If you’re having trouble getting into the holiday spirit this year, you should be looking for places to eat that serve roast beef! Roast beef has long been a centerpiece of festive meals, and its association with Christmas dinners goes back through centuries of culinary and cultural traditions. In the United States, we often cook turkey or ham for Christmas dinner, but roast beef is the main attraction for holiday meals in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe.
Roast beef has long had a connection with holiday celebrations. If you need help feeling festive, you need some roast beef.
Medieval Feasts
The tradition of roast beef at Christmas dates back to the Middle Ages, when feasts and lavish meals were an integral part of religious and royal celebrations. During this time, eating beef was a symbol of wealth and abundance, making it a fitting dish for the grandest of occasions. Kings and nobles often served large roasts to showcase their prosperity, and roast beef became synonymous with Christmas indulgence.
A Traditional Victorian Christmas
In the 18th century, with the rise of the British middle class, the tradition of roast beef spread beyond royal courts into more common homes. By the Victorian era, roast beef became a quintessential part of Christmas dinners in England, often served alongside vegetables, puddings, and rich sauces. This era is also when the phrase “roast beef of Old England” emerged, symbolizing both national pride and the hearty, comforting nature of roast beef.
Worldwide Spread
Over time, the tradition of roast beef for Christmas spread to other countries, particularly in places with British influence, such as Canada, the United States, and Australia. While many modern Christmas dinners now feature turkey or ham, the enduring popularity of roast beef remains in many households, especially those with British heritage or those seeking a rich, flavorful alternative.
Looking for Great Places to Eat? Come to Bill & Bob’s!
Get into the spirit of the holidays with roast beef! Whether you make it the centerpiece of your Christmas table or grab a sandwich from Bill & Bob’s while running errands, you can’t help but feel festive while enjoying some roast beef, especially this time of year. Getting roast beef sandwiches from Bill & Bob’s is the perfect way to have a low-key holiday feast!