Christmas Dinner on the Town

Hollywood has long profited from movies portraying Christmas dinner tragedies. In the all-too-classic film A Christmas Story, a pack of dogs tear through the Parker house, thrash the kitchen and maul the would-be Christmas turkey, forcing the family to take refuge at a local Chinese restaurant. 

Yet real life calamity is just as funny.

Several years ago, one of my relatives awoke at dawn to begin preparing the meal, only to realize four hours later that she neglected to turn the oven on. Another year, a friend opened her oven to check on the Christmas ham and was met with a face-full of steam, which subsequently fused her mascara covered eyelashes together (true story).

Fortunately, the option to dine out is available for La Jollans. Below is a list of restaurants which will be open and happy to serve you.

is the type of restaurant that has you feeling as if you've been transported into another time and place. While this may not be the most typical Christmas dining experience, the food is highly rated and the décor is swanky and fun. Marrakesh is located at 634 Pearl Street and will be open all day, serving off its regular menu.

The owners of , also located on Pearl Street, have said they too will be serving diners on Christmas day. Chedi Thai Bistro offers a $25 prix fixe three-course dinner which includes a selection of an appetizer, main course and dessert. Those wishing to order items off their regular dinner menu will be able to do that as well.  Chedi Thai Bistro is located at 737 Pearl Street. Reservations are still available.

A.R. Valentien is housed within the Lodge at Torrey Pines and is a longtime La Jolla favorite. They will be serving Christmas dinner from noon to 9 p.m., offering a $75 prix fixe menu for adults while serving children under 12 for $35. First course offerings include butternut squash ravioli, smoked ruby trout celery root puree, two different salads or a porcini mushroom and chestnut soup. The five main course selections range from traditional house-cured and roasted ham to pan roasted swordfish. A dessert selection is also included. Seating is first-come, first-served.  Reservations are recommended.

will be open on Dec. 25 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Located at 8110 Camino Del Oro, The Shores Restaurant provides true, beach-style dining with phenomenal ocean views. They too will be offering a prix fixe menu (see attached), $41 for adults, $20.50 for children ages 6 to 12 years and $2 per year for children 5 and under.