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Dine Out on Christmas

Posted on: Thursday, 22 December 2005, 15:00 CST

By Phil Vettel, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune

Dec. 22--I have a longer-than-usual response this year to the evergreen question, "Where can I go out to eat on Christmas Day?"

Christmas Day falls on a Sunday this year, so it seems that more restaurants are opening their doors on Dec. 25. And because Christmas Eve is a Saturday, just about every restaurant is open for business that day.

The old-reliable Christmas choices remain. Ann Sather (929 W. Belmont Ave.) is open on Christmas, as usual. Ditto for most restaurants in Chinatown. And just about every hotel in town offers some sort of meal service.The following lists some of the most appealing Christmas Day choices, plus one carryout Christmas option (you stay at home, but you don't have to cook). As always, reservations are suggested:

Allgauer's, Hilton Lisle, 3003 Corporate Drive, Lisle: This reliable hotel operation will serve a holiday brunch, beginning at 10 a.m. ($33.95, $12.95 children). In the evening, the regular dinner menu will be served. 630-505-0900.

Aria, Fairmont Chicago hotel, 200 N. Columbus Drive: Aria will serve lunch and dinner on Christmas Day, with added holiday specials. 312-444-9494.

Bin 36, 339 N. Dearborn St.: Will serve breakfast 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and dinner 5-9 p.m. The cheese bar will be open 2-9 p.m. Regular menu available. 312-755-9463.

China Grill, Hard Rock Hotel, 230 N. Michigan Ave.: This nightclubby Asian restaurant will serve breakfast 7-11 a.m. and dinner 2-8 p.m. The regular menu will be featured, along with a four-course fixed price dinner for $35. 312-334-6700.

Fireplace Inn, 1448 N. Wells St.: The Old Town rib specialist will serve its regular dinner menu, beginning at 3 p.m. 312-664-5264.

Fornetto Mei, Whitehall Hotel, 107 Delaware Pl.: This Italian-Chinese hybrid will serve dinner 11 a.m.-9 p.m., featuring a four-course menu priced at $39.50 (children half-price). 312-944-6300.

Fulton's on the River, 315 N. LaSalle St.: This relative newcomer will serve its steak-and-seafood menu 11 a.m.-11 p.m. and also offer a three-course menu for $49.95 ($65 with matching wines), $16 for ages 12 and younger. 312-822-0100.

Grill on the Alley, 909 N. Michigan Ave.: Will serve breakfast 6:30 a.m.-noon and dinner 2-9 p.m. The regular dinner menu will be available, as well as a three-course menu for $44.95. 312-255-9009.

Harry Caray's Rosemont, 10233 W. Higgins Rd., Rosemont: The suburban Harry Caray's (but not the Chicago location) will be open for dinner 2-8 p.m. 847-699-1200.

Karma, 510 E. Illinois Highway 83, Mundelein: Will serve its regular menu 5-10 p.m. 847-970-6900.

McCormick & Schmick's, 41 E. Chestnut St., will serve brunch 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., followed by dinner (last seating 8:30 p.m.). The regular menu will be featured, along with seasonal specials. 312-397-9500.

NoMI, Park Hyatt Hotel, 800 N. Michigan Ave.: NoMI will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving its regular menu. 312-239-4030.

The Palm, Swissotel, 323 E. Wacker Drive: The Palm will be open for dinner 2-9 p.m.; the regular menu will be featured, as well as a special holiday menu ($90 per person) for groups. 312-616-1000.

The Palm Northbrook, 2000 Northbrook Court, Northbrook: The restaurant will open for dinner at 4 p.m., serving its regular menu along with its Family Style Menu ($59; feeds two to three). 847-239-7256.

The Pump Room, Omni Ambassador East Hotel, 1301 N. State Pkwy.: The Pump Room will be open for dinner noon-7 p.m., offering a four-course dinner priced at $89. 312-266-0360.

Ritz-Carlton Chicago Hotel, 160 E. Pearson St.: The Dining Room (312-573-5223) will feature a holiday buffet brunch (seatings at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 and 5:30 p.m.) for $87, $25 ages 5-12. The Cafe (312-573-5160) will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving its regular menu plus a five-course, $58 fixed price meal in the evening.

676 Restaurant and Bar, Omni Chicago Hotel, 676 N. Michigan Ave.: The former Cielo, now an American brasserie, will serve Sunday brunch, followed by its regular dinner menu.312-944-7676.

Shula's Steak House, Sheraton Chicago, 301 E. North Water St.: This Streeterville steakhouse (but not its west suburban sibling in Itasca) will serve lunch 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and dinner 5:30-10:30 p.m., featuring its regular menu. 312-670-0788.

Sushisamba Rio, 504 N. Wells St.: This Brazilian-Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant will be open for dinner, beginning at 3 p.m. The regular menu will be available, as well as special five-course ($45) and seven-course ($55) dinners. 312-595-2300.

Vermilion, 10 W. Hubbard St.: This fusion restaurant will serve a four-course platter, consisting of roasted-cumin-pumpkin empanadas, butternut-squash and coconut sopa, mango-glazed ham and rosca de almendra, a liqueur-soaked almond-fruitcake with an eggnog anglaise. Cost is $45. 312-527-4060.

Christmas-to-Go: The Fairmont Chicago (200 N. Columbus Drive) is preparing to-go feasts. Turkey, ham and prime rib are the entree choices. $165-$210. Orders must be placed by noon Saturday, and may be picked up 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Christmas Day. 312-565-6665.

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Source: Chicago Tribune

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