Do you see the Tyranny of the Turkey at your local newsstand? That means Thanksgiving is upon us. It also means you’ll be trashing your kitchen and manicure to provide, perhaps, a not-so-stellar meal. The good news is that a few great local chefs are offering take-out Thanksgivings; these full or partial feasts can take the stress-mess out of America’s biggest cooking holiday. I suggest you use the extra free time to concentrate on the really important stuff, like an OTT, Sandra Lee style, Half-Baked “tablescape.”
Restaurant North
This is an incredibly good deal. You can pick up just the Hemlock Hill Bourbon Red turkey, roasted or ready for your own oven. You can also check through a long list of sides that include mashed potatoes with truffle chips, apple-cider stuffing with sausage (or not), green beans, and Brussels sprouts. There are beautiful, house-baked breads, cakes, and pies—and the good news is that most of this feast is as locally sourced as North’s regular menu. I like the idea of roasting the turkey in your own oven (so that your house smells all roasty/lovely), then re-plating the accoutrements, pouring a drink, and lying your butt off when the compliments pour in
Plates
Rather than North’s per-dish order, you can pick up the whole shebang at Plates for $385. It serves 10 to 12 people, and even allows for next-day leftovers. The feast includes a 14-pound turkey, poached cranberries with port and spices, green beans with pearl onions, sweet potatoes with brown sugar and marshmallows, stuffing with sage and sausage, turkey gravy, and two pecan pies. Alternately, you can order the turkey, pies, and stuffing separately, or opt for “sides to go”: 3 sides at $5 per person (4 person minimum).
Harper’s Restaurant & Bar and Meritage Restaurant
These kitchens of these sister restaurants are both run by Chef Chris Vergari, and offer catered turkeys or fully catered Thanksgivings. To inquire, contact Jamie at Jamie@meritagerestaurant.net (914) 472-8484.
