Wednesday, November 11, 2009

We're Thankful... That Others Can Cook Our Thanksgiving Dinner!


Let’s be honest. Making a huge Thanksgiving meal for all your family is what you’d like to do. Everyone loves to picture themselves in a Norman Rockwell painting, apron on, turkey and stuffing and all the works coming out of the oven in sheer perfection. Everyone oohs and ahhs in your direction as the pristine dishes hit the table.

For some of us, however, that image sounds more like a horror movie, with hungry relatives clamoring to be fed and the fire alarm wailing from that sweet potato casserole you burned… It’s enough to make you run screaming from the kitchen, those same idyllic apron strings flying behind in your wake!

If we just described your take on cooking Thanksgiving dinner, you can take a deep sigh of relief, because we’ve got you covered! Thank goodness that quite a few Atlanta restaurants will be available to save the day, serving your turkey day favorites. Here are a few of our favorites.

Starting a new Southern tradition, South City Kitchen Midtown will open their doors on Thanksgiving Day from noon to 6:30 p.m. with a special three-course menu. Diners can choose from a selection of appetizers, entrees and desserts; $35 for adults and $17.50 for children 12 and under (tax and gratuity not included). Bring Chef Chip Ulbrich's spread to your place for $22.50 per person (plus tax). Each eight-person to-go order is fully cooked! Place your order for at least eight people with them by Friday, November 20 and pick up on Wednesday, November 25 only. Pumpkin and pecan pies can be ordered at South City Kitchen Midtown for pick-up prior to Thanksgiving Day at South City Kitchen Vinings, too. For more information, to place all orders and make reservations, call 404-873-7358. The restaurant is located at 1144 Crescent Avenue.

Go traditional with turkey or favor the French/American-inspired wild mushroom ravioli and grilled salmon from the regular menu at Toulouse American Bistro in Buckhead. This cozy bistro has something to please everyone during its Thanksgiving hours of noon until 7 p.m. Information and reservations: 404-351-9533. 2293 Peachtree Road, NE.

Ray's Restaurants will have two locations open until 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Savor your holiday buffet and a river view at Ray's on the River starting at 9 a.m.; $39.95 for adults and $17.50 for children five and under. 6700 Powers Ferry Road, NW; 770-955-1187.

Outside the perimeter, Ray's Killer Creek gratifies cravers of turkey, seafood or beef. Seafood fans can choose from a variety of appetizers and entrees including Ray's ahi tuna, hickory-roasted sea bass as well as selections from the "Fresh Fish Market" menu. For beef lovers, Ray's Killer Creek serves some of the finest cuts from Halperns' Purveyors of Steak & Seafood including filets, steaks and slow-roasted prime rib. Thanksgiving traditionalists will go for the classic turkey dinner with homemade dressing and gravy, mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables and homemade cranberry sauce ($25 adults, $13 children). Ray's three-course special adds soup or salad, dessert and Tunnel of Elms Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay for $39. $35 without wine. Thanksgiving Day service begins at 10 a.m. 1700 Mansell Road; 770-649-0064.

And don’t worry, you can thank us later.

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