It can be overwhelming trying to orchestrate a whole Christmas dinner (especially as the family keeps growing). Sometimes so much focus is geared towards Christmas Day; our Eve(ning) plans simmer on the backburner. Don’t get left out in the cold saying, “Bah-humbug.” I’ve scoured the area for the top Long Island Christmas Eve dinners.
Related Content: A Chef’s Guide to Delicious Eating in Huntington
The 16th Annual Christmas Eve Roast Suckling Pig Dinner at Almond, Bridgehampton
image: doug young
Almond’s regular a la carte menu will be available but the roast suckling pig served with cabbage, caramelized apples and spaetzli ($31) is the reason for the season. Diners can eat in extra good spirits knowing a portion of the revenue will be donated to the Pajama Program. The initiative provides new pajamas and books to children in need around the world, many of whom are waiting to be adopted. Go.
Three Village Inn, Stony Brook
Mirabelle Restaurant and Mirabelle Tavern at the Three Village Inn will celebrate Christmas Eve with a three-course prix fixe menu. First course options range from warm goat cheese salad and pan-roasted foie gras to lobster bisque, tuna tartare and Fisher’s Island oysters on the half shell. As for the main course expect maple glazed salmon, herb crusted baby rack of lamb, roasted eggplant, roasted prime rib, duck legs confit and braised baby bok choy. Go.
The View, Oakdale
You can’t go wrong with Muzio’s salmon image: view
Celebrate with breathtaking views of the Great South Bay and a special a la carte dinner menu. Reservations are highly encouraged because Chef Munzio is whipping up his famous Thai calamari doused in a sweet chili glaze. He’ll also be preparing cedar-roasted Atlantic salmon, butter poached Atlantic halibut, lobster pasta and (the king of the grill) a honken filet mignon. Go.
Nick & Toni’s, East Hampton
Enjoy a scenic ride filled with light displays and (maybe even some white flakes) to an a la carte feast. For starters, anticipate crispy baccala croquettes followed by wood roasted brisket with sweet potatoes and carrots. Monte bianco and rainbow cookies make for the perfect closing number. Go.
Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas, Garden City
Grappa cured salmon. image: spuntino wine bar & italian tapas
Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas will honor this Italian-American holiday tradition with a tapas-style seven-course menu developed by its executive chef, including wine pairings to complement each dish. Think grappa cured salmon with cucumber, radish and chive cream paired with a rosé, Chateau Pas du Cerf. The prosciutto-wrapped monkfish with stewed onions, fennel, granny smith apples, cannellini beans, white wine and cherry tomatoes will be coupled with a Super Tuscan, Le Sughere Frassinello, for another match made in heaven. Go.
Jonathan’s Ristorante, Huntington
What’s a Christmas Eve dinner without wine? Jonathan’s is an 11-time winner of Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence.” Try the Patz and Hall Chardonnay or the Turley Juvenile Zinfandel with a custom designed menu that includes oysters, spaghetti and lobster tail. The pairings are so perfect, they’d even make the Grinch crack a smile. Go.