislike movies. I think this one will be good, though, and a meal along with it would make it worth it.

Best regards,

Amanda

[ExtraMSG]

A post at the WW's blog:

http://www.wweek.com/wwire/?p=6691

[ExtraMSG]

Hey Amanda, do you dislike movies as much as dessert? Maybe it's just bad movies you dislike.