It's not too late to book a last-minute holiday getaway, and the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco is luring jet-setters with a suite of holiday festivities aimed at making the season special.
The hotel’s flagship restaurant, Parallel 37, and chef, Michael Rotondo, will offer celebratory menus on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Additional holiday specialties include annual traditions such as the Tree Lighting Ceremony, Teddy Bear Tea benefiting Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area, Eggnog and Holiday Sweater Party at Parallel 37 and Hot Chocolate Lab hosted in the hotel’s lobby the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
Thanksgiving at Parallel 37
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Menu available from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. with final seating at 7:30 p.m.
Chef Michael Rotondo's special four-course menu offers creative twists on the classics, including Sage Infused Autumn Squash Soup, Crispy Duck Confit, Roasted Sea Bass, as well as the perennial favorite, Traditional Turkey Dinner, complete with the customary fixings. A choice of Guanaja Chocolate with Candied Walnuts or Honey Crisp Apple Tart for dessert is available to complement the Thanksgiving experience.
The four-course menu is priced at $115 per adult and $55 per child, exclusive of tax and gratuity, with additional courses and beverage pairings available for purchase. To reserve a table or the private dining room, guests may call (415) 773-6168.
Teddy Bear Tea
For available dates and reservations, please call (415) 773-6168 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/sanfrancisco
Children (and their stuffed best friends) gather in the Terrace Room for this popular family show featuring an entertaining elf, his animated sidekick and the giant teddy bear. Festive treats will be served while the children are entertained with holiday stories, lively sing-a-longs, and a treasured photo with the giant teddy bear to take home and well as a small teddy bear. The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco will donate
Teddy Bear Tea tickets are priced at $110 per guest, inclusive of tax and gratuity for both adults and children. To purchase tickets, please call (415) 773-6168; tickets will be e-mailed to each guest. Tickets are non-refundable and will be charged within 72 hours of making the reservation. Advance purchase required. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.
Holiday Afternoon Tea
For available dates and reservations, please call (415) 773-6168 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/sanfrancisco
We hear afternoon tea at The Lounge is a popular tradition, and this winter it's getting a holiday twist with a spread that includes a pot of tea, savory finger sandwiches and holiday sweets such as Gingerbread Spiced Cake and Eggnog Rocher while a live harpist entertains.
The Afternoon Tea is priced at $65 per person, exclusive of tax, gratuity and alcoholic beverages.
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Thursday, December 4, 2014
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Sundown on Thursday, December 4, the 40-foot holiday tree of The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco will be illuminated by Santa Claus and his little helper from the Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area. Hosted by veteran Bay Area TV anchor Tom Sinkovitz, this annual tree lighting ceremony begins with Dickens-era costumed carolers performing holiday favorites throughout the hotel while guests and locals enjoy cider, hot chocolate and cookies. After the ceremony, children are invited to take photos and visit with Santa in the Terrace Room. Complimentary and open to the public.
Eggnog and Holiday Sweater Party at Parallel 37
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
6 to 8 p.m.
Guests are invited to don their most cheerful holiday sweater and join the festivities at the Restaurant’s bar. Mixologist Camber Lay will be serving up her renditions of hot buttered rum, eggnog and holiday punch for $5 if guests remember to bring their own holiday mug ($7 without). Complimentary snacks from the chef will be available while holiday cinema classics play. The "Most Festive Sweater" of the bunch will win a special prize - be sure to arrive by 7 p.m. to take part in the judging.
Hot Chocolate Lab
Christmas Eve to New Year’s Eve
3 to 5 p.m.
In the Lobby of The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, the culinary team will be hosting a complimentary Hot Chocolate Lab from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. daily, Christmas Eve through New Year’s Eve. Guests can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate featuring toppings such as marshmallows, chocolate and vanilla pieces and freshly grated cinnamon.
Christmas Eve at Parallel 37
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Menu available from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. with final seating at 7:30 p.m.
The four-course Christmas Eve menu will include Nantucket Bay Scallops with Meyer Lemon and Parsley Risotto, Line-caught Halibut with Lobster Dumplings and Matzutake Mushrooms and a special Warm Chocolate & Hazelnut Torte with Peppermint & Strauss Eggnog Ice Cream.
Available from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Parallel 37 dining room, the four-course menu is priced at $115 per adult and $55 per child, exclusive of tax and gratuity, with additional courses and beverage pairings available for purchase. To reserve a table or the private dining room, guests may call (415) 773-6168.
Christmas Day at Parallel 37
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Menu available from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. with final seating at 7:30 p.m.
On Christmas Day, another four-course menu will offer twists on classic Christmas fare, including Roasted Liberty Duck with Braised Red Cabbage and Huckleberry Gastrique, Berkshire Pork with Chestnut Gnocchi, Qunice & Brussels Sprouts, Grass Fed Sonoma Raised Beef “Wellington,” and Brown Butter & Pear Bread Pudding with Cinnamon Ice Cream.
Available from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Parallel 37 dining room, the menu is priced at $115 per adult and $55 per child, exclusive of tax and gratuity, with additional courses and beverage pairings available for purchase. Guests may call (415) 773-6168 to make a reservation.
New Year’s Eve at Parallel 37
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Seatings at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The New Year will kick off at Parallel 37 with a special six-course menu, beginning with a complimentary champagne cocktail handcrafted by Mixologist Camber Lay and including a taste of caviar throughout the evening.
With two seatings available at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. in the Parallel 37 dining room, the menu is priced at $165 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity. An optional beverage pairing is available at $85 per person plus a premium beverage pairing option at $125 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations strongly suggested, and guests may call
New Year’s Eve Party in The Lounge
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Along with a full bar, there will be cocktails, seasonal bites and a DJ playing lively music all night. At midnight, balloons drop from the ceiling in celebration of the New Year while guests enjoy a toast of Nebuchadnezzer champagne poured out of a 15L bottle by the ladies and gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco. Tables are first come, first serve. Bottle service is available in The Lounge and also through in-room dining.