The holidays have arrived, and with them comes the opportunity to sample an array of specialty goods and seasonal treats from local purveyors. Indulge your family, friends or yourself in festive style this Thanksgiving weekend, and prepare for even more offerings for Hanukkah and Christmas.
What’s a holiday dinner without pie?
Australian chef Curtis Stone is back with his sweet and savory pies in the old Maude space on South Beverly Drive and this time, they are here to stay.
The Pie Room by Curtis Stone has morphed from pandemic pop-up bakery into a permanent bistro-style, all-day menu with not only pies, but an assortment of pastries, puddings, tarts and sandwiches. The vast talent to help execute Stone’s vision includes Maude and Spago alum chef Serkan Çetinarslan, head pastry chef Mitzi Reyes who has worked for José Andrés and Dominique Ansel, and head baker Luis Flores, who hails from the kitchen of Thomas Keller in Las Vegas.
The Pie Room is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. for gourmet sandwiches (don’t miss the duck leg confit) and bistro fare available for dine-in or to-go. In the evening, the space transforms into a romantic, European-style wine bar with charcuterie boards from Gwen, Stone’s Michelin-starred butcher shop and restaurant in Hollywood; a selection of farmhouse cheeses, and daily specials such as loup de mer and duck ragu gnocchi—and, of course, a sweet section for dessert.
New on South Robertson Boulevard, the acclaimed Lodge Bread brings artisanal whole-grain sourdough, house-made pastries, and a menu inspired by Middle Eastern flavors to the area. Holiday offerings include pecan pie topped with whipped vanilla ganache and toasted pecan pieces, or pumpkin pie topped with whipped chai ganache ($46 each).
For even more holiday temptation, Mastro’s Steakhouse will feature a pecan pie on the menu for a limited time, as well as a special cinnamon and pecan butter cake—a twist on its famed butter cake, which is a must after any meal there. Both available now through Dec. 30.
Let them eat panettone
Gucci Osteria is kicking off panettone season early this year. The Michelin-starred establishment on Rodeo Drive (and select locations around the globe) is partnering with legendary Italian specialty bakery Pasticceria Tiri 1957 for the traditional sweet Christmas bread.
Typically shared with family and friends over the festive period, Gucci Osteria’s limited edition panettone reflects the Gucci brand’s spirit of ornate decadence. The bread goes through three kneading phases during a 72-hour production, before it is elegantly packaged in a limited-edition tin with historical iconography from the Gucci Archive. It’s a stunning keepsake and great gift that will keep the product soft, fragrant and flavorful for weeks to come ($140).
Gift baskets and more
The holidays are all about hosting—and being hosted by—family and friends. Thoughtful gift baskets are a always a great way to show your appreciation. Haute Mess, the market and café on Beverly Boulevard, is offering a limited-edition, pre-order gift basket that includes artisinal and imported items, such as wines, premium anchovies, imported olives and homemade biscotti.
Now that the weather is cooler, and nights are longer, why not host an at-home movie night? It’s the perfect excuse to tuck into some famous Neiman Marcus gourmet popcorn. Holiday tins of sweet and salty favorites include honey butter, almond pecan and cashew almond toffee. Available in-store and mail order ($32).
Hanukkah sweets
Susie Cakes in Brentwood and West Hollywood offers an assortment of red velvet, good old vanilla, or chocolate with white and blue sprinkled borders in a Hanukkah-themed cupcake box (serving 4 for $23.96). Also available is a cake decorated with a Menorah, frosted star-shaped sugar cookies (also available as a platter) and gingerbread people individually wrapped with a blue ribbon. For a fun family gathering, order a Hanukkah cookie decorating kit that includes two tubs of buttercream and four different sprinkles.
Frozen finds
After a hard day of holiday shopping, why not treat yourself (and the ice cream lover in your life) to a little holiday-themed indulgence? Shake Shack’s Limited Edition Holiday Shakes have arrived at the South Santa Monica Boulevard location of the popular outpost, and they are worth the calorie splurge. Back again is the classic Christmas Cookie Shake, featuring sugar cookie frozen custard topped with whipped cream, crumbled shortbread and holiday sprinkles. The Chocolate Yule Log Shake combines chocolate frozen custard hand-spun with chocolate cake, topped with whipped cream, cake crumbles and festive sprinkles. And the Apple Cider Donut Shake features apple cider donut frozen custard topped with whipped cream and cinnamon donut crunch.
If you prefer to celebrate the “Merry Dairy” season at home, pick up some pints at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams on North Beverly Drive. The scoop shop’s Splendid Holiday Collection includes new limited-edition flavors such as Iced Molasses Gingerbread, a spiced molasses cream with gingerbread cookies and white icing swirl, and Seven-Layer Bar with bittersweet chocolate pockets and brown sugar crumble in coconut-scented toasted caramel cream. Returning favorites include White Chocolate Peppermint, with swirls of pink and white peppermint dotted with white chocolate.
Hands-on holiday hotel experiences
Local hotels are beckoning visitors with unique holiday-themed activations. Back by popular demand, the Fairmont Century Plaza’s Swiss Chalet “après-ski” dining experience is live through New Year’s Day. The back patio off the lobby has transformed into a chic winter wonderland. Sample cheese fondue and other Alpine favorites, along with winter cocktails and an interactive make-your-own hot chocolate experience.
Nearby, the hotel’s Lumière restaurant will feature a different crème brûlée flavor each week for the month of December, including eggnog, Valrhona chocolate and roasted sweet potato with cranberry.
The lobby of the Peninsula Beverly Hills is filled with holiday cheer this time of year. Highlights include carolers (Dec. 20-24), a visit from Santa (on Christmas Eve) and the Polar Bear Gift Shop (Dec. 1-26). Additional holiday activities include curated events such as cake and cookie decorating for children.
On Dec. 3 at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, little artisans can build and decorate their own gingerbread house for a chance to have their creation on display in the lobby during the month of December ($25 per person).
At the Maybourne Beverly Hills, the Gingerbread House Decorating Class is perfect for children of all ages. Led by the in-house pastry team, two sessions of the class are set for Dec. 21. Participants will receive a decorating kit, a personalized apron, hat and takeaway box for their creation ($125 per person).
