Chestnuts roasting on an open fire sounds romantic and whatnot, but why should you be the one stuck doing the roasting?
If it feels like Thanksgiving was just yesterday, it’s because it essentially was. Nov. 28 is late for the food-focused holiday, and you may want to tap out of the “home chef” gig and relax a little!
Restaurants and chefs on the North Fork and Shelter Island are prepared to take the torch, use it to light an open fire and roast those chestnuts (and other holiday hits, like turkey and Brussels sprouts). From a decked-out bucolic inn in Jamesport to a quiet but delicious night on Shelter Island, these are the best spots for Christmas Eve dinner on the North Fork and beyond.
Bistro 72, 1830 W Main St., Riverhead, 631-369-3325
Set near the fork in the road that separates the North Fork from the Hamptons, Bistro 72’s farm-to-table menu will take a festive turn on Dec. 24 and 25 from 3 p.m. to close. A starter salad with arugula and cranberries pairs perfectly with the red and green décor — and a main course that can include oven-roasted chicken and sweet mashed potatoes, a honey-glazed ham or salmon. Save room for soul-soothing desserts, like a warm chocolate lava cake topped with vanilla ice cream.
Claudio’s, 111 Main St., Greenport, 631-477-0627
Claudio’s and the summer season go together like turkey and mistletoe, but don’t take a long winter’s nap and sleep on the century-old Greenport restaurant on Christmas Eve. Mums the word on the specials, but Claudio’s will be open. It’s a month that ends in R, so, as the old wives’ tale suggests, toasting with half-shells (oysters) and champagne is worth your while. An apple cider chicken skillet with Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes is a winter wonderland on a plate.
The Birchwood of Polish Town, 512 Pulaski St., Riverhead, 631-727-4449
For a laidback meal drenched in cozy vibes, consider The Birchwood of Polishtown. The bygone-era Polish tavern will host Christmas Eve dinner in the catering hall adorned with a Christmas tree. The menu is arguably taller than the mighty fir, with options ranging from a sushi bar to a homemade soup and bread station with classic chicken noodle and lobster bisque. Tiny tots’ eyes will glow at a kid-friendly station with chicken fingers and mac ‘n’ cheese.
Desmond’s Restaurant & Pub, 5720 NY-25A, Wading River, 631-846-2335
East Wind is inviting guests to stay and play (not literally with your food, lest you become a last-minute naughty list addition). The colonial-style hotel at the tip of wine country makes for a quintessential spot for a winter staycation, especially when you consider the on-site restaurant Desmond’s will be serving Christmas Eve dinner from 4 to 9 p.m. A three-course menu includes a prosciutto and sundried fig salad that makes for a nourishing alternative to figgy pudding and butternut ravioli that hits all the right notes.
Jedediah Hawkins Inn, 400 S Jamesport Ave., Jamesport, 631-722-2900
Roaring fireplaces and individually decorated rooms make Jedediah Hawkins Inn a grand home away from home for the holidays. Whether staying the night or coming for dinner, seafood specials, including the Atlantic halibut and jumbo shrimp scampi, are enough to reel you in. For good cheer, toast with candy for adults, like a peppermint twist cocktail. A zero-proof, newly-minted dessert special (brûlée vanilla bean cheesecake) is buzzworthy in its own right.
Legends, 835 1st St., New Suffolk, 631-734-5123
Share legends of Christmas past and a three-course Christmas Eve dinner at this beloved New Suffolk establishment. A Christmas salad with spinach and pomegranate seeds, luxurious lobster pasta and beef Wellington and a warm Reese’s peanut butter cup cookie will become a few of your new favorite things.
Vine Street Café, 41 South Ferry Road, Shelter Island
Island hopping in December isn’t reserved for a Caribbean escape. Hop the ferry — unless you’re a Shelter Island resident — and beeline to this amiable country-chic spot serving local produce and holiday cheer. Vine Street café will kick off its holiday menu on Christmas Eve and offer it through New Year’s Eve with a Baked Alaska slated as a special. And Starbucks’ peppermint mocha can take a seat, because the team at Vine Street is serving up a toasted meringue and homemade mocha-almond ice cream that won’t keep you up (but will keep you satisfied) until long after Santa arrives.
