Arileo, in Los Charales, San Juan Cosala, offers a Christmas Eve dinner of mushroom soup, choice of prime rib or pork tenderloin marinated in a four-cheese sauce and crepes Suzette, from noon to 9 p.m. Reservations: 106-1627.
Armando’s (Ocampo 18, Ajijic) serves Christmas Day dinner from 1 to 9 p.m., including Waldorf salad, roast turkey and all the trimmings or shrimp in wine sauce. Also home-made cake, a glass of house wine and Kahlua or brandy. Cost 250 pesos. Reservations: 766-2229.
Hotel Real de Chapala’s Restaurant Los Azulejos offers a three-course meal of apple pecan salad, roast stuffed turkey with mashed potatoes, carrots and peas and Christmas fruit punch. Served December 24, 7 to 10:30 p.m. Cost is 295 pesos for adults, 148 pesos for children. Reservations required: 766-0007.
Josy’s Restaurant on the highway in Riberas del Pilar is offering a Christmas Eve special turkey meal with all the trimmings until 7 p.m. Cost 220 pesos, including apple pie. Reservations: (332) 233-5624.
Los Telares (Morelos 6, Ajijic) holds a dinner-dance Friday, December 23, 2 to 8 p.m. The menu features pork loin stuffed with either pear and nuts in a sweet and sour sauce or with peppers, spinach and bacon in a mushroom sauce, a pasta bar and salads for 200 pesos. Reservations: 766-0428.
Manix Restaurant (Ocampo 57, Ajijic) puts on a Christmas Day buffet with seatings at 2-5 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Included are appetizers, turkey and roast suckling pig with all the trimmings and a dessert bar for 320 pesos, tip and drinks not included. Reservations: 766-0061.
Maria Isabel Restaurant at the Old Posada on the lake front in Ajijic is offering a Christmas Day buffet from 1 to 6 p.m. for 200 pesos. Reservations: 766-5157.
Roberto’s Restaurant on the highway in West Ajijic puts on an elegant Christmas Eve dinner from 5 to 9:30 p.m., including roast turkey, baked ham, lamb loin, ducking, lobster thermidor, roast beef and many fish dishes. The following day, Roberto’s offers a traditional Christmas Day brunch from 2 to 7 p.m. Reservations: 766-1616. See the full menu at robertosrestaurant.com.
La Nueva Posada’s famous Christmas Day dinner with its famous Christmas pudding sold out by December 15. For reservations at other times call 766-2049.
Dining at home
Chef Geogina and Chef Peter from the Colibri Garden are baking pies, fruit cakes and other specialties. Order at 765-4412 or (333) 156-9382.
Lilifher Deli has whole or half hams, cheeses, sausages, Christmas sweet breads and candy, jam, spices and more. Colon 19, Ajijic, Monday to Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Call 766-2339.
Rangers BBQ, across the street from Super Lake, offers brisket, ribs and brats for Christmas and New Year events. Order at (332) 184-6120.
Puritan Poultry, on the highway in Riberas del Pilar, still has quality turkeys for sale, as well as a fine selection of imported groceries and honey baked hams. Call 765-4399, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Delicious hearty breads and selected local and imported delicacies are available at Panaderia Scandinavia sourdough bakery in Centro Laguna. And don’t forget to pick up some of Matthias Mueller’s scrumptious chocolates while you’re there. Call 766-0604.