Christmas Dinner 2010

[uptheos]

I normally go to the Grandview Hotel (140 baht)

I wonder if they are doing anything special for the holiday. I agree that it is a good deal, but am willing to splash out a little more on Christmas for some of those childhood favorites.

When I was a kid, my grandmother used to put a few tanners, or maybe they were threepenny bits that she had saved in the Christmas pudding......no wonder our teeth suffered!

Edited December 7, 2010 by uptheos

[jayjay0]

Many establishments have come to realize that there is a captive market for the "western" holiday meals, and are getting on the bandwagon of charging double or triple of what they normally charge during the rest of the year. For instance last year the Shangri-la Hotel had a Christmas buffet at 549 baht (including tax and service) and the place was packed. The food selection was good, although they ran out of turkey, and the atmosphere was festive. This year the price is almost doubled. The other hotels are charging 1000 to 1500 baht or more. Although, converted to western currencies, the prices are still reasonable, but we are in Chiang Mai, and the prices are very expensive compared to the local economy. West is putting on a two sitting English style Christmas Dinner at 450 baht, which is fair.

It is nice that the hotels and other establishments want to cater to us expats, but I think that the price has become a little excessive, if not just downright greedy.

There are alternatives and I am planning to have some guests over and have order in a festive meal from a local Thai restaurant (my choice of western items) and hire a server to set up and clean up. I am sure that this can be done for about 300 baht per person.

You stated

("the prices are still reasonable, but we are in Chiang Mai, and the prices are very expensive compared to the local economy")

You are correct. However you neglected to mention our income is extremely high compared to the local Thai population. Particularly if you are on a retirement visa witch many expats are on.

That being said it would make no sense to me what so ever to go looking for a Christmas diner based on price. It is only one day of the year. Granted there are some out there that the price is just ridicules.

But for once a year I have no problem with 750 Baht. That is about $25 U. S.

I would not mind paying 750 Baht either. I always prefer paying for quality rather than paying a lower price for low quality. However what I am finding in my research are prices closing in on 900 Baht per person when, for Thanksgiving, they charged approximately 400 Baht. That's too much of an increase as far as I'm concerned.

I was a little curios what your research had shown up. For myself it is not really a big deal. I will probably go to a small private party.

If I remember correctly New Year is when they really get out of hand. That is not to say some of them aren't already out of hand.

[Ulysses G.]

You are right about New Years. The prices are usually quite high. I'm grateful that that is a holiday that I have always pretty much ignored.

[fcgprg]

The Olde Belle is well worth a try.Good prices and the food is good also.I have never had a complaint their .

[venturalaw]

I was a little curios what your research had shown up. For myself it is not really a big deal. I will probably go to a small private party.

If I remember correctly New Year is when they really get out of hand. That is not to say some of them aren't already out of hand.

Check out http://www.chiangmainews.com/ecmn/viewfa.php?id=3053 for a listing of offerings - one as high as 5,500 Baht per person.

Update - I noticed that Bake & Bite is offering a Christmas buffet for 450 Baht per person which is the same price that they charged for their OUTSTANDING Thanksgiving buffet. I would go to B&B on Christmas, but since I already experienced it just a few weeks ago, I'd prefer to enjoy a different venue. AND, B&B provides whole turkeys, choosing not to go on the cheap (as did some restaurants on Thanksgiving) with turkey parts that are dried out and tasteless.

Edited December 8, 2010 by venturalaw

[Ricardo]

I normally go to the Grandview Hotel (140 baht)

I wonder if they are doing anything special for the holiday. I agree that it is a good deal, but am willing to splash out a little more on Christmas for some of those childhood favorites.

When I was a kid, my grandmother used to put a few tanners, or maybe they were threepenny bits that she had saved in the Christmas pudding......no wonder our teeth suffered!

I too remember threepenny-bits, then sixpences, and I believe that one-pound-coins are now often used. I guess that's just inflation for you !

[jayjay0]

I was a little curios what your research had shown up. For myself it is not really a big deal. I will probably go to a small private party.

If I remember correctly New Year is when they really get out of hand. That is not to say some of them aren't already out of hand.

Check out http://www.chiangmai...wfa.php?id=3053 for a listing of offerings - one as high as 5,500 Baht per person.

Update - I noticed that Bake & Bite is offering a Christmas buffet for 450 Baht per person which is the same price that they charged for their OUTSTANDING Thanksgiving buffet. I would go to B&B on Christmas, but since I already experienced it just a few weeks ago, I'd prefer to enjoy a different venue. AND, B&B provides whole turkeys, choosing not to go on the cheap (as did some restaurants on Thanksgiving) with turkey parts that are dried out and tasteless.

Great link. I had just gone through all the posts and noticed that there is only 6 restaurants mentioned and not all of them recommended.

I was intrigued by the Christmas buffet at Le Meridian Chiang Mai for only 950 baht and that included free soft drinks. I have only heard good things about them.

[venturalaw]

I was a little curios what your research had shown up. For myself it is not really a big deal. I will probably go to a small private party.

If I remember correctly New Year is when they really get out of hand. That is not to say some of them aren't already out of hand.

Check out http://www.chiangmai...wfa.php?id=3053 for a listing of offerings - one as high as 5,500 Baht per person.

Update - I noticed that Bake & Bite is offering a Christmas buffet for 450 Baht per person which is the same price that they charged for their OUTSTANDING Thanksgiving buffet. I would go to B&B on Christmas, but since I already experienced it just a few weeks ago, I'd prefer to enjoy a different venue. AND, B&B provides whole turkeys, choosing not to go on the cheap (as did some restaurants on Thanksgiving) with turkey parts that are dried out and tasteless.

Great link. I had just gone through all the posts and noticed that there is only 6 restaurants mentioned and not all of them recommended.

I was intrigued by the Christmas buffet at Le Meridian Chiang Mai for only 950 baht and that included free soft drinks. I have only heard good things about them.

Le Meridien has a great Sunday brunch. Expensive, but worth it with the best smoked salmon that I have eaten in Thailand. I have never been to Le Meridien for a holiday meal. If you decide to go, please either post or PM me regarding how it was.

Edited December 8, 2010 by venturalaw

[DavidOxon]

Olde Bell is always good

Gekko Garden has Christmas Dinner/buffet at the non English times of 6.30pm and 9.30pm, at only 350bht. (50bht in advance as a booking fee) seems very reasonable to me....

David

[venturalaw]

Olde Bell is always good

Gekko Garden has Christmas Dinner/buffet at the non English times of 6.30pm and 9.30pm, at only 350bht. (50bht in advance as a booking fee) seems very reasonable to me....

David

Is information available regarding what they are serving?

[Ulysses G.]

The Garden (across from the Inter Inn) is doing a basic Christmas dinner with desert for 390 and 450 with a glass of wine.

Reserve at #081 88 22 840

[getgoin]

I've seen it all and the prices are very high for most of the hotels and some of the top restaurants. The real deal is at The Duke's for Christmas. I'll put the menu here. Almost everyone who knows food goes to The Duke's because they know they are going to get the best quality for Christmas. Sure if you are on a budget and only want to eat turkey you should go to a hotel.

Christmas the 25th at The Duke's

Shrimp Cocktail, Smoked Salmon, Seared Tuna, Antipasti,

Imported Cheese Platter, Pate, Scallops Casino, King Crab Legs and

Fresh Australian Oysters on the Shell

Parker House Rolls

Butternut Squash Soup

Caesar Salad, Greek Feta Salad with Kalamata Olives, Artichike Hearts

and Marinated Vegetable Salad, Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella Salad

With Balsamic Dressing

Roast Turkey, Roast Prime Rib Aujus, German BBQ Honey Ham,

Salmon with Lemon Butter, King Prawns and

Italian Sausage Stuffed Shells with Marinara

Mashed Potatoes, Gravy and Stuffing, Sweet Potatoes, Green Bean

Casserole, Cranberries

Pumpkin Pie, Apple Pie, Chocolate Mousse, Blueberry Cheese Cake,

Mini Flan, White Chocolate Cake with Strawberries and Cream

If you want the best without the high price you know where to go.

Don't worry VL you can go with George.

D

[getgoin]

I should have said that the price is only 1200 Baht a head. The best deal in Chiang Mai.

[direx12]

wow only 1200 baht! lol. Also, that looks like the least american christmas meal ever, <deleted> duke?

[ctrunfree]

1200 baht for that spread looks pretty good to me..about one third the price of what you'd pay in Oz..

[Thailand]

I should have said that the price is only 1200 Baht a head. The best deal in Chiang Mai.

Same price at the Holiday Inn and far more choice.

[ctrunfree]

I should have said that the price is only 1200 Baht a head. The best deal in Chiang Mai.

Same price at the Holiday Inn and far more choice.

Went over to Dukes for a look at the menu and had a chat to Dave. Have signed up for the feast, so say hi if you are also attending (I'll be the guy standing at the oyster station)

Edited December 10, 2010 by ctrunfree

[Thailand]

I should have said that the price is only 1200 Baht a head. The best deal in Chiang Mai.

Same price at the Holiday Inn and far more choice.

Went over to Dukes for a look at the menu and had a chat to Dave. Have signed up for the feast, so say hi if you are also attending (I'll be the guy standing at the oyster station)

Sorry, my post was a little vague. The Holiday Inn has far more choices than the Duke's appears to have.

Edited December 10, 2010 by Thailand

[DavidOxon]

Olde Bell is always good

Gekko Garden has Christmas Dinner/buffet at the non English times of 6.30pm and 9.30pm, at only 350bht. (50bht in advance as a booking fee) seems very reasonable to me....

David

Is information available regarding what they are serving?

Turkey (Whole bird) and ham

[sarahsbloke]

The waste of money and the sickening greed provoked by Christmas is one reason to never celebrate it!

I usually spend between 50bht and 100bht on a dinner out, more is just a waste.

Bah .... Humbug!

Edited December 10, 2010 by sarahsbloke

[ctrunfree]

The waste of money and the sickening greed provoked by Christmas is one reason to never celebrate it!

I usually spend between 50bht and 100bht on a dinner out, more is just a waste.

Bah .... Humbug!

Good to see that despite your issues with Xmas you plus one have signed up for the Old Belle freebie- should be able to celebrate Xmas within your budgetary parameters!!

Or maybe you'd like to demonstrate your true Grinch credentials by withdrawing, and leaving it to those wishing to celebrate the spirit of Xmas?

[Thailand]

The waste of money and the sickening greed provoked by Christmas is one reason to never celebrate it!

I usually spend between 50bht and 100bht on a dinner out, more is just a waste.

Bah .... Humbug!

Good to see that despite your issues with Xmas you plus one have signed up for the Old Belle freebie- should be able to celebrate Xmas within your budgetary parameters!!

Or maybe you'd like to demonstrate your true Grinch credentials by withdrawing, and leaving it to those wishing to celebrate the spirit of Xmas?

[getgoin]

I should have said that the price is only 1200 Baht a head. The best deal in Chiang Mai.

Same price at the Holiday Inn and far more choice.

Went over to Dukes for a look at the menu and had a chat to Dave. Have signed up for the feast, so say hi if you are also attending (I'll be the guy standing at the oyster station)

Sorry, my post was a little vague. The Holiday Inn has far more choices than the Duke's appears to have.

While the Holiday Inn might have more Thai food available (there is no Thai food at The Duke's) on the buffet the quality of the buffets are not in the same league. The Duke's will have Australian Grain Fed Prime Rib, Alaskan king crab legs, Fresh (not frozen New Zealand as at the Holiday Inn buffet) oysters, king prawns, Norwegian salmon, Italian cold cuts, Imported cheeses (including British Aged Cheddar), fresh New Zealand blue mussels and other delicious delights along with the traditional German ham and American turkey and all that goes with it.

The buffet starts at 1:00 and goes till late. It is a once in the year event and the price is well worth the meal.

Edited December 11, 2010 by getgoin

[Thailand]

While the Holiday Inn might have more Thai food available (there is no Thai food at The Duke's) on the buffet the quality of the buffets are not in the same league. The Duke's will have Australian Grain Fed Prime Rib, Alaskan king crab legs, Fresh (not frozen New Zealand as at the Holiday Inn buffet) oysters, king prawns, Norwegian salmon, Italian cold cuts, Imported cheeses (including British Aged Cheddar), fresh New Zealand blue mussels and other delicious delights along with the traditional German ham and American turkey and all that goes with it.

The buffet starts at 1:00 and goes till late. It is a once in the year event and the price is well worth the meal.

Tis all a matter of opinion and we simply agree to disagree.

Whatever our choices may everyone have a great Xmas dinner and hopefully leads us on to a great 2011.

A couple of weeks early but Merry Xmas to one and all.

Edited December 11, 2010 by Thailand

[Ulysses G.]

I normally go to the Grandview Hotel (140 baht)

Is the Grand View doing a Christmas dinner?

[rakchaingmai]

i went to the grandview hotel yesterday it's 300 baht for the christmas buffet but you have to book in advance.

but anyhow i have booked into the red mango for this year as last year i went to the tiger tiger and it was awesome it had all the trimmings an english guy needed like yorkshire puddings.

I don't mind paying a little more as long as you get quality and i'm on a thai wage no english pounds left for me.

[Ulysses G.]

Thanks !

[venturalaw]

Olde Bell is always good

Gekko Garden has Christmas Dinner/buffet at the non English times of 6.30pm and 9.30pm, at only 350bht. (50bht in advance as a booking fee) seems very reasonable to me....

David

Is information available regarding what they are serving?

Turkey (Whole bird) and ham

Offering a whole bird turkey is certainly a welcomed relief. Some popular venues that are charging twice what is reasonable rationalize said cost by proudly, and incessantly, BOASTING that their bountiful spread for the holidays includes, for instance, seafood, as though that is an adequate replacement for THE most important part of a holiday feast - the turkey.

Take the Holiday Inn, for instance. Although it has minimal offerings of Thai food, it more than adequately covers the basics of a Western style holiday feast which, of course, demands the presence of a Whole bird turkey.

Edited December 12, 2010 by venturalaw

[ctrunfree]

" demands the presence of a Whole bird turkey".

Nah mate, just lots of freshly opened oysters, a few kilos of prawns and an eskie with some nice cold beers on ice!

[Ulysses G.]

i went to the grandview hotel yesterday it's 300 baht for the christmas buffet but you have to book in advance.

If anyone has Christmas at the Grandview, please give your impressions on Thai Visa. Their regular buffet is nothing fancy, but a really good deal, so I'm interested in what the Christmas one is like.