Festive Menu Celebrates the Flavors of the Holiday Season 2008

The Beverly Hills Hotel, one of the Dorchester Collection, has announced plans for the holiday season at the historic Polo Lounge.  For Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, the Polo Lounge will create a unique feast in celebration of each holiday.  Executive Chef Robert Allen’s menu highlights each holiday with a fusion of traditional and innovative creations to satisfy any taste.  In addition, the hotel will offer a holiday “Turkey To Go” service for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day for guests who prefer to celebrate at home.

Thanksgiving Menu, Thursday, November 27:

The Polo Lounge will present guests with an unforgettable Thanksgiving feast to kick-off the holiday season.  Begin with Butternut Squash Soup and a Warm Goat Cheese Salad, followed by Red Wine Braised Short Ribs, Grilled Breast of Organic Chicken, or Pan Roasted Artic Char.  Taste a classic Thanksgiving staple with a twist and try the Pumpkin “Risotto” With Five Grains or for tradition with a gourmet touch, there is the Roasted Tom Turkey.  Brunch is served from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and includes choices such as Eggs Benedict or Eggs Florentine and selections such as Ginger & Lemongrass Steamed Sable Fish join the menu after 3:00 pm.  After indulging in Chef Allen’s creations, conclude the meal by choosing from a variety of dessert choices that include a Dark Chocolate Cake, Baked Apple Pie and Classic Pumpkin Pie.  Top off the Thanksgiving experience by trying one of the unique concoctions from the bar such as Hot Apple Cider or a Pumpkin Pie Martini.  Prices for Thanksgiving dinner are $94 for adults and $47 for children, 10 years and under.  Tax and gratuity are not included.

Christmas Carol Luncheon, Wednesday, December 24:

A visit to the sparkling Crystal Ballroom on Christmas Eve day transports every guest to a “Winter Wonderland” of festive Christmas music, Santa Claus, glistening snow, a dazzling Christmas tree and a delectable four-course luncheon that would warm even Scrooge’s heart.  A tradition since 1947, the Christmas Carol Luncheon brings both the young and the young at heart together in the spirit of Christmas.  Guests will feast on an array of specially prepared menu items beginning with the Chestnut & Madeira Soup followed by the Roasted Red Beet Salad.  Next, enjoy the Thyme & Lemon Roasted California White Bass or Braised Beef Short Ribs and complete the merry experience by indulging in the dessert sampler featuring a Dark Chocolate Yule Log, Orange Chantilly and Strawberry Tart with Raspberry Sauce. A special children’s menu will also be available.  The Christmas Carol Luncheon will begin at 11:00 a.m. and prices are $99 for adults and $42 for children, 10 years and under.  Tax and gratuity are included.

Christmas Eve Dinner, Wednesday, December 24:

Christmas Eve brings guests to the legendary Polo Lounge to experience a Christmas feast like no other featuring a carefully selected four-course meal that is sure to please any palette.  Begin with the Creamy Potato Soup or Wild Game & Foie Gras Terrine and then savor the Roasted Diver Scallops.  The main course presents diners with selections such as the Roasted Tom Turkey and Prime Dry Aged Beef Rib Eye followed by a delicious dessert ranging from the Traditional Chocolate & Raspberry Yule Log to Chestnut Cream.   Don’t forget to relax and enjoy the holiday season with the extensive selection of champagne, wine and festive holiday cocktails such as Spiked Egg Nog or Hot Buttered Rum. The Christmas Eve Dinner is $105 per person.  Tax and gratuity are not included.

Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25:

Celebrate Christmas Day by experiencing a savory meal full of Christmas cheer prepared by Chef Allen.  Begin by enjoying the Roasted Chestnut Bisque followed by a choice of the Young Gem Lettuce, Endive & Apple Salad or the Lump Crab Cake.  Brunch entrées are served from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and include Traditional Eggs Benedict or Eggs Florentine.  The all-day menu showcases appetizing selections such as Chicken Coq au Vin or Roasted Tom Turkey and starting after 3:00 pm a Smoked Black Cod Risotto and Rigatoni Pasta are included as entrée choices.  For a Christmas treat, the irresistible dessert selection features a Cranberry Tart, Coconut Cake or Grand Marnier Chocolate Yule Log.  Prices are $99 for adults and $47 for children, 10 years old and under.  Tax and gratuity are not included.

New Year’s Eve Dinner, Wednesday, December 31:

Ring in the New Year by experiencing a tantalizing array of dining choices.  Begin the night with Smoked “Balik” Salmon, Watercress Flan and Poached Quail’s Egg before enjoying the Winter Greens Salad.  Next, savor the Lobster & Winter Vegetable “Minestrone”, cleanse the palette with Lemon & Green Apple Sorbet and indulge in one of the tempting entrées such as Slow Roasted Beef Tenderloin “En Daube” Crispy Maine Black Bass and Honey Glazed Muscovy Duck Breast.  For dessert, guests will enjoy a Macadamia Cake or Valrhona Dark Chocolate Tart.  Finally, raise a glass of champagne during the Midnight Toast for a celebratory start to the New Year.  The price is $250 per person and includes one glass of champagne.  Tax and gratuity are not included.

Reservations for all of these special holiday events are recommended by calling 310-281-2941.

Holiday “Turkey To Go” Service:

For guests and locals who prefer to enjoy holiday dinners at home, the hotel introduces “Turkey To Go,” a turkey dinner with all the trimmings for six to eight people available on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.  The “Turkey To Go” dinner consists of a 20-pound sage roasted organic turkey with traditional giblet gravy; organic mesclun greens, candied walnuts, citrus segments, aged sherry vinaigrette; dried apricot, chestnut and brioche bread stuffing; maple glazed sweet potatoes; mashed Yukon gold potatoes with chives; buttered baby carrots; Brussels sprouts with toasted almonds; wild flower honey and ginger infused cranberry sauce; classic pumpkin pie with chantilly cream; and homemade Polo Lounge rolls and flatbreads with Sweet Butter. The price is $350 per order and home delivery is available within a five-mile radius of the hotel for an additional $75.  Tax and service charge not included.  All orders must be placed by calling Room Service (310) 276-2251, ext. #5777, up to twenty-four hours in advance on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.