If you want to skip the fuss of cooking this year, there are plenty of options
I’m sure many of you are digging out your dependable recipes, looking forward to sharing your favorite fare with family and friends. But I’m betting there are plenty of other folks who want to focus on their company, forgo the cooking and cleaning and go out to dinner. There are likely plenty in this category because a lot of restaurants are booked already.
If you’re not wedded to the idea of a traditional meal, you’ll find several choices for more adventurous dining, especially if you like Indian or Asian cuisine.
Another popular option: Preorder the whole shebang or just supplement your meal with some creative sides or desserts. The food is prepared and all you have to do is warm it up. This has become a trendy option. You can pick up homey fare like collard greens or a fancy dessert like an apple crostata. It’s a chance to spice up your holiday table with something new.
If you’re going to dine out or get takeout, make reservations as soon a possible. Keep in mind your favorite stores and bakeries will likely also have prepared food you can take home.
Whatever your choice, have a wonderful holiday!
Dosas are on the menu at Aaru’s, which features an extensive menu. Photo / Tallahassee Table
Dining In
Aaru’s: This multicultural restaurant offers dining inside or on the outdoor patio or deck. The menu is far-ranging, with Indian, Indochinese, Thai and Indian-Mexican choices as well as vegan and vegetarian options. Hours: 11:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 to 10 p.m. 1108 S. Magnolia Dr.; 850-350-0129.
Azu Lucy Ho’s Restaurant: The longtime restaurant will be serving its Asian fusion fare and sushi on Thanksgiving from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 3220 Apalachee Parkway; 850-893-4112; 850-893-4112.
Chow Time Grill & Buffet: The Chinese restaurant (with sushi and American dishes) adds a few special items, such as turkey, snow crab and salt and pepper squid to its extensive , all-you-can-eat buffet. Hours: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Cost: $18.99 for ages 11 and up; $4.99 for ages 3 to 5; $8.99 for ages 6 to 8 and $12.99 for ages 9 to 10. 1849 Capital Circle NE; 850-765-2961.
Dao: The restaurant, part of the famed Lucy Ho group of restaurants, serves Japanese cuisine, sushi and Asian fusion fare. It’s open on Thanksgiving from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4:30 to 9 p.m. in Bannerman Crossings, 3429 Bannerman Rd. 850-999-1482.
Driftwood Family Restaurant: You can dine in or order takeout (call to preorder) from this homey restaurant, in the home of the former Woodville Seineyard location. The holiday menu includes homestyle turkey or turkey leg, cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes, green beans, gravy and dinner rolls. Cost: Single meal, $14.99, family meal deal $55.99 (feeds about four people). Driftwood’s regular menu is also available. Fish and seafood can be fried, baked or blackened, served with hush puppies. 8056 Woodville Hwy.; 850-825-7091.
The Edison: Cascades Park is the backdrop for Thanksgiving at The Edison, which offers indoor and patio dining, from 1 to 8 p.m. The Thanksgiving menu features chef’s salad, roast turkey or honey-glazed ham, mashed potatoes with turkey gravy, vegetarian cornbread dressing or Bradley’s country sausage dressing, sides (including cranberry sauce) and pumpkin or pecan pie. The cost is $65, $30 for kids 12 and under. 470 Suwannee St.; 850-765-9771.
Essence of India: Savor an extensive menu of traditional Indian dishes and breads. Open on Thanksgiving Day from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 to 10 p.m. 1105 Apalachee Pkwy.; 850-656-7200.
Georgio’s Fine Food and Spirits: The upscale restaurant is no longer taking reservations but you can try to get in as a walk-in diner. No guarantee of the wait or guarantee for a table.Hours are 3 to 7 p.m. 2971 Apalachee Pkwy.; 850-877-3211.
No need to sing the blues on Thanksgiving. Enjoy a meal at House of Music on Thanksgiving. Photo / House of Music.
House of Music Tallahassee: The music venue will be serving its prime rib dinner on Thanksgiving, from 5:30 p.m. to midnight. Call for more information. 2011 S Monroe St.; 850-629-9526; houseofmusictally.com
Juicy Blue: The restaurant, located inside the Four Points By Sheraton Tallahassee Downtown Hotel, is open for breakfast from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and for dinner from 4 to 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Check with the hotel to get the latest info on whether the menu will add holiday dishes. 316 W. Tennessee St.; 850-422-0071.
Las Brazas Mexican Grill – Capital Circle: You can start or end your day at the Mexican restaurant. Las Brazas is serving breakfast, lunch and dinner on Thanksgiving Day. The restaurant is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. 1887 Capital Circle NE.
Little Paris: Executive chef/owner Herve Alcesilas and his brother, chef Loic, will be presenting a three-course dinner available inside, on the patio or for takeout. The first course is a pumpkin veloute with exotic mushrooms, ravioli and bacon emulsion. The second course is paupiette turkey stuffed with Bradley’s Country Store smoked sausage, mushrooms and cranberry, served with sweet potatoes and a skewer of Brussels sprouts and bacon. Dessert is “Paris-Tallahassee (Paris-Brest),” the French pastry revisited with pecan Crème Mousseline. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. $49 food only, $80 with wine pairings. 1355 Market St.; 850-765-74
The Lodge at Wakulla Springs: This one’s a long shot, but I’ll mention it. Reservations are booked and they’re not currently taking names on the existing wait list. But you could try calling in case there are cancellations (keep this in mind for an early choice for other holidays). The Thanksgiving buffet takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 550 Wakulla Park. Dr.; 850-421-2000.
Mayuri Indian Restaurant: Enjoy classic Indian fare at the buffet for lunch and order from the menu at dinner. Mayuri’s lineup includes curries, dosas, vindaloos, tandoor items and vegan and vegetarian entrees. Outside dining available. The lunch buffet is open from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner is from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. 1324 Simpson Ave.; 850-402-9993.
Persis Biryani Indian Grill: Look for a range of dishes including goat curry, chicken tandoori, vegan and vegetarian fare plus a few Chinese choices. The restaurant is open on Thanksgiving Day from 11:30 to 2:30 and 5:30 to 9 p.m. 3111 Mahan Dr.; 850-877-8899.
Reangthai Restaurant: Enjoy classic Thai cuisine on Thanksgiving Day from 4 to 9 p.m. The holiday menu includes appetizers, an entree, drink and dessert. 2740 Capital Circle; 850-386-7898.
Southern Bella’s Kitchen: The restaurant will be serving holiday comfort food favorites from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. It’s at 4727 Crawfordville Rd.; 850-320-6560.
Casa Tapas & Cantina is doing a special Thanksgiving-inspired brunch, along with its regular fare, on Nov. 24. Photo / Tallahassee Table
Thanksgiving related treats
Casa Tapas & Cantina: The restaurant is not open on Thanksgiving Day but you can enjoy traditional holiday food along with an array of Spanish and Mediterranean fare on the Sunday, all-you-can-eat buffet on Nov. 24. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: $35 adults ages 12 and up, $20 for kids. Bottomless mimosas are $20. 2705 Apalachee Pkwy.; 850-765-1770.
Friendsgiving: The Sound Bar is hosting a Friendsgiving, with a pot luck and jam session, at 6 p.m. Nov. 28 at 1105 W. Tharpe St.; 850-320-2859.
2024 Holiday Champagne Dinner: Lucilla is hosting a holiday dinner at 6 p.m. Dec. 7. Guests will receive Mom’s Champagne Christmas Punch on arrival. The four-course meal includes lemon peppercorn chèvre (goat cheese) strudel, seared sea scallops with a smoked salmon mousse caviar, coq au vin and tangerine pots de crème. Dishes are paired with bubbly. Cost: $145 per person. 1241 E. Lafayette St.; 850-900-5117.
Pregame Thanksgiving Specials and Cocktails: Hayward House is offering seasonal fall cocktails Monday through Wednesday. Happy Hour will be extended from 3 p.m. to closing on those days. Cocktails include a Pumpkin Spice Whiskey Smash, Gingerbread Martini, Ferrero Rocher, Sugar Cookie, or a Spiced Cranberry Paloma. When you order two of these special cocktails, you’ll receive a complimentary order of hand-cut fries with your choice of aioli or savory gravy dip. Stop by before or after the big game for a bite (bites) to eat.
If you prefer a vegan meal, The Bark can supply your holiday dinner. Photo / The Bark
Prepared/Togo
The Bark: Order take-home vegan Thanksgiving meals from The Bark. The main course is a vegan seitan roast roulade with apple stuffing, several sides and pies. Order ala carte or packages by 5 p.m. Nov 24. Pickup between 4 and 8 p.m. Nov. 27. Call 850-900-5936 or stop by the restaurant, at 507 All Saints Street, to order.
Black Fig: You can order a whole holiday meal from the catering service, which also offers gourmet meals to go in its storefront. Options include a whole roasted turkey or turkey breast, lots of sides such as a sweet potato casserole with maple pecan crisp topping, cranberry orange relish and green bean casserole plus desserts – pecan pie, rosemary cranberry brie bites and pumpkin pie among them. Order by 5 p.m. Nov. 20 and pick up by 6:30 p.m. Nov. 26. 1400 Village Square Blvd.; 850-727-0016. (Picture of turkey at top).
Blu Halo: Bring a taste of this high-end restaurant to your holiday gathering. Blu Halo is presenting a four-course Thanksgiving menu to go. Pick an entree of either brined turkey or spiral ham, with soup or salad, choice of 3 sides and dessert. Order by Nov. 24. Pick up is 10 a.m. to noon Thanksgiving Day. Cost is: $42 per person. The restaurant is at 3431 Bannerman Rd.; 850-999-1696.
Coosh’s Bayou Rouge: The Louisiana-themed restaurant is accepting orders for its Thanksgiving takeout menu. Items include a fried turkey, ham or turducken (a deboned chicken stuffed into a deboned duck stuffed into a deboned turkey), several sides and dessert. The deadline for orders is Nov. 22. Call 850-894-4110 to order and check out pickup time or email [email protected] Coosh’s Bayou Rouge is at 6267 Old Water Oak Rd.; 850-894-4110.
Hawthorn Bistro & Bakery: Thanksgiving pre-ordering for pies, pastries, breads and other items will start at noon Nov. 19. To order online, visit @foodies.takout. Hawthorn is at 1307 N. Monroe St.; 850-354-8275.
Ida-Belle’s Southern Kitchen: Lauren Weekley Tiller, who named her food truck after beloved housekeeper, Ida Belle Dassie, is preparing a long list of Thanksgiving side options such as “Mama’s Sweet Potato Casserole” and farm-fresh collards along with a blackened turkey breast and quarter sliced smoked ham and dessert (“Fourth Generation Pecan Pie). Orders must be received by Nov. 15. Pick up is Nov. 26. Orders must be sent via direct message. [email protected]
Jeri’s Love on a Plate: The breakfast/lunch destination is closed on Thanksgiving Day but you can preorder sides or sweets for your home gathering. Most dishes are served in half pans which accommodate eight to 10. Items are available for pick up between 4 and 7 p.m. Nov. 27. Dishes include lobster bisque, smoked gouda grits and apple butter, housemade collard greens and pimento cheese dip. Jeri’s is at 1370 Market St.
Il Lusso: Jazz up your holiday table with sides, rolls and dessert (including pumpkin tiramisu and apple crostata) from the upscale Italian steakhouse. Order by 3 p.m. Nov. 23 on the restaurant website. Pick up is Nov.27. Il Lusso is downtown at 201 E. Park Ave.; 850-765-8620.
Lively Cafe at St. John’s: Chef/caterer Fran, who runs the popular cafe at St. John’s Episcopal Church, is offering a holiday menu to go, with appetizers, side dishes and desserts. Choices include smoked salmon, deviled eggs, cranberry chutney, hummingbird cake and pumpkin gooey butter bars. Place your order by Nov. 21. Pick up is on Nov. 26 at the church, 211 N. Monroe St.; 850-222-2636. Order online at lively cafe-holiday-catering.squarespace.
Lucilla fans can order a restaurant meal to enjoy at home. Photo / Tallahassee Table
Lucilla: You can appreciate delectable dishes right at home from chef Joseph Richardson on Thanksgiving. The chef is offering a to-go, ready-to-heat dinner (with instructions). The meal includes herb-roasted turkey breast and pork tenderloin, sides and gravy. You can add other items such as charcuterie, dessert and Prosecco. Dinner for two is $95. Order now and reserve your pickup time, between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Thanksgiving Day. Lucilla is at 1241 E. Lafayette St.; 850-900-5117.
Red Eye Holiday Breakfast: The coffee shop is offering holiday morning treats such as blueberry crumble muffins, cinnamon rolls, cold brew and breakfast casseroles. Different packages are available from $50 to $125. Orders should be placed by 5 p.m. Nov. 22 for pickup by 2 p.m. Nov. 27. RedEye is located in Midtown, Capital Circle, or Independence Landing in Southwood. Order at Bit.ly/redeyecatering or call 850-999-8278. Christmas packages will be available in December.
Sage: Get a boost with appetizers, sides, desserts and other items (including charcuterie and goat cheese and caramelized onion cornbread) for your holiday meal from the fine dining restaurant. You can place your Thanksgiving orders now through Nov. 23 on the Sage website https://www.sagetallahassee.com/thanksgiving-togo with pickup on Nov. 27. Sage is at 3534 Maclay Blvd.; 850-270-9396.
Smorgasbord Catering Co.: The new Midtown spot features breakfast and lunch, offers pre-made family and healthful meals and occasionally hosts pop-up events. Now the restaurant and catering service is providing a takeout Thanksgiving menu. You can preorder now with pick up between noon and 5 p.m. Nov. 27. Items include turkey breast, honey spiced ham, garlic mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, dessert and other items. Check their Facebook page for more info and prices. Smorgasbord is at 1123 Thomasville Road; 850-404-2466. Pick-up is 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 27.
Social Kitchen: The catering service is now taking orders for its holiday meal to go (until Nov. 24), whether you’re feeding two or larger groups. Prices vary depending on the protein picked. You can order a la carte items or a complete meal. Pickup dates are 2 to 7 p.m. Nov. 26 or noon to 7 p.m.Nov. 27 from either the Social Kitchen Retail Store at 2910 Kerry Forest Parkway or the Capital City Country Club Banquet Space at 1601 Golf Terrace Dr. Call 850-894-6261 for details or 850-661-1009 for delivery options. Visit socialkitchentlh.com.
Sweet Pea Cafe is a source for vegan fare, with gluten-free pies and muffins available. Photo / Sweet Pea
Sweet Pea Cafe: Another prime choice for vegan takeout fare for the holidays. Sweet Pea is preparing a line up of holiday baked goods, including classic apple and pumpkin pies, muffins, tarts and cinnamon rolls. Pies and muffins can be ordered gluten free. Ask questions at [email protected] or call. There’s an online ordering form with price info; check on pickup time. The cafe is at 832 W. Tharpe St.; 850-692-3476.
TasteBudz Takeout and Catering: A longtime local favorite, TasteBudz offers a full Thanksgiving meal or you can perk up your meal with sides. A complete meal with either turkey and gravy or ham, cranberry sauce, three sides, dessert and rolls and butter is $21.99 per person. A prime rib dinner is $24.99 per person. You can also order items a la carte. TasteBudz will be taking orders until Nov. 25. Pick up times are 2 to 6 p.m. Nov. 27 or 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thanksgiving Day. It’s at 2655 Capital Circle NE; 850-309-7348.
The Fe-Nomenal Cooking Experience: Chef Felisha Nicholson, known as Chef Fe, is offering her home cooking for Thanksgiving. Dishes include smoked turkeys, a long list of sides and desserts (sweet potato pie, for one). Nov. 20 is the deadline for orders. Pick up is Nov. 27. You can directly message her – see her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sisterfoodies or text 850-692-9013.
