If Christmas carols were based on real life:
- Chestnuts roasting (seven hours) on an open fire (because we forgot we left them there)
- On the seventh day of Christmas, my financial advisor gave to me; a basket of obscure barbecue spice rubs
- Said the night wind to the little lamb, "Is it ok to serve the freezer burnt Häagen Dazs with the apple pie?"
- Feliz navidad! Próspero año y — "To add Rosetta Stone to your shopping list, say Alexa; add Rosetta Stone to shopping list."
AKA; the holidays are stressful.
But they don't have to be. Go out to eat this Christmas, and at least that's one less thing you have to worry about.
Here are eight North Jersey restaurants open on December 25th.
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Blue Morel, Morristown
With the Feast of the Seven Fishes being one of the most iconic holiday events, seafood is kind of a Christmas thing. Celebrating the big day at a modern American restaurant known for its high-end raw bar and sushi, then, just makes sense.
Located in the gorgeous Westin Governor Morris hotel, Blue Morel is a fish-lovers paradise. Boasting a holiday menu of Tuna Tartare, Sea Scallops, Crab Cakes and more, the upscale restaurant will be ringing in the festivities with all the finest treasures of the sea.
Cost: Three courses for $85/person.
When/where: 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 2 Whippany Rd., Morristown; 973-451-2619, bluemorel.com.
Morton's the Steakhouse, Hackensack
Nothing says celebration like a filet mignon, and — for the season — Morton's the Steakhouse is offering precisely that. From December 24-31, the posh chain will be serving a "Chateaubriand Dinner for Two," featuring a large, delicate cut of chateaubriand, a shareable Winter Green Salad, two guest-selected sides and various desserts. The à la carte menu will be available as well, for additional add-ons.
So, if a tender cut of meat (in romantic digs) is what you're looking for this Christmas? Grab your holiday sweetheart and head to Hackensack's Shops at Riverside.
Cost: $179/two people. Add-ons and à la carte items range from $13 (appetizers) to $66 (Filet with Lobster).
When/where: Noon to 8 p.m. at One Riverside Square Mall, Hackensack, 201-487-1303,mortons.com.
Cheng Du 23, Wayne
Long known as the only thing open on Christmas Day (subtweet @A Christmas Story, and Bergen County's Jewish population), Chinese restaurants are many American's go-to holiday destinations. With tender pork ribs, crispy whole fish and al-dente, homemade noodles in hot chili oil, the spots serve the stuff dreams are made of — December 25th or not.
Open 365 days a year, Wayne's Cheng Du 23 will always be our top choice for holiday dining. Showcasing beautiful artwork, bright chandeliers and pristine table settings, the local Chinese restaurant is perfect for a special occasion meal.
And yes, just like the movie, they have duck.
Cost: À la carte.
When/where: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. (closed 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at 6 Willowbrook Blvd., Wayne; 973-812-2800, chengdu23.com.
Social Hub, Parsippany
Like Chinese restaurants — but not as widely recognized in popular culture — many Indian restaurants are also open 365 days a year. And, in New Jersey? We have some of the best Indian restaurants in the country. The choice to celebrate Christmas at one of those spots, therefore, is a commitment to having one of the most mouthwatering holiday meals imaginable.
Take Social Hub, an innovative new Indian food sports bar in Parsippany, for example. Known for serving appetizer and pub grub versions of your favorite South Asian dishes, the family-friendly restaurant planning a special Christmas menu of Chicken Tikka Meatballs, Truffle Kulcha (stuffed bread), creamy Chicken Cafreal (a west Indian holiday special) and more.
Cost: À la carte.
When/where: 11:30 a.m. to midnight at 1735 Route 46, Parsippany; 862-401-2800, socialbydhaba.com.
Sofia, Englewood
Trendy Italian steakhouse Sofia will be hosting a "truly special" Christmas celebration this year. From the heart of Englewood, the two-story restaurant — with co*cktails as impressive as its house-made pastas — is offering two exciting holiday experiences.
The first, a Christmas Day Brunch, will be hosted until 2:30 p.m., followed immediately by Christmas Dinner (both featuring an additional menu of specials alongside normal à la carte items). So, whether you're after a casual burger for lunch, or a formal evening meal of lamb and potatoes, this local farm-to-table restaurant has got you covered.
Cost: À la carte.
When/where: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for brunch, dinner begins immediately after, both at 36 Engle St., Englewood; 201-541-8530, sofiaenglewood.com.
Son Cubano, West New York
There's nothing like New York at Christmas, and lively Cuban restaurant Son Cubano offers some of the most dazzling views of Manhattan from the Jersey side. Located on the banks of the Hudson, the vibrant Latin American spot looks directly at the festive city, promising endless holiday photo-ops and breathtaking sights alike.
Oh, and as for the food? Think Crab Croquettes, Ropa Vieja Short Rib and maple-glazed bacon hanging from a clothesline.
Cost: À la carte.
When/where: Brunch from noon to 3 p.m., dinner 4 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. at 40-4 Riverwalk Pl., West New York; 201-399-2020, soncubanonj.com.
Crystal Springs Resort, Hamburg
Make your Christmas vacation truly feel like a vacation at Crystal Springs; a luxury resort tucked away in the mountains. With sprawling golf courses, lavish spas, stunning valley views and a world-renowned wine cellar, the local hotel is as close to paradise as you'll get in Sussex County; especially during the holidays.
On December 25th, we wouldn't be surprised if Santa was spotted walking around the resort's festive grounds. It's got lights for days, festive decor and glass "Champagne Chalets" where families can enjoy a (heated) meal in the scenic outdoors. Combine that with the three indoor restaurants offering special Christmas dinner menus, and we're sure the Big Man could be enticed to take a break.
Cost:Springs Bistro three-course: $135/adult, $75/teen, $45/child. Crystal Tavern three-course: $155/adult, $85/teen, $45/child. Restaurant Latour: À la carte.
When/where: Times vary depending on restaurant (or Champagne Chalet), 1 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg; 844-205-1857, crystalgolfresort.com/culinary.
Flaming Grill & Supreme Buffet, Newark
Because, sometimes, all you want for Christmas is an all-you-can-eat buffet of sweet and sour chicken.
Cost: $17.99/adult, $12.99/child.
When/where: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 293 Ferry St., Newark; 973-589-1108.
Kara VanDooijeweert is a food writer for NorthJersey.com and The Record. If you can't find her in Jersey's best restaurants, she's probably off running a race course in the mountains. Catch her on Instagram:@karanicolev&@northjerseyeats, and sign up for herNorth Jersey Eats newsletter.
