Eat, drink and be merry

GREAT HOLIDAY DEALS

The smell of roast turkey, a tray of irresistible danties and glass of moody Merlot — these are the holiday images that make us feel as warm as a bowl of plum pudding. We’re all capable of putting on a fabulous spread — and most of us do at least once during the season. But when wrapping paper emergencies and oops-I-forgot-to-buywine moments pop up, we need a little help. It’s time to call in the professionals to get your family and friends fed, whether it’s at home or out and about. We’ve put together a cheat sheet of some of Manitoba’s favourite options when it comes to holiday cravings.

The Fairmont
It appears the good folks at The Fairmont don’t want you to do any dishes this holiday season. From December 1 to the moment we ring in the New Year, the sumptuous surroundings of The Velvet Glove has your meals covered.

Want to treat the office to a nice lunch this December? A three-course meal featuring a roasted breast of Manitoba turkey weighs in at only $24. The bird comes with cranberry chutney, sage apricot stuffing, potatoes and veggies. And in a hint to our favourite distillery in Gimli, the turkey comes with Crown Royal jus. Don’t miss the Trappist cheese for dessert, made by the monks in Holland, Man. There’s also a dinner menu with four courses that goes for $48. Both are offering for the whole month. You can add wine pairings for $20.

Be prepared to spend some time making decisions as you gaze over the Christmas day brunch menu. Will it be the east coast lobster Benedict or the coriander seared Atlantic salmon and jumbo scallop mixed grill? There are five mains to choose. You’ll also have to choose between a pair of tapas offerings and a trio of desserts. Prices range from $42 to $52. They all start with a Champagne, strawberry, banana and mango smoothie.

Or if you feel like looking like a culinary star at your own dining table, call the catering department and ask for Turkey Take-Out (available Dec. 24, 25 and 26). It includes a 20-pound bird, stuffing, chutney, gravy, potatoes, veggies, rolls and dessert for $330. Unless you use paper plates, you’ll have to do the dishes with this option. (204) 957-1350, www.fairmont.com/winnipeg

Danny’s Whole Hog
If you’ve been one of the lucky 350,000 folks to enjoy a Danny’s Whole Hog meal this year, adding it to your holiday meal plans will be an easy choice. Opt for the pulled turkey pick-up package. It includes your choice of baked potatoes or potato salad, coleslaw or Caesar salad, baked beans, mixed veggies and rolls. But where Danny’s really shines is in all the little extras. The meals include Danny’s signature barbecue sauces and get this — all the paper plates, cutlery and napkins you’ll need.

Give Kevin a call to place your order. He says one week is mandatory, but he’d be happier if you could let him know even two weeks ahead of time. The minimum number is 15, but the price is so attractive that you just might want to place an order even if you only have 10 people at the table (leftovers!). It’s $10 per person!

Orders must be picked up at Danny’s location on Highway 67, east of Stonewall, Man. The boss is hoping to have Winnipeg pick-up locations in place next year.

Don’t care for turkey? There’s also pulled pork, baron of beef and whole roasted chicken as options. Still feeling hungry? Add perogies or cabbage rolls to your order for $1.50 per person (meatballs are $2 per person). Contact (204) 344-5675, or www.dannyswholehog.com

Chinese Dining
Not to be confused with the posh hotel of the same name, Winnipeg’s Four Seasons Chinese Food pops up as a holiday must when it comes to dining in the Asian tradition. While it’s impossible not to conjure up images of that fateful meal in the movie, A Christmas Story, take-out dinner at Four Seasons promises to be more rewarding. Get your order in early for Christmas Eve. 10-35 Lakewood Blvd., (204) 254-2221, www.4seasonschinesefood.com

If you’re really in the mood for something special, the Golden Terrace in Chinatown can put together a special meal in one of their private rooms. Traditional Cantonese dining experience can stretch to 10 courses—sometimes more, so don’t overdo it on the appetizer platter, even though it’s tempting. 245 King St., (204)944-9400 www.goldenterrace.net