If you are like me, living through this challenging year we have had, it has been a year of missing things, many of our favorite things……..certainly missing seeing friends enough but also missing my trips to Italy and at this moment it’s all about missing my decades-long December trip to New York City, (I would be heading there this coming week!) where of course, I’m there to see my brother, Steve Tyrell, at The Cafe Carlyle, but also excited to be in the city I love at a “magical moment” that never disappoints. Nothing like NYC in December…..it actually gets my adrenalin going the moment I cross the bridge into Manhattan. There is an energy there that is like no other.
Well, the closest I can always get to my special 2nd U.S. home, is to visit my favorite NYC-transplant to our town that I can count on to always put a touch of Manhattan in everything he does. That would be Ben Berg and all of his Berg Hospitality Group Restaurants. This year, when I need it more than ever, he, like the city he emulates, delivers and also never disappoints. From the famous Christmas package on Fifth Avenue (B&B Butchers here) that I always visit and take my annual pics (Cartier) to Ralph’s infamous Polo Restaurant & Bar (Turner’s) to the funky J.G. Melon’s neighborhood tavern/eatery (BB Lemon) it’s all here at Ben’s dining establishments that are all dressed up for the Holidays!
Dressed up they need to be as they have lots of happenings this month and they all kick off this weekend. Alert the Kiddies……Santa Claus is coming to town….
Here we go….all the happenings for the holidays, by Restaurant (click on each of their links for details for all Holiday events)
Turner’s – For 16 days only, join the festivities in this lively yet sophisticated NY Polo-warmly decorated dining rom; this all-new holiday lunch service created by Executive Chef Robert Del Grande.
Reservations are required. Visit here to book on Open Table or call 713-804-1212. View Turner’s full holiday schedule of events at this link.
The Annie Café & Bar – Brunch & Photos with Santa, Live Holiday Music-Sunday, December 6th from 9:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m. View The Annie’s full holiday schedule here.
Don’t miss this festive opportuniy to enjoy pictures with Santa (including digital photos), delicious buffet by Executive Chef Robert Del Grande, live music, gifts for the kiddos, choc bar and much more. Cost is $55 for children and $85 for adults, includes full brunch, photos and a complimentary mimosa or bellini for the adults. (All Covid-19 precautions are being taken and available at this link. Reservations required in advance. Please call 713-804-1800 or visit Open Table to book your reservation.
Supper Club – A Very Annie Christmas Spectacular; Sunday December 6th, Seatings at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Live music entertainment by the Richard Brown Orchestra and guest singers. During the show, guests will hear all of their holiday favorite, while enjoying a 3-course prix-fixe meal. Tickets are $150 per person. Reservations with a credit card are required in advance.
B&B Butchers & Restaurant – Brunch & Photos with Santa is also arriving but on Saturday, December 5th from 9:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m. see all B&B happenings here.
All of the not-to-miss offerings as The Annie, photos with Santa, prix-fixe menu and more. The cost is $45 for children and $65 for adults. Reservations required in advance; call 713-862-1814 or visit Open Table.
B.B. Lemon – After-Hours Tacky Christmas Party w/Bad Santa – Saturday December 5th from 7:00 p.m. till Midnight
Drop in for a festive night of delicious food and drink specials. DJ Melodic spinning holiday tunes on our patio with a special Bad Santa. Holiday garb or tacky Christmas sweaters are encouraged to celebrate in style – featuring a “best dressed” with prizes contest. More details click here.
Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 713-554-1809 or on Open Table.
Please note: The following are the Berg Hospitality Covid-19 Precaution Guidelines, specifically for Santa. There are also specific guidelines for their restaurants and their events on their website, please read…..
B&B Butchers & The Annie Café & Bar:
Santa will be on the outdoor patio (at B&B Butchers and The Annie), will be wearing a face shield, and will also have a same-day COVID test the morning before the event. Per CDC recommendations, all adults and children over the age of 2 are required to wear a face covering when not at their table, including while waiting in line and when talking to Santa. The face covering may be removed for the photograph, but then must be put back on to return to the table. It is up to parental discretion whether children sit in Santa’s lap or on the stool next to his chair. Please note that it is the responsibility of the parents to ensure that children are socially distanced.
Festive welcome to B&B Butchers
