Tag: Boston Harbor Hotel

Where to Dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Around Boston 2017
Where can you dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the Boston area?

There are a few great choices! But, if you're planning to dine at one of Boston's fine restaurants over the holidays, make a reservation! More than ever, family and friends are gathering in area restaurants on holidays like this, which means spots at your favorites may be gone if you wait too long.

Don't be surprised if a deposit is required to hold your reservation or if there are special menus and seatings for these special holiday meals. Unfortunately, restaurants have been forced to do this because of people who make multiple reservations so they can decide at the last minute where to go. This leaves other diners without choices and the restaurants with empty tables.

What's Open on Christmas Eve?

There are more choices on Christmas Eve than on Christmas Day. Some of our favorite, special places have wonderful holiday meals planned for those who reserve for the 24th.
- The legendary team from L'Espalier normally offers a prix fixe Christmas Eve menu.
- La Morra in Brookline is an ideal spot to meet friends or family from that side of the Boston area. They are offering family style dining, "sharing traditional dishes of Piedmont."
- Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel has a four-course prix fixe menu set for the 24th.
- Petit Robert Bistro will be open with regular meals and specials.
- Here is the Christmas Eve list from Boston Chefs. Be sure to check back, because this list may grow.
- Here is the Christmas Eve List from Open Table. Be sure to check back, because this list may grow.
At the early date of this posting, some places have not announced their traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes events for Christmas Eve. Check back or follow us on Twitter for updates on this fun, holiday dining option.
- Coppa Enoteca is one of our favorites and is offering their version of this tradition.
- Dante in Cambridge will present Chef Dante de Magistris' version of the feast with other menu items available.
- Grotto was one of the first to present this holiday tradition. They tell us that it will be a nightly special every night in December!
Which Boston Area Restaurants Are Open on Christmas?

Hotel restaurants, since they must serve the hotel's guests, are normally open on holidays.

In Boston, hotel restaurants open both the 24th and 25th.
- The Bristol at the Four Seasons Hotel
- Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel
- Eastern Standard: They will normally open Christmas Day for breakfast and then for a special 3-course prix fixe meal.
Other places open on holidays would include chain restaurants and some places in Chinatown. We once asked a longtime Boston cabbie where we could get something we needed on Christmas, and he said Chinatown was the place to go.

Other Resources:

As we included above, the reservation site Open Table has a feature list of its member restaurants with Christmas Eve Specials and Christmas Day Dining.

But you can also input information on the reservation you want on Open Table and come up with a list of restaurants open at that hour. Change the hour and the list will change and some are not on the featured lists. It's a good place to start.

The Boston Chefs site has posted a list of its participating member restaurants with special features for the holidays. Here's the Christmas Eve List & the Christmas Day list.

Follow us on Twitter for notice of updates to this post.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino

Photos: from iStockphoto.com

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Where to Dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2015 Around Boston
Where can you dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the Boston area?

There are a few great choices! But, if you're planning to dine at one of Boston's fine restaurants over the holidays, make a reservation! More than ever, family and friends are gathering in area restaurants on holidays like this, which means spots at your favorites may be gone if you wait too long.

Don't be surprised if a deposit is required to hold your reservation or if there are special menus and seatings for these special holiday meals. Unfortunately, restaurants have been forced to do this because of people who make multiple reservations, so they can decide at the last minute where to go. This leaves other diners without choices and the restaurants with empty tables.

What's Open on Christmas Eve?

There are more choices on Christmas Eve than on Christmas Day. Some of our favorite, special places have wonderful holiday meals planned for those who reserve for the 24th.
- The legendary team from L'Espalier normally offers a prix fixe Christmas Eve menu.
- La Morra in Brookline is an ideal spot to meet friends or family from that side of the Boston area. They are offering family style dining, "sharing traditional dishes of Piedmonte."
- Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel has a four course prixe fixe menu set for the 24th.
- Petit Robert Bistro locations will be open with regular meals and specials. We like the one on Columbus Ave in the South End.
- Here is the Christmas Eve list from Boston Chefs. Be sure to check back, because this list may grow.
- Here is the Christmas Eve List from Open Table. Be sure to check back, because this list may grow.
At the early date of this posting, some places have not announced their traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes events for Chistmas Eve. Check back or follow us on Twitter for updates on this fun, holiday dining option.
- Coppa Enoteca is one of our favorites and is offering their version of this tradition.
- Dante in Cambridge will present Chef Dante de Magistris' version of the feast with other menu items available.
- Grotto was one of the first to present this holiday tradition. Marliave, Grotto's sibling downtown will also hold in the festive fish feast. Kitchen and will be open offering the regular menu with a seafood theme for those who prefer an à la carte choice.
- Here is a great article from Edible Boston on this traditional meal.
Update 12/17/15: Here's a link to Boston Eater's list of places to dine on Christmas Eve.

What Boston Area Restaurants Are Open on Christmas?

Hotel restaurants, since they must serve the hotel's guests, are normally open on holidays.

In Boston, hotel restaurants open both the 24th and 25th include some excellent choices:
- Bar Boulud at the Mandarin Hotel
- The Bristol Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel
- Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel
- Brasserie JO at the Colonnade Hotel
Other places open on holidays would include chain restaurants and some places in Chinatown. We once asked a longtime Boston cabbie where we could get something we needed on Christmas, and he said Chinatown was the place to go.

Here are some conversations on Eater, Chowhound.com and Trip Advisor about Christmas dining. We'll add more as we see them pop up this year and we'll link to lists from other Boston food sites.

Update 12/17/15 Here's a link to Boston Eater's list of places to dine on Christmas Day.

Trip Advisor on Christmas Dinner (2013)

Other Resources:

The reservation site Open Table has a feature list of its member restaurants with Christmas Eve Specials and Christmas Day Dining.

But, you can also input information on the reservation you want on Open Table and come up with a list of restaurants open at that hour. Change the hour and the list will change and some are not on the featured lists. It's a good place to start.

The Boston Chefs site has posted a list of its participating member restaurants with special features for the holidays. Here's the Christmas Eve List & the Christmas Day list.

From Last Year: Eater Boston has a list of What's Open in Boston Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We'll update with the new one when it's available.

They have many good choices to add to your holiday options. We'd particularly like to recommend:

Island Creek Oyster Bar for Christmas Eve. It's one of our favorite places, and I can just imagine what a happy scene it will be on that evening.

Eastern Standard: They will normally open Christmas Day for breakfast and then for a special 3-course prix fixe meal.

Follow us on Twitter for notice of updates to this post.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino

Photo: from iStockphoto.com

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Where to Dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2015 Around Boston
Where can you dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the Boston area?

There are a few great choices! But, if you're planning to dine at one of Boston's fine restaurants over the holidays, make a reservation! More than ever, family and friends are gathering in area restaurants on holidays like this, which means spots at your favorites may be gone if you wait too long.

Don't be surprised if a deposit is required to hold your reservation or if there are special menus and seatings for these special holiday meals. Unfortunately, restaurants have been forced to do this because of people who make multiple reservations, so they can decide at the last minute where to go. This leaves other diners without choices and the restaurants with empty tables.

What's Open on Christmas Eve?

There are more choices on Christmas Eve than on Christmas Day. Some of our favorite, special places have wonderful holiday meals planned for those who reserve for the 24th.
- The legendary team from L'Espalier normally offers a prix fixe Christmas Eve menu.
- La Morra in Brookline is an ideal spot to meet friends or family from that side of the Boston area. They are offering family style dining, "sharing traditional dishes of Piedmonte."
- Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel has a four course prixe fixe menu set for the 24th.
- Petit Robert Bistro locations will be open with regular meals and specials. We like the one on Columbus Ave in the South End.
- Here is the Christmas Eve list from Boston Chefs. Be sure to check back, because this list may grow.
- Here is the Christmas Eve List from Open Table. Be sure to check back, because this list may grow.
At the early date of this posting, some places have not announced their traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes events for Chistmas Eve. Check back or follow us on Twitter for updates on this fun, holiday dining option.
- Coppa Enoteca is one of our favorites and is offering their version of this tradition.
- Dante in Cambridge will present Chef Dante de Magistris' version of the feast with other menu items available.
- Grotto was one of the first to present this holiday tradition. Marliave, Grotto's sibling downtown will also hold in the festive fish feast. Kitchen and will be open offering the regular menu with a seafood theme for those who prefer an à la carte choice.
- Here is a great article from Edible Boston on this traditional meal.
Update 12/17/15: Here's a link to Boston Eater's list of places to dine on Christmas Eve.

What Boston Area Restaurants Are Open on Christmas?

Hotel restaurants, since they must serve the hotel's guests, are normally open on holidays.

In Boston, hotel restaurants open both the 24th and 25th include some excellent choices:
- Bar Boulud at the Mandarin Hotel
- The Bristol Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel
- Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel
- Brasserie JO at the Colonnade Hotel
Other places open on holidays would include chain restaurants and some places in Chinatown. We once asked a longtime Boston cabbie where we could get something we needed on Christmas, and he said Chinatown was the place to go.

Here are some conversations on Eater, Chowhound.com and Trip Advisor about Christmas dining. We'll add more as we see them pop up this year and we'll link to lists from other Boston food sites.

Update 12/17/15 Here's a link to Boston Eater's list of places to dine on Christmas Day.

Trip Advisor on Christmas Dinner (2013)

Other Resources:

The reservation site Open Table has a feature list of its member restaurants with Christmas Eve Specials and Christmas Day Dining.

But, you can also input information on the reservation you want on Open Table and come up with a list of restaurants open at that hour. Change the hour and the list will change and some are not on the featured lists. It's a good place to start.

The Boston Chefs site has posted a list of its participating member restaurants with special features for the holidays. Here's the Christmas Eve List & the Christmas Day list.

From Last Year: Eater Boston has a list of What's Open in Boston Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We'll update with the new one when it's available.

They have many good choices to add to your holiday options. We'd particularly like to recommend:

Island Creek Oyster Bar for Christmas Eve. It's one of our favorite places, and I can just imagine what a happy scene it will be on that evening.

Eastern Standard: They will normally open Christmas Day for breakfast and then for a special 3-course prix fixe meal.

Follow us on Twitter for notice of updates to this post.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino

Photo: from iStockphoto.com

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Greeting November with a Special Treat: Champagne H. Billiot Fils Rosé

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Where to Dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2014 in Boston: Here’s What’s Open
Where can you dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the Boston area? There are a few great choices! But, if you're planning to dine at one of Boston's fine restaurants over the holidays, make a reservation!

UPDATE: Where to Dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2015 in Boston

Don't be surprised if a deposit is required to hold your reservation or if there are special menus and seatings for these special holiday meals. Unfortunately, restaurants have been forced to do this because of people who make multiple reservations so they can decide at the last minute where to go. This leaves other diners without choices and the restaurants with empty tables.

Here is our resource page on opening and closings, other than dining, at Christmas.

What's Open in Boston on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day 2014 Plus MBTA Schedules, Parking, Trash, & More

What's Open on Christmas Eve?

There are more choices on Christmas Eve than on Christmas Day. Some of our favorite, special places have wonderful holiday meals planned for those who reserve for the 24th.
- The legendary team from L'Espalier normally offers a prix fixe Christmas Eve menu.
- La Morra in Brookline is an ideal spot to meet friends or family from that side of the Boston area. They are offering family style dining, "sharing traditional dishes of Piedmonte."
- Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel has a four course prixe fixe menu set for the 24th.
- Petit Robert Bistro locations will be open with regular meals and specials. We like the one on Columbus Ave in the South End.
- Here is the Christmas Eve list from Boston Chefs. Be sure to check back, because this list may grow.
- Here is the Christmas Eve List from Open Table. Be sure to check back, because this list may grow.
At the early date of this posting, some places have not announced their traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes events for Chistmas Eve. Check back or follow us on Twitter for updates on this fun, holiday dining option.
- Coppa Enoteca is one of our favorites and they're offering their version of this tradition.
- Dante in Cambridge will present Chef Dante de Magistris' version of the feast with other menu items available.
- Grotto was one of the first to present this holiday tradition. Kitchen and Marliave, Grotto's siblings in the South End and Downtown, quickly joined in the festive fish feast. This year Kitchen will be open offering the regular menu for those who prefer an al la carte choice. At Grotto and Marliave will continue the feasting on fish.
- Here is a great article from Edible Boston on this traditional meal.
What Boston Area Restaurants Are Open on Christmas?

Hotel restaurants, since they must serve the hotel's guests, are normally open on holidays.

In Boston, hotel restaurants open both the 24th and 25th include some excellent choices:
- Bar Boulud at the Mandarin Hotel is serving a three-course prix fixe menu from Noon-8 p.m.
- The Bristol Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel
- Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel gives you a choice of a Christmas Day Buffet Brunch in the Atlantic Room from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., or their 4-course prix-fixe dinner in Meritage Restaurant from 5-9 p.m.
- Brasserie JO at the Colonnade Hotel
Other places open on holidays would include chain restaurants and some places in Chinatown. We once asked a longtime Boston cabbie where we could get something we needed on Christmas, and he said Chinatown was the place to go.

Here are some conversations on Chowhound.com and Trip Advisor about Christmas dining. We'll add more as we see them pop up this year and we'll link to lists from other Boston food sites.

Boston Restaurants Not Open on Christmas Day (2014) is a Trip Advisor conversation started by a visitor from London who was trying to find a top Boston restaurant to enjoy on Christmas Day and was surprised to find so many choices closed.

Trip Advisor on Christmas Dinner (2013)

Eater Boston's Christmas Map (Updated 12/16/2013)

What Chinese Restaurants are Open On Christmas Day– (2012)

Christmas Day Brunch (2012)

Open on Cape Cod on Christmas Day (just in case you're going there) (2012)

Xmas Lunch in Boston (2012)

Restaurant open Christmas Day in Newton or nearby (2012)

Other resources:

The reservation site Open Table has a feature list of its member restaurants with Christmas Eve Specials and Christmas Day Dining.

But, you can also input information on the reservation you want on Open Table and come up with a list of restaurants open at that hour. Change the hour and the list will change and some are not on the featured lists. It's a good place to start.

The Boston Chefs site has posted a list of its participating member restaurants with special features for the holidays. Here's the Christmas Eve List & the Christmas Day list.

From Last Year: Eater Boston has a list of What's Open in Boston Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We'll update with the new one when it's available.

They have many good choices to add to your holiday options. We'd particularly like to recommend:

Island Creek Oyster Bar for Christmas Eve. It's one of our favorite places, and I can just imagine what a happy scene it will be on that evening.

Eastern Standard: They will normally open Christmas Day for breakfast and then for a special 3-course prix fixe meal.

Follow us on Twitter for notice of updates to this post.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino

Photo: from iStockphoto.com

Related articles

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December 2, 2014
Friday Links to Free Music!
Summer in Boston is full of opportunities to enjoy free and low-cost concerts. Today, we're linking to some of the free ones but we invite you to add links to other low cost options in the comments section.
Click on any small photo to see a larger version in the space above.

Shannon Selig (photos above) opened the Prudential Center Lunchtime Concert series on Tuesday. This free concert series is part of the Berklee Summer in the City program.

Keep your eye on Shannon and get out and see her whenever you can. She's piling up awards and we think this young singer/songwriter has a very bright future. These and few additional photos of this concert are in our Smug Mug gallery.

Berklee Summer in the CIty

Berklee will be treating us to music at dozens of locations in and outside the city. If you get out to one of the concerts be sure to pick up the Berklee Summer in the City brochure. It features concerts by series, by location, by date and featured artists. You can also find the information on line here.

Boston Public Library Courtyard

Bacchante and Infant Faun are dancing on water in the courtyard of the Boston Public Library. Mark your calendars! The popular, free, Friday lunchtime concert series has returned to the courtyard and continues through the end of August. Here's a link to details of the full schedule.

Hatch Shell Concert Series 2012

In 1939, the trustees of Maria E. Hatch’s estate entered into an agreement to give the Commonwealth of Massachusetts $300,000 to build a concertorium, or music shell, on the Storrow Memorial Embankment in Boston. It would be a memorial to her bother, Boston real estate auctioneer, Edward Hatch.

The agreement was very specific as to the use of the structure. It would be for “musical and artistic purposes… of general public interest and entertainment, except, however, that it shall not be used for sectarian, political or controversial purposes.” Here's this year's list of musical presentations!

More Series at More Locations

Boston: City Hall Plaza and Christopher Columbus Park Series

Boston: Boston Harbor Hotel Free Entertainment Series on Rose Wharf

Boston: Downtown Crossing Street Music Series

Boston: Post Office Square Summer Lunch Concert Series

Cambridge: Regattabar Courtyard Series with Berklee College of Music

Cambridge: Club Passim/Berklee Summer Concert Series at Kendall Square and Harvard Square

Okay, we have the list started. Add your favorite free, or low-cost, summer concerts in the comments.

Related Posts: For our Friday link collection click here.

What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon – Get Ready for Summer – Everything You Need and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.
June 15, 2012
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dining in Boston 2011
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UPDATE: Where to Dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2015 in Boston

It's time to make your reservations for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals, if you're planning to dine at one of Boston's fine restaurants over the holidays.

If you have inside info on a local restaurant's plans or a favorite Christmas Holiday tradition, add it in the comments below!

What's open on Christmas Eve?

This year Christmas Eve falls on a Saturday night. A quick check of Open Table for a 9 pm reservation found far more restaurants open than I might have expected.

As with any holiday reservation ask what is being offered. Some places will present their normal menu, some will have a restricted prix fixe, and some will add special items inspired by the holiday. And, don't be surprised if a non-refundable deposit and credit card number are required to make a reservation.

Holiday Traditions

Our friend, Jackie Blombach and her husband always have Tea at the Taj on Christmas Eve. She calls it, "My Favorite two hours of Christmas!"

Traditional Feast

If you hurry and grab one of the spots at the table, you could indulge in the traditional Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes at Grotto and sister restaurant Marliave. (Both will also offer a limited menu in addition to the feast.) The Grotto website says:

"The Feast of Seven Fishes, a traditional meal served on Christmas Eve throughout Italy. The Feast dates back centuries and the common belief is that participating in the Feast will bring good luck and fortune in the year to come. Marliave and Grotto will once again be offering our version of The Feast of Seven Fishes. The Feast is served over three courses and utilizes the great abundance of seafood available to us in Boston… "

Need a Holiday Food Break?

If you need a break from the whole Christmas scene, you could wander through Chinatown and enjoy an alternative to the traditional holiday menus. And, if Chinatown isn't quite the fit for your gang, but you would like to nibble your way through an Asian feast, we suggest Meyers+Chang on Washington Street in the South End. Chef Joanne Chang is planning to add some special treats for that night but assures us we will be able to enjoy an evening of great Asian food.

What Boston Area Restaurants are Open on Christmas ?

Hotel restaurants, since they must serve the hotel's guests, are normally open on all holidays. In Boston, hotel restaurants open both the 24th and 25th include some excellent choices:
- Bristol Lounge at the Four Seasons
- L'Espalier, Sel de la Terre (Back Bay) and Asana at the Mandarin Hotel
- Eastern Standard at the Hotel Commonwealth
- Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel
- Brasserie JO at the Colonnade Hotel
- Taj Boston Cafe at the Taj Hotel
- Market by Jean-Georges at the W Boston Hotel
More information after these features from AMAZON.

If information like this is helpful to you, vote for more of it with your shopping dollars by beginning all your Amazon shopping at BostonZest. Just click on any Amazon link or ad and start shopping for what you want. It doesn't cost you anymore, but it pays for the work we do.

More information and reservations:

Here's Open Table's Christmas Day page but remember, you can go to their main Boston page and request a reservation for the 24th, 25th, or 26th and see the full list of options for the time you prefer.

Boston Chefs has set up recaps for Christmas Eve & Christmas Day.

Subscribe to the comment feed of this post or follow us on Twitter, and we'll notify you of updates. So far, the ChowHounds and Trip Advisor crews haven't had much to say on the topic, but we'll post links if a good conversation from one of these forums gets started.

Details:

Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino

Photo: from iStockphoto.com

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.
December 2, 2011