INDULGE IN THE HOLIDAY SEASON AT THE WESTIN ST. FRANCIS WITH SPECIAL HOLIDAY DINNERS AND DRINKS

We could not think of a more  perfect holiday gathering with loved ones, head to the legendary Westin St. Francis on Union Square to enjoy an array of festive drinks and meals. Sumptuous Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve feasts prepared by Executive Chef Bernd Liebergesell and Chef de Cuisine Thomas H. Rimpel, along with a traditional holiday tea service can be celebrated in fashion at the stylish Oak Room Restaurant. Renowned chef and restaurateur Michael Mina’s acclaimed BOURBON STEAK is featuring prix fixe menus on Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. Specialty holiday cocktails and treats in Caruso’s provide an idyllic shopping respite. Sample and purchase premier wines from renowned vintner Chateau Montelena in their new tasting room located off the Landmark Lobby. What could be better than that ?Guests will also delight in the dazzling decorations and magnificent 15-foot sugar castle on display in the Landmark Lobby. Below is the large selection of holiday festivities to enjoy at The Westin St. Francis on Union Square this season.

– SWEET AS SUGAR –
On Wednesday, November 23 at 10 a.m., one of the country’s largest sugar castles, created by Executive Pastry Chef, Jean-Francois Houdré and his team, will be unveiled in the celebrated Landmark Lobby. Originally created in 2005, this magnificent castle continually grows larger and more spectacular each year. Since then, it has become a holiday tradition for many families to visit the hotel during the holidays to see this evolving magical palace. Resembling a French château, it weighs over 1200 pounds and features more than 20 grand circular towers, approximately 30 rooms, glowing windows and a running train. *New this year is an extensive life-like replica of a medieval French village complete with intricately constructed homes, a church, a bakery and stores, all with illuminated windows and surrounded by a magical forest. A second train filled with elves will encircle this winter fantasyland. The Sugar Castle will be on display
November 23 – January 3.
– HOLIDAY DRINKS –
Caruso’s Specialty Holiday Drinks 
November 25 – January 8
After a busy day of shopping, unwind with a delicious holiday drink at Caruso’s, located in the Tower Lobby. Choose from peppermint mochas, gingerbread and eggnog lattesplus specialty cocktails such as the “Christmas Cosmo” (Stolichnaya Vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice and a splash of lime), “St. Francis Winter”(Crème de Cacao, Eggnog and Frangelico) and “Patty Peppermint” (peppermint schnapps, dark chocolate liqueur, coffee and whipped cream). For the ultimate wintery indulgence, couple a drink with red berry shortcake, chocolate pot de crème or the signature St. Francis cheesecake. A complete menu of appetizers and sandwiches is also available.Caruso’s is open Sunday-Thursday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday-Saturdayfrom 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. 

 

 

St. Francis Holiday Tea 
December 3– 18; available Saturdays and Sundays only; 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Begin this elegant tea outing with a choice of fine Artisan teas from Mighty Leaf or Red Blossom Tea Company, followed by a selection of tea sandwiches, freshly baked black currant scone and seasonal berries with Devonshire-blend cream, preserves and assorted petit fours. Guests may also choose the Royal Tea, which includes the complete tea service with a glass of Gloria Ferrer sparkling wine. Cost: $41 Adults Complete Tea, with Red Blossom Tea $43; $47Adults Royal Tea, with Red Blossom Tea $49; $21 children 12 and under for regular tea Reservations are required. Please be sure to book early.

 

 

Chateau Montelena at The Westin St. Francis 
Tasting Room is open every Wed. – Sat. from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.; “Glass Sippers” are available starting November 7
The Westin St. Francis has proudly partnered with premier winery Chateau Montelena, revered for winning the renowned Paris tasting in 1976 and featured in the movie “Bottle Shock,” to open a tasting room. Located in the main lobby, guests now have the opportunity to taste and purchase a wide selection of wines (including those typically only available at the Château). Throughout the holiday season, “Glass Sippers,” a gift box containing six 50ml bottles of their Napa Valley Cabernet, will be available for $20 – the perfect gift for wine lovers! The wines will also be available on the menus at Caruso’s and The Oak Room Restaurant.

– DINE IN STYLE –
The Westin St. Francis is featuring several delicious holiday meals prepared by Executive Chef Bernd Liebergesell and Chef de Cuisine Thomas H. Rimpel served in the historic Oak Room Restaurant. For holiday dining reservations, call (415) 774-0264.Thanksgiving Dinners:

 

The Oak Room Restaurant 
November 24; 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Bring together family and friends to relax and indulge in an extravagant Thanksgiving buffet filled with a vast array of appetizers, fresh seafood, an assortment of salads and mouthwatering desserts. A sampling of items include: Dungeness crab chowder; specialty cheeses and cured meats; Alaskan snow crab; champagne poached prawns; pastries; pies and much more. In addition, guests have their choice of four entrées which include: slow roasted turkey with whipped potatoes and chestnut stuffing; pan seared Alaskan halibut with corn risotto and winter squash; sea salt and herb rubbed prime rib of Angus beef with baked potato and spinach and cheese ravioli with arugula truffle cream. Cost: $82 Adults; $39 Children 12 and under,exclusive of tax and gratuity. Main courses available a la carte.

 

 

Bourbon Steak
November 24; 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 
For a Thanksgiving to truly remember, enjoy dinner at BOURBON STEAK, owned and operated by acclaimed chef and restaurateur Michael Mina. Featuring a special three-course menu that celebrates seasonal California products, producers and farmers, a sampling of items include a choice of pumpkin soup or little gem salad, followed by a selection of three main courses: organic turkey with bitter greens and black trumpet mushrooms; wild striped bass with butter beans and maitake mushrooms; and dry-aged sirloin with a brussel sprouts. Guests can also enjoy a selection of side dishes such as bread stuffing and sweet potato gratin, followed by seasonal pumpkin cheesecake for dessert. Cost: $125 per person.

 

 

Time Honored Holiday Dinner 
November 25 – January 1; 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
After enjoying the holiday festivities and shopping in Union Square, toast the season with a three course meal at a great price at The Oak Room Restaurant. Guests will have the opportunity to choose from a selection of items including an appetizer of smoked salmon tartar or a pinot noir poached pear salad and entrees such as pan seared Alaskan True Cod, flat iron steak and lemon roasted chicken breast. Cap off the meal with crème brulee. Cost: $37.50 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Includes a complimentary glass of wine or a non alcoholic beverage. Not valid during holidays, special occasions or with other offers.

 

Christmas Eve Dinner
December 24; 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
In addition to the regular dinner menu at The Oak Room Restaurant, Executive Chef Bernd Liebergesell has created three special entrees to enjoy on this magical evening: salmon with lemon polenta and Dungeness crab salsa; St. Francis Cioppino; and Zinfandel braised Angus beef short ribs with tiger prawns and fingerling potatoes.Entrees $31-$35 and includes a complimentary glass of Charles de Fere Champagne.

 

 

Christmas Dinner
December 25; 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Celebrate Christmas dinner at The Oak Room Restaurant with an extravagant buffet overflowing with scrumptious appetizers, salads, seafood, and dessert. Offering countless tantalizing choices for every taste, a sampling of items include cheeses and cured meats, seafood favorites such as rock shrimp salad, Alaskan snow crab and smoked salmon, seasonal salads and pastries, pies and tarts. Additionally, guests have a choice of four holiday favorites such asslow roasted turkey with herb corn stuffing and fresh cranberry relish; roasted Pacific Northwest salmon with polenta; pepper crusted prime rib with baked potato; and wild mushroom ravioli with sautéed spinach.Cost: $82 Adults; $39 Children 12 and under (exclusive of tax and gratuity). Main courses available a la carte.

 

 

New Year’s Eve Dinners:

The Oak Room Restaurant 
December 31; 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Kick off the New Year’s celebration with a special dinner at the elegant Oak Room Restaurant. Choose from a special selection of entrees including succulent butter roasted Maine Lobster with Dungeness Crab stuffing; grilled Muscovy duck breast with wild mushroom risotto; herb crusted prime rib; and pesto crusted salmon with lobster mashed potatoes. Entrees $34-$49.

 

 

Bourbon Steak
December 31; 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. & 8p.m. to 9p.m.
Acclaimed Bourbon Steak will feature two exclusive tasting menus, each designed to kick off the New Year in true gourmand style. The first seating includes a four-course dinner with foraged mushrooms, chestnut soup, dry age rib eye and capped off with an “Opera Tarte” for dessert. Diners at the second seating will be treated to two additional courses – “Lapsang Souchang Tea Crusted Hiramasa” and “Lobster Agnolotti.” First Seating: $95 per person; Second Seating: $155 per person. Wine pairings: $95 per person.


The Westin St . Francis opened more than a century ago on March 21, 1904, The Westin St. Francis still today maintains its preeminence as San Francisco’s center of social, theatrical and business life. It is renowned for luxury accommodations and excellent service, the hotel completed an extensive $40 million transformation in 2009 that preserves its rich history and elegance while enhancing the guest experience with fresh, innovative concepts. The only hotel located on San Francisco’s famous Union Square, The Westin St. Francis is located right on the classic cable line and is just steps from first-class shopping, world-renowned dining, award-winning theater and a bustling arts district. For reservations and more information, please call (415) 397-7000, toll free (800) 917-7458 or visit www.westinstfrancis.com.