Réveillon de Noël at Pican: The French-inspired réveillon tradition is alive and well at Pican in Oakland where executive chef Sophie Unong will be offering a special four-course Réveillon de Noël menu throughout the month the December (in addition to its regular nightly menu). The holiday meal features wintery Gallic and New Orleans classics such as braised beef dabue, absinthe parsnip veloute, lamb shoulder or grits and pork grillades, capped off a whiskey-and-orange pan perdu served with chicory ice cream ($58 per person, $75 with suggested wine pairings, to reserve call 510-834-1000).
Scandinavian Christmas Spread at Plaj: The Chronicle’s Michael Bauer declared that the food at Pläj, the city’s first and only Scandinavian restaurant tucked away in the Inn at the Opera in Hayes Valley, “feels like Christmas, regardless of the month”, so it’s fitting that Nordic newcomer would be showcasing a five-course Christmas-inspired menu every Sunday night during the month of December. Dubbed Julbord, the five-course menu progresses from cold to hot (preceded by a welcoming glass of house-made glogg) and includes plenty of caviar, gravlax, cured meats, fondue, ham and meatballs. See the complete menu here. Reservations must be made in advance for the special meal, which is being offered in addition to the restaurant’s regular dinner menu (Dec 2, 9, 16 and 23, $65 per person, 333 Fulton St, 415-294-8925).
