Where to order Christmas lunch 2021

As this very long year draws to a close, I think we can be forgiven for wanting to take things a little easy this Christmas. If the idea of cooking a festive feast does not appeal, here are some local take-home options high on deliciousness and low on fuss.

One Penny Red, Summer Hill
This menu sounds amazing – sashimi, cooked Queensland Tiger prawns, ham with a molasses and nectarine glaze, plus a potato salad, Christmas pudding, cheese board and condiments. Wine and cocktail packs are available too.

The One Penny Red Christmas Hamper costs $420 and can be picked up on Christmas Eve. At the time of writing there were still two pick-up times available: 11am and 12pm.

Where: 2 Moonbie Street, Summer Hill.
Details/to order: https://booking.nowbookit.com/booking?accountid=63b1c09d-bb2d-4e98-9fc0-cb4e651ec820&theme=light&accent=120,84,71&venueid=2633&date=2021-12-24&serviceids=event_CWL242TST0VHV_1637729822676

Bourke Street Bakery, various locations
If you’re planning a picnic-style Christmas, or you’re looking for some themed treats to complement your own festive feast, Bourke Street Bakery has you covered. Pre-order mini-pies, sausage rolls, pastries and tarts, plus mince pies and gingerbread people (pictured at top), for pick up on Christmas Eve. The cut-off to pre-order for this date is 3pm on December 21.

Where: various locations, including many in the inner west
Details/to order: https://bourkestreetbakery.foodstorm.com/site

Stix, Marrickville
There are options to suit a variety of tastebuds at Stix. Choose the Gourmet Buffet Box ($99 – $198) and pick your protein, there’s hot smoked salmon, char sui chicken thighs, red braised pork belly and more. Add two sides for $89. There’s also a delicious looking choc-orange yule log for $55. Order by December 21 for pick-up on Christmas Eve. This menu is also available for pick up every Wednesday to Saturday in the lead-up to Christmas, with three days notice.

Where: 20 Chapel Street, Marrickville
Details/to order: https://stix.com.au/collections/christmas-buffets

Mrs Underwood, Stanmore
This popular local cafe has a short and sweet Christmas menu on offer this year. But get in quick with those pre-orders as last year quite a few items sold out well in advance. There’s a Pernod-cured salmon gravlax for $60 (half) or $90 (whole), hams glazed in hot mustard, brown sugar and cloves for $40, and a salt and cognac-cured duck breast for $20 (per piece). Plus sweet treats, including a lavender, rose and violet pavlova case for $25 (6 inch) or $40 (10 inch) – just add cream and toppings!

Where: 16 Douglas Street, Stanmore
Details/to order: Call 9569 6656 to order. Or check out the cafe’s Instagram for the menu

Cherry Moon, Annandale
If you’re keen for a Christmas lunch finale that celebrates summer and steers clear of dried fruit, Cherry Moon has the cherry pie for you! We’re talking sour cream pastry, almond frangipane, blackcurrant and cherry jam, plus cherries marinated in amaretto and Christmas spices. Pre-order a cherry pie ($35) or pumpkin pie ($35) this week, for pick up before Christmas Day.

Where: 77 Nelson Street, Annandale
Details/to order: https://www.cherrymoongeneralstore.com.au/order