Christmas Dinner on the Town
Publish date: 2024-08-09
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Christmas Dinner on the Town
Compiled by Sara Cormeny and Kimberley JohnsonWashingtonPost.com Staff
November 20, 1996
Christmas dinner traditionally is a home-cooked meal, but some years--even if the spirit is willing--the home is too far away. You may be alone in Washington on Christmas night, or visiting relatives in a one-bedroom apartment, where you'd rather treat than watch preparation of a lavish meal in a tiny kitchen. If you want something other than take-out for dinner, here are elegant dining options with atmosphere. Please note that it's important to call ahead for reservations.
| Blair Mansion Inn 7711 Eastern Ave., Silver Spring 301/588-1688 |
| Afternoon and evening buffet in a historic mansion filled with antiques and Victorian decorations. Open noon-8 p.m. $18.95 for adults, $9.95 for children 10 and under. |
| Hay-Adams Hotel The Lafayette One Lafayette Square, NW 202/638-2570 |
| A large Christmas tree, covered in white lights, decorates the carriage entry in the elegant Hay-Adams Hotel. The Lafayette restaurant will be open on Christmas 11:30 am-9 pm. The prix-fixe menu is $47.50 each for adults, $23.50 for children under 13. |
| Henley Park Hotel Coeur de Lion 926 Massachusetts Ave., NW 202/414-0500 |
| The Tudor-style lobby with its beautiful fireplace brings warm thoughts on Christmas. Open noon-8 p.m. $38 each for adults, $15 for children under 12. |
| Hyatt Regency Reston Cafe Allegra and the Market Street Bar & Grill 1800 President St., Reston 703/709-1234 |
| The hotel lobby has a gingerbread town display with toy trains running through it, and the Reston Town Center transforms itself to a Christmas village for the holidays. Cafe Allegra offers a special Christmas buffet all day, and the Market Street Bar & Grill an a la carte menu in the afternoon and evening. |
| The Jefferson Hotel Restaurant at the Jefferson 16th & M Streets, NW 202/833-6206 |
| Enjoy Christmas dinner in an intimate setting; this year's menu features roasted duck and a chocolate bread pudding for dessert. Open noon-8 p.m. Adults, $50.00 each; children, $20.00 each. |
| The Morrison-Clark Inn Massachusetts & 11th Streets, NW 202/898-1200 |
| Chef Susan Lindeborg is known for her Southern-influenced cooking, and the dining room for its charming Victorian style. The restaurant is open from 1-7 pm on Christmas. Dinner is $45 for adults, $20 for children under 12. |
| Omni Shoreham Hotel Monique Cafe et Brasserie 2500 Calvert St., NW 202/797-6666 |
| Gift stockings for kids and a photo op with Santa make this a child-friendly Christmas dining option. The Shoreham buffet, offered in the afternoon and evening, is $23.95 for adults, $11 for children under 12, and free to children under 5. |
| The Ritz-Carlton Jockey Club 2100 Massachusetts Ave., NW 202/293-2100 |
| The dressy Jockey Club features a four-course menu for Christmas. Open 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. $45 each for adults, and half price for children under 12. |
| The Watergate Aquarelle 2650 Virginia Ave. NW 202/298-4455 |
| This year will inaugurate Aquarelle's Christmas menu; the restaurant has taken over the space vacated by the popular, pricey Palladin. Though the management and chef have changed, the great Potomac River view remains. Robert Wiedmeier will be preparing a five-course menu. Open for dinner, 5:30-10:30 p.m. $50 each for adults, $25 for children under 12. |
| The Willard 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW 202/637-7440 |
| Peacock Alley, the grand thoroughfare through the main floor of the Willard Hotel, becomes home to a 12-foot gingerbread village and elaborate Christmas decorations during the holidays. The four-course Christmas dinner is served 6-10 p.m. $60 for adults, half price for children. |
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