A Thanksgiving Day Guide to Take-Out or Eat-In Feasts

Thanksgiving is the most anticipated and sometimes the most daunting meal of the year. But, in the end, it is all about food, friends and family. Depending on the number of guests in your party, there are several options for celebrating the holiday that don't involve slaving away in the kitchen for days.

We often get asked for resources that allow diners to opt out of preparing a do-it-yourself feast in favor of a catered event or a restaurant meal. Others may use a lifeline and choose to order a few dishes to supplement their home cooked menu. 

Here are a few resources for those who would prefer to get a little assistance or just make a reservation.

Restaurant Reservations

Open Table has a Thanksgiving Day feature this year that allows you to search for reservations in your specified area for a special holiday meal.

Bernard's Restaurant in Ridgefield will be serving a special menu from 12 noon to 7 pm.  

The Dressing Room in Westport will be serving some classic Thanksgiving specials along with their regular menu with until 6 pm. 

Madonia in Stamford will be serving a traditional 3-course traditional Thanksgiving dinner from 1 to 7 pm.

SoNo Brewhouse is doing a Thanksgiving Day feast beginning at 12 noon.

The Fez in Stamford will be hosting a Moroccan-inspired "UnTraditional Thanksgiving Dinner." Call for details: 203-324-FEZ1.

The Elms in Ridgefield will be offering a traditional Thanksgiving menu featuring Revolutionary-era dishes such as Spoonbread, Indian Pudding and Garden Sass.

Hunting & Gathering

Several of your favorite restaurants may not be open for Thanksgiving but will happily cater your Thanksgiving Day meal. Nicholas Roberts Gourmet Bistro has a special menu that features a black bean, duck and broccoli rabe soup, several sizes of turkey, and ten sides including a fall vegetable ratatouille.  

Sugar & Olives Chef Jennifer Balin has put together a special Thanksgivig menu featuring local and organic favorites. Contact Sugar & Olives for more information on their holiday menu. 

Valencia Luncheria in Norwalk, (of Venezuelan culinary fame), is a great choice if you are looking for a catered meal that is just a little different this Thanksgiving. Michael will have the basics on his holiday menu, but you'll find some more interesting sides here. Don't forget to ask for his "green sauce." 

"Emilie, Your French Chef" will prepare a custom Thanksgiving dinner for you and your guests cooked exactly to your specifications. Contact Emilie for details. 

109 Cheese Market in Ridgefield has a special Thanksgiving Day cheese platter with a selection of cheeses, dried fruits and nuts that would be great to nibble on while you wait for the bird.

Nature's Temptations in Ridgefield has a special Thanksgiving Day menu prepared by Chef Liz. Call 203.438.5443.

Sweet Endings

For desserts, you may want to consider Michele's Pies in Norwalk with a mind boggling list of available pies including her signature Chocolate Pecan Bourbon and a Maple Pumpkin with Pecan Streusel. Info: MichelesPies.com

The newly opened Scratch Baking in Milford is also taking holiday pie and cake orders. Info: 203.301.4396

For Thanksgiving Day restaurant reservations and caterers, be sure to book and order early for the best selection! There are sure to be many more, feel free to leave a comment if you know of a special meal at your favorite restaurant.