Restaurant Review—Ho-Ho-Ho! Celebrate Christmas in July at the Walnut Room and the Hubbard Inn
As the temperatures climb above 90 degrees this first week in July, there’s nothing like the thought of Christmas snow to cool you off, right? But how did this crazy tradition start? According to Vox and other sources, the first Christmas in July event began in the summer of 1933 when Fannie Holt, the co-founder of North Carolina’s Keystone Camp, who delighted young campers year after year with whimsical decorations and musical celebrations of the season. Other sources indicate Werther, an 1892 French opera. In the story, a group of children rehearses a Christmas song in July, to which a character responds: “When you sing Christmas in July, you rush the season.”
The origins may be as hazy as Christmas fog, but Christmas in July is here to stay. In a post-Fourth of July summer, it’s a chance to remember the fun of the holiday season. And a bonus for retailers, who need to do something between now and back-to-school sales to boost sluggish sales.
Two restaurants in Chicago are taking the opportunity to celebrate Christmas in July with a special menu and decorations.
From July 6-10, the historic Walnut Room, 111 N. State Street, in Chicago’s Loop, is bringing back their holiday menu for a special Christmas in July celebration. No word about their signature giant Christmas tree, but one of the nice things about Christmas in July is that you can take advantage of an off-season treasure, and more than likely score a table for your friends and family on Open Table. As one Google reviewer observed (and we agree!) “Went to the Walnut Room with my mom and grandmother before a performance of Moulin Rouge. It was a nice change up from taking the kids to see Santa at Christmas. The Walnut Room is usually pretty touristy during the holidays. However, there’s hardly anyone there at all in the off season. It seems like you have the place and the great view entirely to yourself!”
In addition to the great view, you can start with the amazing Lobster Bisque with sherry, a staple since the store (Macy’s) was Marshall Field’s. Move forward to the entrees with an Asiago Crusted Chicken, served with Pommery mustard sauce, house-made whipped potatoes, and a fresh sautéed vegetable. Or a Cider-Glazed, Slow-Roasted Breast of Turkey, served with whipped potatoes, turkey gravy, fresh sautéed vegetable, and cranberry citrus chutney. Finish your Christmas in July meal with their special Holiday Yule Log, with chocolate-filled vanilla cake, bittersweet chocolate icing, or a Build-Your-Own (Instagrammable) Snowman with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, with a marshmallow, strawberry licorice, and chocolate chips.
Quench your thirst with a Poinsettia, stoked with cranberry juice and sparkling wine. For a kick of caffeine, The Kris Kringle blends iced coffee, Kringle cream liqueur, butterscotch Schnapps, and chocolate espresso sauce. It could make a fine dessert, too!
One recent Google reviewer was rapturous in her praise. “Often overlooked when it’s not a holiday, The Walnut Room is one of the few elegant, yet casual dining rooms left in the city with an affordable (entrees run about $15) and accessible menu. The restaurant is the last great thing that remains a legacy of the former Marshall Field’s. White tablecloths, wood paneling, and sunshine through the huge windows above State Street make for an enjoyable lunch or early dinner.” For hours, reservations, and information,click here.
At River North’s tri-level Hubbard Inn, 110 W. Hubbard Street, Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10 is devoted to Christmas in July at their third-floor event space, MASQ, starting at 1pm. Everything But Brunch, the event planner, promises a “day of debauchery,” and requests that everyone wear Christmas attire. A 21+, reservations-only party, Christmas in July includes a Bottomless Mimosa package for $25 per person from 1pm-3pm, and table reservations include a complimentary bottle of champagne upon arrival, as well as a “front row seat to the best party in town.” Their weekly brunch is available on Level 1 for a separate charge, from 11am-2:30pm. While dressed in your Christmas best, you can enjoy ala carte items such as Chicken & Waffles, with pearl sugar Belgian waffles, crispy buttermilk chicken, maple butter, and fresh fruit, or a Breakfast Burger, with a ½ pound Angus burger, sunny-side-up egg, bacon, fig jam, arugula, and goat cheese, served with tater tots. Lots more to choose from! To book your reservation for Christmas in July at MARQ, email reservations@hubbardinn.com, or make them through Eventbrite by clicking here.
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
