“It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” We tend to agree. No surprise L.A. knows how to rock a holiday that’s centered around lights and spotlights. Whether it’s the Enchanted Forest of Light at the Descanso Gardens, the L.A. Zoo Lights, Holiday Road in the Santa Monica Mountains, or the Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade, Los Angeles knows how to get “lit” for the holidays.
So we may not be “caroling out in the snow,” but we can nestle up “by an open fire” with the best of them… of course, that fire is a bonfire on the beach after sunset. Because L.A. does holidays our own way. And a big part of that is that, as of December 1st, Hollywood becomes: The Place That Gives You Christmas Movies. And what’s more holiday than binging the Christmas classics.
So, iconic holiday films light up our homes and yours! The Parkers unpacking their new, prized leg lamp in A Christmas Story. George bursting into his home, wildly embracing his four children and Mary in It’s a Wonderful Life. Buddy, whispering to fake Santa that he sits on a throne of lies, in Elf. Hugh Grant’s unforgettable moves as the prime minister in Love Actually. And of course, every impressive booby trap devised by Kevin in Home Alone. We don’t care if you’re naughty or nice, it’s irrefutable that our sunny Hollywood has helped craft the coziest holiday seasons for decades.
While we adore the classics like Home Alone, we prefer to make the Sunset Marquis a Home Away from Home for the holidays. We give Buddy the Elf a run for his money when it comes to decor, and then we step it up a notch or ten when it comes to dining. Cavatina Restaurant is curating another unforgettable four-course Christmas menu this year. And we’re advising you to make your reservation right this second.
Your Cavatina Christmas experience will begin with a Marquis Relish Tray, composed of pickled local vegetables, olives, smoked salmon deviled eggs with trout roe. We challenge you to try and pick only one-second course. You could go coastal, with Oysters and Poached Prawns in a Meyer lemon and champagne mignonette. Or you could go “cozy,” with a Mushroom and Chestnut Bisque topped with charred pearl onion and crispy sage. Or finally, Chef Luis’s delectable Local Winter Green Salad with a black truffle vinaigrette.
Whatever you choose, leave room for Chef’s third course, which we’ve been calling “the main event.” The third course is your choice of either a Tender Braised Veal Shank (with creamy saffron potato puree and baby root vegetables); Sonoma County Duck Breast (with hidden rose apple, creamy parsnip, brussels sprouts, maple syrup, and rosemary); or Maine Diver Scallops (with celery, le puy lentils, lardon, and Meyer lemon).
If you’re finding it impossible to even conceive of making a choice between all of those mouth-watering options, you’re not alone. We asked our Food & Beverage Director Szymon Piechaczek what his favorite holiday dish is this year. His answer? “I love all of them!” What will you choose, if even our stellar F&B Director loves them all? Do people get coal from Santa when they give others an impossible dilemma? We guess Chef Luis will find out.
But the decision-making gets easier for dessert: Chocolate Buche de Noel with orange meringue, cranberry, and macaron. It’s so iconic there is no other option. And if you’re not quite the eggnog type, we have our Sommelier Wine Pairing options or Bottomless Bubbles available. Now we’re back on the “nice” list, right? After dinner, we recommend walking around our property. We have lights strung up to ensure the grounds feel like one giant Christmas tree. And we have two Christmas trees to remind you that, in fact, we’re a hotel – that’s simply well-decorated. If you’re properly letting the holiday spirit compel you, treat yourself to a post-feast night at your home away from home here at the Sunset Marquis. The distractingly exceptional Cavatina menus almost make you forget… we have gorgeous, luxurious, and cozy rooms for you too.
By Audrey Wooster – Edited by Sam Miller
