Some people love spending Thanksgiving in the kitchen, but it’s not for everyone, and preparing an elaborate holiday meal is just one of the 8.8 million complaints you’ll see if you Google “Thanksgiving stinks.”
For the past several years, Tom Gallant, proprietor of Turf Tavern in Scotia, and his wife have hosted Thanksgiving dinner at their Mohawk Avenue establishment, which they have owned since March 1996.
“Couples who don’t have family local or don’t want to go through the pains of preparing a dinner can come see us,” said Gallant. “We’re ready for parties of two to 22.”
The day, which Gallant calls “a very positive experience,” has sold out every year.
The Gallants open from noon to 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving, offering a buffet-style meal that includes traditional fare, as well as other options.
“If you’re not a fan of the traditional dinner, we have plenty to satisfy your tastes,” said Gallant.
Seating is limited, and reservations can be made by calling 393-3671.
Other local establishments also cater to patrons who are looking to have the stress of holiday cooking taken off their plate. Whether one is looking for something traditional or more exotic, there are plenty of culinary options in the Capital District.
Local restaurateur Frank Lee, who owns Shogun Sushi and Sake Bars in both Albany and Delmar, has built on that success by opening Rain Modern Chinese on Lark Street last year. His newest restaurant bills its fare as “contemporary, up-scale” Chinese cuisine, and on Thanksgiving Rain is offering its popular dim sum brunch, normally exclusive for weekends. Dim sum is an a la carte menu offering small plates of Chinese delicacies.
Reservations are not necessary. Call Rain at 729-4827 for more information.
Some of favorite local eateries may be closed on Thanksgiving; however, they could be offering a take-out meal to pick up the day before for those who plan ahead.
Grappa’72 Ristorante on Albany’s Central Avenue is continuing with its holiday take-out meal tradition.
This year, the family-owned Italian restaurant is offering a roasted turkey with Madeira gravy. The sides include cranberry, apple and sausage stuffing, homemade mashed potatoes, port wine spiced cranberry sauce and orange-glazed candied carrots. There’s also pumpkin butter sweet potatoes, sweet buttered corn, a medley of vegetables, fresh rolls with butter and a fresh-baked pie for dessert.
All orders must be called in at 482-7200 by Monday, Nov. 24, at 8 p.m. Pick-up will be available all day Wednesday, Nov. 26, from noon to 10:30 p.m.
Bellini’s Italian Eatery in Slingerlands, famous for its weekly “Tuesday Take-Out” meals, family-style dinners prepared for pick-up, will be offering rigatoni Bolognese with ricotta and Caesar insalata for take-out the evening before. However, on Thanksgiving, each of the restaurant’s three locations – Slingerlands, Clifton Park and Latham – will be closed.
For more information, visit the website at www.marrellorc.com.
In Troy, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que has quickly established itself as a great place to get slow-cooked, Southern-style steak, brisket, potatoes and gravy.
Dinosaur boasts of being closed just two nights a year. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving is one of those nights, but the restaurant is offering a take-out meal. The menu includes a pit-roasted turkey (between 14 to 16 pounds), with homemade turkey giblet gravy, cornbread stuffing, whipped sweet potatoes and a choice of two homemade pies to serve between eight to 12 people. You need to speak with the catering manager at 308-0401 to place an order.
This is by no means a comprehensive list of restaurants offering Thanksgiving takeout, so it doesn’t hurt to give your favorite eatery a call if you want to opt out of cooking this Thanksgiving.
