“At last the dishes were set on, and grace was said. It was succeeded by a breathless pause, as Mrs Cratchit, looking slowly all along the carving-knife, prepared to plunge it in the breast; but when she did, and when the long-expected gush of stuffing issued forth, one murmur of delight arose all round the board, and even Tiny Tim, excited by the two young Cratchits, beat on the table with the handle of his knife, and feebly cried, Hurrah!” Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

PSGS chefs prepare many special meals for holidays throughout the year, and December, with New Year’s Eve following fast on the heels of Christmas, is particularly hectic. Christmas and New Years’ food traditions vary enormously between countries, regions and even between individual families and households; so how do we try to satisfy everyone? A few facts:

• We are currently contracted to companies originating in seven countries
• We feed diners from at least 21 countries
• We estimate that a minimum of 35% of our diners are from countries that traditionally celebrate Christmas

Making this time of year special for the employees sacrificing holidays with their families to be present in Iraq to do important work is very meaningful to us; but with such a diverse client base, how do we try and meet everyone’s expectations? Each year the planning process starts two and a half months out. Executive Chefs at each site plan their menus, and they are reviewed by our Head Office Catering Manager (who finds a good reason for our Nutritionist to be out of the office on that day – because this is not his time!). Menus are then approved by the client representative, and the special ingredients are sourced.

Wayne Owen, our Catering Manager says: “We take all festive meals throughout the year very seriously. The significance of food when you are away from home on special occasions can’t be overstated; our menus reflect traditional dishes, prepared with care and attention. We appreciate the benefit that our diners get from a special meal, and we love to see that!”

For your delectation, and anticipation if you are dining with us this Christmas or New Year’s Eve, please find below three of our festive menus.

Menu one

Cream of tomato soup with fresh rolls and butter

Smoked salmon and seafood platter with fresh brown bread and butter

Cold buffet selection: sausage rolls; open sandwiches; shrimp cocktail; mini pizzas; quiches; sliced meat selection

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Roast ballotine of turkey with homemade stuffing and cranberry sauce

Roasted forerib of beef with Yorkshire puddings and horseradish sauce

Stuffed salmon fillet with prawns, spinach, and a cream dill sauce

Live station: beef tenderloin show

Butter creamed potatoes; roasted chateau potatoes in beef stock

Honey and thyme glazed roasted carrots; sautéed Brussel sprouts with onion and bacon; cauliflower mornay au gratin; braised red cabbage with cranberry

Choice of gravies and sauces

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Mince pies with fresh cream; homemade Christmas cake; Christmas pudding

Menu two

Clear seafood soup; Moroccan lamb harissa soup

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Caviar canapes; smoked salmon canapes

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Chicken Ceasar salad; mixed seafood, avocado and crab salad; selection of humus; marinated eggplant and tomato salad; Greek salad; assorted cold cuts; laban, moutable and salad bar

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Roast turkey and beef ribs

Mixed seafood pizza

Salmon with broccoli and almond

Seafood lasagna

Torley casserole

Potato croquettes; rice biriyani; sauteed mixed vegetables

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Dumplings with honey and chocolate; Christmas cake; cheese cake; individual panna cotta; selection of seasonal fruits and international sweets

Menu three

Pinwheel pesto bacon

Chicken balls with Buffalo blue cheese dip

Mozzarella sticks

Tuna ball tapas

Mini pizzas

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Roasted foreribs of beef served with creamy mashed sweet potato and beef gravy

Chinese cabbage wrapped salmon fillets served with a spinach dill sauce

Chicken rolled with cream cheese and mushrooms with fresh vegetables and honey mustard sauce

Iraqi lamb quzi with mixed nuts served with lamb gravy

Live station: Japanese sukiyaki served with noodles, spinach and mushrooms

Traditional Indian seafood curry

Broccoli mornay; mashed carrot; mashed potato; grilled eggplant and marrow with cherry tomatoes; creamy cabbage with bacon; honey roasted pumpkin dumplings

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Celebratory dessert grazing table

Best Regards,