The Best Christmas Caterers

As we get closer to the Christmas holiday, those of us who aren't planning on jetting off to the slopes of Hokkaido or the beaches of Bali are probably wondering what to do on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. While there are undoubtedly a good number of options for dining out (just check out our Promotions section if you don't believe us!), there is something rather nice about staying in with a large group of family and friends, sharing a communal meal and exchanging gifts. Of course, what is less nice is the slaving away in the kitchen and the cleaning up afterwards. Asia Tatler Dining is here to deliver an early Christmas present, in our round-up of the best caterers who will ensure your Christmas party is a raging success, all the while looking like the most effortless of hosts.

The Excelsior

The sister hotel to the Mandarin Oriental, The Excelsior is lesser-known but no less adept at catering. This year, the hotel in Causeway Bay is offering two buffets for outside catering. Buffet option A costs HK$400 per person (with a minimum of 30 people) and includes a tomato soup; a turkey carving station; both Asian and European hot dishes such as roasted lamb shoulder, Thai chicken curry, linguine arrabbiata; as well as many festive desserts including Christmas stollens, cookies, Christmas log and Christmas pudding. Buffet option B is ideal for a bigger and more formal gathering: priced at HK$480 per person (also with a minimum of 30 people), this option includes cold appetisers such as smoked salmon, Chinese barbecued meat platter and sushi; a selection of salads from Caesar to Nicoise; lobster bisque; a carving station serving turkey and prime rib; hot mains such as chicken tikka masala, lamb rump and Hokkien fried rice; and finally traditional desserts such as banana toffee pie, bread pudding and mince pies.

For enquiries, please visit www.mandarinoriental.com/excelsior/special_occasions/catering/ or call +852 2837-6951.

M.A.X. Concepts

Sometimes, when you're throwing a big party, it's difficult to decide on a menu. After all, you want to have something that will please everybody. This is why a big restaurant group such as M.A.X Concepts can be helpful. With restaurants ranging from Lawry's, Pearl on the Peak, Thai Basil and Japanese restaurant Kiku under its umbrella, its catering service has something for everyone. The party-to-go menu includes highlights such as roasted whole turkey (12-14lbs), roasted beef tenderloin (3lbs) and honey glazed ham (3lbs and above); snacks including satays, samosas, spring rolls and assorted sandwiches; hot dishes as varied as spaghetti bolognaise, chicken curry and lamb rack provencale; plus desserts. You could construct your own party menu or opt for one of the pre chosen ones, which are HK$1,360 for ten people. While M.A.X Concepts does not deliver, there are four pick-up points in Central, one in Causeway Bay, two in Tsim Sha Tsui and one in Kowloon Tong.

For more information, please visit www.maxconcepts.com.hk or call +852 2101-1788.

Main St. Deli

While buffets and international spreads are great for big gatherings where you have to cater for all sorts of palates, for intimate gatherings, we quite enjoy the traditional all-American way. Main St. Deli at The Langham (which is where we also filmed our Thanksgiving video on How to Make a Pecan Pie) is offering a Turkey Takeaway menu during the holiday season. The price ranges from HK$1,488 (for six to 10 people) to HK$2,188 (for 16-20 people) and includes a US tom turkey with all the trimmings including apple, sage and cornbread stuffing; vegetables including Brussel sprouts, baby carrots and almond glazed beans; whipped potatoes and sweet potatoes; cranberry sauce and pan gravy. Desserts are a choice of pumpkin cheesecake or maple-glazed pecan pie. Orders must be placed 48 hours before pick-up and the feast can be picked up at The Langham or delivered to your door.

For more information, please visit www.hongkong.langhamhotels.com or call +852 2375-1133.

798

798 in Causeway Bay and its sister restaurant JAR in Central specialise in comfort food, perfect for a casual night in with friends over the holiday season. Their catering menus range from HK$1,800 (for eight to 10 guests) to HK$4,500 (for 18-20 guests) and include starters such as smoked trout mousse, quiches lorraine and assorted pizzas. Mains include pastas, whole roasted suckling pig and paella, as well as comforting sides such as corn on the cob. Desserts include brownies, chocolate mousse and apple-raisin strudel. However, the reason most people order from 798 is because of their famous roast turkey, which is served with a chestnut-herb stuffing and giblet gravy. Other roasts include a roast prime rib with root vegetables, baby back ribs and roasted whole chicken with chestnut sausage stuffing. A minimum of five days advanced ordering is required, and orders over HK$2,000 are delivered for free excluding outlying islands and the New Territories. Otherwise, guests are welcome to pick up their to-go feast at 798 in Tsim Sha Tsui, Causeway Bay or JAR at Lyndhurst Terrace.

For more information, please visit www.798unit.com or call +852 2506-0611.

Le Meridien Cyberport

While Cyberport is a bit of a trek for most of us (unless you live in Pok Fu Lam, of course), we have to say that the Christmas catering Le Meridian menu is worth the drive. Offering snacks such as satays and sandwiches as well as Chinese items such as Yeung Chow fried rice and wok-fried egg noodles, the highlight of Le Meridien's December menu are its Christmas items. Featuring not only a roasted turkey with stuffing, Le Meridien is also offering a beef Wellington with mushroom sauce, as well as a maple baked bone ham with Madeira sauce. Roasts (for eight to 10 diners) include a roasted rack of lamb with ratatouille; roast chicken with sautéed veg and gravy; and Australian sirloin with red wine sauce. Naturally, it's not a Christmas without sweets and Le Meridien will be serving up pudding with brandy sauce, log cake, stollen as well as Christmas cookies. There is no delivery and guests are asked to come pick up their food at the hotel, and are advised to place their orders up to a week in advance.

For more information, please call +852 2980-7417.