2020….A Unique Year Calls For A Different Kind of Turkey Day For So Many

If you’re like me you have had a difficult time deciding just what to do about this Thanksgving holiday that is approaching very quickly. It has always been our family’s favorite holiday and in fact, having my traditional Thanksgiving feast with many family and friends has been my very favorite gathering of the holidays and something that I look forward to and plan for each year. This year, of course, is different. Keeping my family and friends safe is this year’s priority so I’ve cancelled my large gathering with high hopes to restore my tradition in 2021, but even planning much smaller for my family has had its challenges and so regretfully, but in exercising caution we have decided to split up and not even gather my immediate family together. (hoping to come together virtually!?)

So now that that decision is definite, what to eat on this very important ‘dining’ holiday is a high priority my agenda. With Thanksgiving Day less than two weeks away, what will I do? Well, we have, as usual, our many restaurants happy to help us…….something we can and should give THANKS for! They are always there for us and so as I ponder over what our family plan will be, I’ve highlighted for you, some of the many fine meals or individual items that I will choose from for this very important day! (for a more expanded list of ALL restaurants participating, click on here to this Houstonia Magazine dining guide of November 10 or Culture Map, today, click here

So whether you choose to visit and dine-in at one of the restaurants open for the holiday or pick up for your small at-home feast, there are many options. (click on restaurant name in RED to visit their website)

Dine-in….

The Annie Cafe & Bar: This classic favorite restaurant will be serving a three-course prix-fix Thanksgiving dinner that includes entrees like heritage turkey breast, Gulf red snapper and crab meat, or roasted tenderloin. Starters like foie gras torchon and butter nut squash soup. Sides and desserts are also available. Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thanksgving day. Prix-fixe pricing at $78, $25 for ages 12 and younger.

B.B. Italian Kitchen & Bar: A three-course prix-fixe menu will be offered with a main course of either roasted turkey breast or roasted prime rib. Other offerings include starters such as pumpkin soup or butternut squash ravioli and sides like fried brussel sprouts and whipped potatoes. Dessert included. $55, $25 for children ages and 11 and younger.

B&B Butchers & Restaurant: A prix-fixe menu includes an amuse-bouche: three courses, including a main or roasted turkey or prime rib; and family-style dishes. Every guest will also get a take-home, day after Thanksgiving turkey sandwich with stuffing, cranberry sauce and a side of gravy. Open 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thanksgiving day; $75 for adults, $35 ages 11 and younger.

Brennan’s of Houston: The restaurant is offering a three course prix fixe menu, with entrees including Texas Creole turkey and sides like candied sweet potatoes and green bean casserole, lamb shank with farro risotto and fall vegetables; grilled filet tenderloin with confit potatoes and brussel sprouts hash; and smothered pork chop with carrots three ways. Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thanksgiving day; $62 per person

Turner’s: Executive Chef Robert Del Grande and owner Benjamin Berg will serve a decadent Thanksgving meal, starting with complimentary champagne or kir royale and continuing with appetizers and hors d’oeuvres, including lobster cocktails, oysters on the half shell. Next is a menu that includes either Belgian endive and persimmon salad or chestnut soup for a starter; heritage turkey, beef tenderloin, or Chilean sea bass for an entree, with sides choice of cornbread stuffing or mushroom bread stuffing and wood-roasted sweet potatoes. Of course desserts like classic pumpkin pie, cheesecake and sweet potato bread pudding. Seatings at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. $250 per person.

Cleburne Cafeteria: This beloved Houston dining institution will be open on Thanksgiving Day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Both dine-in and to-go available with its menu that includes turkey, ham, dressing, cranberry sauce, baked squash, green casserole, mac and cheese and much more. Housemade desserts such as pumpkin pie, pecan pie, lemon pound cake and many more of their yummy desserts are available. Larger portions are available for pre-order by visiting their website.

Thanskgiving To-Go

B&B Butcher: Not in the mood to cook this Thanksgiving? The Butcher Shop at B&B has you covered. The pre-order Thanksgiving to-go menu includes a main course, sides and dessert. Orders can be placed starting Sunday, November 1st and will be available for pickup from Tuesday, November 24th through 4pm on Thanksgiving Day. (PLEASE NOTE: the roasted turkey is brined and ready to cook and comes with cooking instructions – it is not pre-cooked. However, the smoked turkey is cooked.)Please call the Butcher Shop at 832.767.4828 (HTX) or 817.731.5360 (FWTX) to place your order at least 48 hours in advance. 

Brennan’s of Houston: At Brennan’s if you choose to dine at home you can pick up a dinner for eight at $328. The meal includes a 12-14 pound smoked turkey, courtesy of Ferges BBQ plus three sides, choose from cornbread pudding, candied sweet potatoes, bacon-braised collard greens or a green bean and mushroom casserole, add gravy, turtle soup, cranberry sauce and a selection of desserts such as creole bread pudding, pecan pie and pumpkin pie. Orders must be placed by noon November 17 and pickup is between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. November 24 and 25.

Tony’s: You can have the luxury of a Tony’s Thanksgiving dinner at home. To-go order includes slow-roasted turkey with gravy, cornbread stuffing, whipped mashed potatoes, Italian-style green beans, cranberry relish, pumpkin bread and pumpkin pie. All items are cooked and only need to be re-heated, instructions are included. Additional items such as Vallone salad, lasagna, cheese enchiladas, creamed spinach, macaroni and cheese, double chocolate cake and biscotti are available. Total price for the prix fixe menu is $270 total for six servings and $540 total for 12 servings. Reserve by November 20 and pickup from 11a.m. to 3p.m. November 25.

Local Foods: A la carte items available include free range turkey (10-12 lbs. average), Texas ribeye with truffle butter, mopu tofu with Carolina gold rice, and baked organic salmon. Also, challah hazelnut stuffing, sweet potato apple kugel, green bean casserole and black garlic roasted herb potatoes. Desserts like baklava cheesecake and Benjy’s famous Mom’s Chocoalte cake are available. Order by November 22 and pick up at Rice Villae Local Foods on Nov. 25, 26.

Underbelly Hospitality: Chris Shepherd does his own special Thanksgiving. Everything is a la carte. It includes smoke turkey breast and turkey gumbo; sides such as jalapeno cheddar cornbread stuffing, mushroom and green bean casserole with fried onions, bacon sausage creamed greens; yeast rolls, pecan pie, Shepherd’s exclusive vinegar pie plus more. Order by 10 p.m. Nov. 21 and pick up between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Nov. 25 at Georgia James.

Revival Market: Pre-order your protein, sides, desserts, and beer/wine for the “All In” Thanksgiving, or simply go for the cooking aids like pie shells and chicken stock. Either way, Revival Market is there for you. Thanksgiving orders must be placed no later than 4pm on Friday, November 20^th. Order may be picked up from 7am-3pm November 23^rd-November 25^th.  A non-refundable $25 deposit will be taken for each protein ordered.

The Pit Room: Order smoked meats like turkey(12 pounds on average), whole brisket(6-8 pounds), and honey glazed ham, plus sides like smoked oyster stuffing, traditional stuffing and turkey giblet gravy. Desserts such as pumpkin pie, and strawberry cream pie are available. Order by November 23.

Goode Co. Barbeque: From slow-smoked turkey to scratch-made sides and pies, Goode Co. has everything you need to bring everyone together on Thanksgiving. Place your order by November 18^th to secure restaurant pick up on November 24^th or 25^th. If you don’t need a full meal, Goode Co. will have their annual pie drive-thru at their Kirby, Memorial and The Woodlands Barbeque locations. Available on November 24^th and November 25^th from 8am—5pm.

A Chocolate Turkey can be yours….

The Chocolate Bar: Hear ye, all chocolate lovers, there is a bright new light shining on this holiday. If you’re looking for a divine (and yummy) centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table. The Chocolate Bar has your answer……Chocolate Turkeys available for Thanksgiving in Milk, Dark or White Chocolate. Pricing for Medium sized turkey is $55; Large sized, $139.95. Order now.

A Final Option…..

If all else fails and it’s a Thanksgiving meal to be shared with just you and maybe your significant other and you have no idea on how to cook a Thanksgiving feast for that few, check out this NY Times article that my Facebook Friend, Bob Cavnar, posted recently…….How To Cook for a Small Thanksgiving, 65 recipes for very small Thanksgiving dine-at-home dishes, found by clicking here.

Wishing all the best to you and a Happy, Safe Thanksgiving to all!!!