BRITS PLANNING TO SWAP TURKEY FOR ITALIAN THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON

New research reveals that while traditional Christmas dinner remains a festive staple, over 64% of Brits admit they get tired of it quickly or simply don’t like it. With the festive season fast approaching, diners are increasingly seeking exciting alternatives to the classic roast during their pre-Christmas celebrations, with one respondent even proclaiming they want “anything but a roast”.

While not all Brits are ready to be rid of the classics, 39% don’t think it’s important for traditional Christmas dinner staples, such as turkey, to be included in their celebrations in the run-up to the big day. Whether it’s for work Christmas parties, family get-togethers or dinner with friends, the results show that for those side-stepping the traditional roast, Italian cuisine is the most popular choice. In fact, almost one third of Brits (29.14%) would opt for pizza or pasta instead.

With over 80% of Brits planning to eat out with friends, family, or colleagues in the run-up to Christmas, Zizzi is ready to host the nation’s parties. Offering the perfect compromise for roast dinner loyalists and lovers of Italian cuisine, Zizzi is fusing the two in their 3-course Christmas set menu for £29.95pp, serving up:

• The Festive Bombe, a garlic bombe, with chestnut & cranberry crumbled pork meatballs, crispy prosciutto & sage and Roquito hot honey.
• Crust-Mas Rustica, a pizza topped with cranberry and chestnut stuffing, Taleggio, roasted potatoes, ‘nduja, Roquito pepper pearls, Roquito hot honey, crispy prosciutto and sage,
• Roasties Rustica, a vegetarian pizza with roasted potatoes, Fior di Latte Mozzarella, cranberries, Roquito pepper pearls, crispy sage, Riserva cheese crisp, sunblush tomatoes and Roquito hot honey. This pizza can be made vegan.
• Porcini & Prosciutto Roast Chicken, Prosciutto-wrapped chicken breast, stuffed with Taleggio & cranberries, Winter greens, butternut squash, crispy Riserva potatoes and Porcini mushroom sauce. (Dish comes with a £2.75 supplement)

Guests can also treat themselves to Black Truffle Arancini, crispy risotto balls that look like real truffles with hot cheesy fondue and The Christmas Catch, oven-baked giant pasta shells filled with lobster, prawn, mascarpone, lemon & white wine, Pomodoro sauce and Garlic bread lobster (dish comes with a £2.75 supplement).

Christmas isn’t complete without a sweet treat, and Zizzi’s festive dessert options are the Panettone Bread and Butter Pudding with gelato, and Christmas Bombolini, Italian doughnuts filled with Biscoff spread and dusted with orange and cinnamon sugar alongside salted caramel sauce.

For Christmas tipples, Zizzi is mixing vodka, spiced berry, lemon, lime, orange and soda in the Berry & Bright Cocktail, and spiced berry, lemon, lime, orange, and soda in Spiced Berry Sparkle Mocktail. Both of which are served with Santa’s candy floss beard. There are also 3 new Jingle Shots to enjoy at the end of the meal: Baby Guinness, The Nutcracker and Elf Cioccolata. For the ultimate indulgence for the table, guests can choose to share a magnum bottle of Prosecco.

Early bird festive diners can enjoy 30% off food (5pm Sunday – Friday) until 28th November.

Christmas is all about great food and memorable moments,

and by December many people are ready for something beyond the classic turkey dinner. This year’s menu celebrates the best of Italian cooking, elevated with fun, festive flavours for Christmas. We can’t wait for everyone to try it - and for those starting the celebrations early, we’re offering 30% off food until Friday 28 November.