Value-for-money Christmas meals

SINGAPORE — Everybody is getting into the spirit of Christmas, which inevitably will involve a celebratory meal, whether it is lunch or dinner.

However, if you are not up to hosting a Christmas party or do not have the time to organise one; there are several dining options ranging from restaurants to cafes that you can treat your family and friends to, to set the celebratory mood.

The best thing: These meals will not burn a large hole in your pocket. Here then, are some places you can go to for that affordable feast.

THE WICKED GARLIC

(until Dec 31)

If you are on a budget but want to indulge in Italian food, you will want take note of authentic Italian shack The Wicked Garlic’s Christmas menu. Priced at S$25, you get a main dish that comes with a drink and a dessert. Choices available include a salted egg penne with grilled prawns; Posh Carbonara with parma ham and truffle; and sweet potato with bacon, cheese and cream. The restaurant’s sweet treats include the decadent chocolate lava cake, which you can enjoy with a cuppa of its speciality teas.

Available at Clifford Centre and International Plaza outlets.

THE CARVERY AT PARK HOTEL ALEXANDRA

(Dec 12 to 30, lunch only)

In the mood for quality roasts without breaking the bank? This restaurant has a festive lunch meat buffet priced at S$45 for adults (S$25 for children) on weekdays. Diners get to enjoy a comprehensive selection of quality roasts at the expansive 3m-long meat carving station; and highlights include the US Black Angus Beef Prime Rib (served on weekends only); the crown roast of pork, spit-roasted chicken with tarragon; and of course, roast turkey.

Located at 323 Alexandra Road. The weekday lunch buffet will go on from noon to 3pm.

P.BISTRO

(Dec 16 to Jan 7)

This bistro at Orchard Road has scrumptious Christmas fare that will put your wallet at ease, with its three-course festive meal priced at S$48++. Start the meal with a lobster bisque, and follow up with a main course of either a Christmas turkey roulade or braised beef cheek baked pasta. Finally, end your meal on a sweet note with a Mont Blanc chocolate chestnut log cake.

Located at 390 Orchard Road.

AH BONG’S ITALIAN

(Dec 24 and 25 only)

This Italian eatery in the Tan Quee Lan area has a three-course Christmas menu on Dec 24 and 25. Priced at S$35 and curated by Chef Chris Ng, diners can opt for the roasted butternut squash salad or the onion “brulee” soup to start. For mains, the choice selections include a crispy duroc pork belly with lentils; a nine-hour duck confit with slow roasted tomatoes, green beans and potatoes; or a slow-braised Angus beef cheek. Satiate your sweet tooth with treats such as five spice orange creme brulee or the eatery’s gelato of the day.

Located at 103 Beach Road.

CAFFE VERGNANO 1882

(until Dec 31)

Three words: Desserts below S$10. Any place that offers affordable desserts will secure a space in our hearts. And if Christmas sweets are all you crave, then this is the spot to be. Desserts are priced from S$6.50 to S$8.50; and new offerings for this Christmas include their coffee cake (S$7.50) made with a special essence of Caffe Vergnano’s 1882 blend of espresso, cocoa butter, whipped cream, cereal flakes and rolled oats, finished with white couverture and dusting of cocoa powder.

Diners can also sample sliced cakes such as mixed berries cheese cake (S$8.50) and raspberry lychee cake (S$8.50). The cafe also has several Christmas coffee concoctions such as Cranberry White Marocchino (regular S$6/large S$7) and Peppermint Gianduja (regular S$6.50/large S$7.50). For every purchase of sliced cake, diners can add-on a cup of coffee at a promotional price of S$2.50 (UP: S$4.50).

Located at 26 Beach Road. Call 6385 5579.