From Swedish Smorgasbord to Yule Logs, Tables Are Set for Holiday

Pickled herring, gravad lax, smoked reindeer and more make up the Swedish Christmas smorgasbord at Gustaf Anders, available at both lunch ($26 per person) and dinner ($39) through Monday. (The restaurant will be closed Tuesday and Christmas.) Located in South Coast Plaza Village. Reservations: (714) 668-1737.

Two normally dinner-only restaurants in Newport are open for lunch this week: John Dominis (2901 W. Coast Highway) serves Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. through Christmas Eve, (714) 650-5112; and Rex offers lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Christmas Eve, (714) 644-4400.

The traditional French pastry Yule log, buche de Noel , with its chocolate “bark,” macaroon mushrooms and layers of praline, chocolate and vanilla sponge genoise, is available from Le Meridien’s pastry chefs. Logs serving six to eight are $24 each and must be ordered by noon Christmas Eve. Le Meridien Newport Beach is at 4500 MacArthur Blvd. (714) 476-2001.

A’Roma is serving Sunday dinners for $8.95 all this month from 4 to 10 p.m. Dinners include fresh baked focaccia, salad, choice of entree (lasagna Napolitana, canneloni Fiorentina, pennette Barese), spumoni and coffee. A’Roma is at 30 Centerpointe Drive, La Palma. Reservations: (714) 523-3729.

Dave and Vivian Patterson, longtime owners of Sargent Pepperoni’s Pizza Store in Newport Beach, have sold the restaurant to Stuart Fischman (former head of franchise relations for Del Taco) and Mike Rossi. The new owners plan to maintain the restaurant’s original format and menu. The location: 2300 S.E. Bristol St. Information: (714) 852-9500.

For an above-it-all view of the Dana Point Harbor parade of lights, try the Dana Point Resort’s Lantern Bay Lounge, between dusk and 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The resort also serves holiday afternoon tea, featuring Christmas baked goods, in the lounge from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays until Christmas. Tea selections range from $6.95 to $11.95, and a variety of sherries and champagnes is also available. The resort is at 24135 Park Lantern, Dana Point. Information: (714) 661-5000.