Some of Houston's more festive restaurants are offering special Christmas Eve dinners. Among them:

Backstreet Cafe: Three courses for $45 (plus tax and gratuity). Reservation advised. Sample meal: roasted pear stuffed with blue cheese, dried fruits and nuts; pan-seared duck breast with butternut squash; and spiced apple crisp with brown butter ice cream.
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The Broken Spoke: Prix fixe menu. $50 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Reservation required. Sample meal: lobster bisque; leg of lamb with green beans and Gratin Dauphinois; and Crepes Suzette Flambees au Grand Marnier.

Hugo's: A buffet will be offered 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Cost is $39 (plus tax and gratuity). Reservation advised. Among the offerings: pork loin with peanut mole; goat cheese quiche; cornbread pudding; and pound cake with apricot glaze.

Mockingbird Bistro: Three-course meal offered 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Cost is $59 (plus tax and gratuity). Sample menu: roasted beet salad; slow-cooked short ribs; and chocolate pecan pie.

Bistro Provence: Three courses served 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Cost is $48 (plus tax and gratuity). Reservation advised. Sample menu: butternut squash soup; Beef Wellington; and walnut and pear crsip.

The Big Mamou: Five-course dinner for $50 (plus tax and gratuity). Reservation required. Sample meal: crab beignet; roasted new and sweet potatoes with warm bacon vinaigrette; turtle soup; pan-seared red snapper with sweet corn pudding; fruit and cheese plate.

Also open for dinner on Christmas Eve: Bailey's American Grille, Crapitto's Cucina Italiana, Bistro Don Camillo, The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Kim Son, Angus Grill Brazilian Steak House, Karl's at the Riverbend, Pradaria Steaks & Churrascaria, Tintos Spanish Restaurant & Wine Bar, French Quarter Market & Grill, Benjy's