One of my most cherished memories is always the Family Christmas Dinner.
For years, I was always a kitchen helper and never the chef.
People would ask me if I could cook.
My answer would always be, “I can eat.”
So, my cousins relegated me to being a kitchen helper.
I made friends with the onions and potatoes.
Sometimes, the Celery made passes, but what the heck – I could always dice it.
I would hang around and watch the timer or sliced onions and peeled potatoes in the background.
Outside, the anticipation hung thick in the air as the rest of the family gathered around the festive table adorned with holiday-themed linens and twinkling candles.
Those were the times I had wished to be among the elders – we just ate and commented loudly on the food.
Why SO salty?
Or she demanded salted butter to have the daughter-in-law yell back, you’re not that young to be having salt in EVERYTHING, mom!
Most elegant table deco and setting!
Dory is feeling all Christmassy!
Christmas Turkey
The aroma of roasting turkey and savory herbs wafted through the air, setting the stage for a Christmas dinner filled with warmth and tradition.
When a cousin roasted her turkey, the bird lay side saddle, and we often had a comical struggle thrusting a turkey – an endearing touch that added to the festive spirit.
I don’t know what to do with the Christmas turkey.
I prefer a chicken that I can break apart easily with a knife.
A Christmas Turkey needs skill.
We need a knife-wielding chef’s skill set in the kitchen.
Not Instagram wannabe chefs making grilled tomato and cheese.
At the Hard Rock Hotel, the chefs did a beautiful job roasting and carving the turkey.
PERFECTO.
Best Traditional Christmas Dishes prepared by the talented Hard Roak Hotel chefs
The family, with hearts as complete as their plates, eagerly took their seats, their eyes sparkling excitedly.
The golden-brown turkey took pride at the center of the table, surrounded by various side dishes that promised a culinary adventure.
Little cousins would whisper in hushed tones and point to the catered or store-bought dishes, adding a playful element to the gathering.
The room was a symphony of laughter and joy as we clasped hands for a moment of gratitude before indulging in the feast.
As the food is passed around, we start with soup, pizza, and lobster pasta, and I am reminded of an authentic family dinner.
Of course, everyone had a relative who always scraped the bottom of every dish for the most significant bits of everything and cleaned out the lobsters, injecting a touch of humor into the occasion.
I remember remarking to Executive Chef Rodrigo Benedicto Borges (Chef Rod), who was seated next to me, and we had a great laugh over the authenticity of a family meal prepared by the hotel’s talented chefs.
The tradition of passing dishes around became a lively ballet of movement and connection.
The platters, laden with delicious creations, made their way from hand to hand, weaving through the tapestry of shared stories and laughter—the gentle clinking of utensils and murmurs of appreciation for each culinary masterpiece.
In the memory of Christmas past, the turkey is carved and passed around, and then came the mashed potatoes, a cloud-like butter and cream concoction passed carefully from one end of the table to the other.
I must confess to eating two servings of mashed potatoes that night.
It was so flavorful and had such a wonderful mouthfeel!
The cranberry sauce followed, a burst of tangy sweetness that perfectly complemented the richness of the turkey.
Green beans, crisp and vibrant, made their way around, offering a refreshing contrast to the heartier fare.
The stuffing, a symphony of flavors and textures, was met with exclamations of delight as it journeyed around the table.
In a boat that seemed to float effortlessly from one hand to the next, the gravy cascaded over the waiting plates like a savory waterfall, adding the finishing touch to the ensemble.
Beef Wellington
The one thing missing in our family Christmas dinners was my ultimate favorite, the Beef Wellington.
I was overjoyed when I saw the dish on the buffet line!
The Beef Wellington is a timeless classic, and it encompasses a perfectly seared beef tenderloin enveloped in a luxurious layer of mushroom duxelles, all encased in a delicate puff pastry.
The harmonious blend of savory umami, the richness of the tender beef, and the earthy notes from the mushrooms, sealed within the buttery, flaky embrace of the pastry, makes it my favorite iconic dish – a must-eat for Christmas.
I prefer Beef Wellington with turkey stuffing, Yorkshire pudding, and loaded mashed potatoes for Christmas rather than the traditional turkey dinner.
Beef Wellington is not merely a meal but a culinary journey that celebrates the artistry of cooking and the pleasure of savoring each bite.
All my favorites are on a plate!
Family Christmas Dinner
As we exchanged dishes, we exchanged more than just food; we shared stories, laughter, and a sense of togetherness that transcended the physical act of passing plates.
Each dish became a vessel for memories, a catalyst for conversation, and a reminder of the love that bound us together.
Desserts
The passing of the dessert plates marked the sweet crescendo of the evening. Pies, cakes, and cookies made their rounds, each bit a decadent finale to the unfolding culinary symphony.
We heaved contented sighs as we savored the last tastes of Christmas dinner, grateful for the shared moments and the bonds that had grown stronger around the table.
As the evening drew to a close and the dishes cleared away, the warmth of shared laughter and the love infused into every passed plate lingered, creating a Christmas dinner memory we cherished for years to come.
There’s always room for desserts!
Lovely Christmas Cakes, cookies, and Yule Log Cakes
Book Your Family Christmas Dinner
If you’re missing your family Christmas dinner but want a drama-free experience, make it a point to book your dinner at the Hard Rock Hotel for a truly festive event, minus the cooking, decorating, washing up, and glass hunting afterward.
Embark on a symphony of flavors and festive delights as we unveil the ultimate Christmas and New Year’s experience.
Secure your spot before December 18, 2023, to seize the Early Bird and Stage Pass Member offer:
- RM190 nett per adult
- RM90 nett per kid (6-12 years old) / senior citizen (60 years old and above)
Regular prices:
- RM210 nett per adult
- RM110 nett per kid (6-12 years old) / senior citizen (60 years old and above)
Savor a feast like no other, from tantalizing buffets to intimate set dinners at Starz Diner, Pizzeria, and LEÑA at Pizzeria for your year-end festive dining.
Dive into Christmas Eve Galore:
Rock your taste buds with a Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner at Starz Diner, or relish an intimate 4-course Set Dinner at LEÑA. Don’t miss the festive revelry at Hard Rock Café with a 4-course Set Dinner and live music!
Welcome New Year 2024 in grand style:
Countdown to the New Year with grandeur! Indulge in a lavish buffet at Starz Diner or an exquisite 5-Course Set Dinner at LEÑA or Hard Rock Café.
It’s a culinary journey to usher in 2024 with flair!
Reserve your spot now:
For Starz Diner, Pizzeria, and LEÑA, contact us at +604-886-8057 or email [email protected]. For Hard Rock Café, dial +60 4 886 8050 or email [email protected].
Find more information on Hard Rock Hotel Penang’s website by clicking the links below.
Hard Rock Hotel Penang
Batu Ferringhi Beach, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Penang.
Facebook: Hard Rock Hotel Penang
