Most of us have a lot to be thankful for at Thanksgiving. Having food on the table and spending time with family and friends are likely among them, but slaving away in the kitchen all day is usually not at the top of the list. If you want to enjoy a bountiful family feast, but don’t want to hassle with the time and effort it takes to create such a spread, not to worry! If you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year, keep it easy and hassle-free with a Thanksgiving feast to go. This way, you can enjoy the day by spending quality time with your little pilgrims instead of with the poultry and potatoes.
photo: vxla via Flickr
The French Gourmet
The French Gourmet is well known for its quaint French restaurant and bakery in La Jolla. But did you know they also offer full-service catering for every occasion, Thanksgiving included? So this year, let them do all the cooking while you take the credit! From gourmet appetizers like brie en croute to whole fresh-roasted turkeys and all the trimmings (red bliss mashed potatoes, anyone?), to assorted pies and pumpkin cheesecake. The options are endless and your guests are sure to be impressed. The French Gourmet proudly serves tender and juicy Diestel Turkey from the Sierra Foothills, which are free-range turkeys that are free of growth stimulants and hormones. Don’t forget to add their delicious fresh-baked breads or a turkey-shaped fruit tart to compliment your meal. The menu is à la carte and prices vary based on turkey size.
Good to know: Orders must be placed by November 20 and all orders must be paid in full in advance. Hot food orders will be available for pick up between 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. You’ll receive detailed instructions on how long to reheat everything.
The French Gourmet
960 Turquoise St.
San Diego, Ca 92109
858-488-1725
Online: thefrenchgourmet.com
photo: terren in Virginia via Flickr
Elijah’s
Elijah’s Restaurant & Catering is offering a fully-cooked Thanksgiving dinner that can be picked up or delivered to your door! What could be easier? Their turkey dinner serves ten people and includes your choice of two traditional side dishes, plus gravy, cranberry sauce, and a homemade pie, all for $130. If you’d rather keep turkey off the menu, you can opt for a beef brisket, ham, or prime rib dinner. All food is served in aluminum containers so you can keep it hot or pop it into the oven for easy reheating, which means maximum time to spend with your munchkins!
Good to know: For even less of a mess, take the whole family to Elijah’s restaurant on Thanksgiving! They are offering a dinner special which includes soup or salad, freshly carved turkey, all the fixings, a fountain beverage, and a slice of pie, all for just $19.95, and kids 10 and under $12.95.
Elijah’s
8861 Villa La Jolla Dr.
San Diego, Ca 92037
858-353-5528
Online: elijahsrestaurant.com
photo: Amy Wagliardo via Flickr
Marie Callendar’s
Best known for the legendary pies (over 30 kinds!), Marie Callendar’s is serving “Home Cooked Happiness” with their Thanksgiving Feasts. You’ll love the convenience of online ordering, and you can select your pickup time between 7 -10 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day. There are five feasts to choose from with options ranging from just the breast (no fighting over the turkey legs), the whole turkey, a bone-in spiral cut ham, or combinations of turkey and ham so everyone is happy. Each feast serves up to eight people, and includes the meat, four sides, cranberry sauce, gravy, fresh cornbread, a pie, and coffee. With sides like apple-sage stuffing and fire-roasted yams with cranberry streusel, you may want to skip breakfast. If you’ve got some picky eaters in your crew, not to worry; they’ve got mac-n-cheese to save the day! Prices for the feasts range from $99.99 to $149.99, or you can customize everything by ordering à la carte.
Good to know: All feasts require three hours reheating time. Detailed instructions can be found online.
Locations in San Diego, Chula Vista, Escondido, and Temecula
Online: mariecallendars.com
photo: Satya Murthy via Flickr
Terra American Bistro
This award-winning San Diego restaurant located in east county brings its farm-to-table concept and commitment to local, sustainable agriculture to its Thanksgiving catering menu. Everything can be ordered à la carte and serves ten people. Start with a mouth-watering appetizer like pumpkin ravioli or potato, brie, and red onion quesadillas. In addition to herb roasted turkey, main entrees also include stuffed pork chops, local fish, flat iron steak or maple marinated tofu. Let’s not forget about the sides! How about country smashed three cheese potatoes, roasted butternut squash bisque, or caramelized sweet potato and house made bacon hash to compliment your fresh-from-the-farm feast. There is also a vegetarian feast available which includes everything but the bird!
Good to know: Orders must be placed by 4 p.m. on Nov. 20 and picked up after 1 p.m. on Nov. 25.
Terra
7091 El Cajon Blvd.
San Diego, Ca 92115
619-293-7088
Online: terrasd.com
photo: Pink Sherbet Photography via Flickr
Bristol Farms
Bristol Farms has Thanksgiving covered with complete holiday meals available for six to 16 guests. Their free-range antibiotic free turkeys are slow-roasted to perfection allowing you to spend plenty of time with the kiddos instead of in the kitchen. If you want to skip the bird this year, they also offer slow-roasted prime rib, honey glazed spiral ham, pork loin, or poached salmon. Their selection of fully-cooked side dishes offers something for everyone like three different types of stuffing, two styles of yams, traditional mashed or scalloped potatoes, and a butternut squash risotto that looks heavenly. Pre-order online or in-store at their LaJolla/UTC location.
Good to know: Since Bristol Farms is a full-service grocery store, you can make it a one-stop shop. While you’re picking up your feast on Thanksgiving morning, browse the aisles and stock up on any essentials (got wine?) you might need for the big day or the rest of the weekend.
Bristol Farms
8510 Genesee Ave.
San Diego, Ca 92122
858-558-4180
Online: bristolfarms.com
If you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year, which feast-to-go might you want to try? Tell us in the comments below!
— Kelly Powell
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