Thanksgiving Dining Options In And Around Boston

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and people are already gearing up for one of America's favorite holidays.  When it comes down to it, Thanksgiving certainly brings together the best of holidays into one; a day to spend with family and friends, a day to be thankful and of course, a day where all of this can happen around a table full of delicious food.  Oh...and the added perk of not having to stress over having to buy gifts makes this holiday even better!

Of course, as delightful as Thanksgiving is, the one thing you cannot escape from is the post feast clean up...that is, unless you make a reservation at one of the following wonderful restaurants who are all offering, delicious Thanksgiving menus with all the prep and mess taken care of...now that is something to be thankful for!

BCAE
For the more adventurous types, or those who simply want to host and dazzle their guests with their culinary prowess, the BCAE is generously offering two pre-thanksgiving classes that will set you straight for the holiday.  On Wednesday nov. 6th, Lars Liebisch will hold 'Who you calling a turkey? Breaking down Thanksgiving Dinner'.  This one session course will have everything you need, from beginner tips to some different options and variations to give your meal something a little different. (Prices: $55/47 members, $18 materials)

On the 13th, Dustin Rennells and Adam Centamore of Formaggio Kitchen will be presenting something just as relevant in putting on a thanksgiving meal...budget.  (Prices: $50/43 members, $30 materials)

To ensure the smoothest Thanksgiving dinner, sign up for one or both...you will be the biggest hit...at least until next year!

Beacon Hill Bistro
As usual, Chef Joshua Lewin has something up his sleeve come holiday time. This year, in honor of Thanksgiving, from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the 28 th of November, head to historic Beacon Hill for his delectable Thanksgiving Day feast. A three course prix fixe gives diners the options to choose from an array of tantalizing appetizers like his pumpkin bisque, oyster stew, duck liver mousse or autumn greens salad. For main courses, free range turkey roulade with sage and chestnut dressing and potato purée elevate the usual fare to the next level, spice roasted delicate squash with white corn grits and oil cured shitake mushrooms are enough to make any meat eater jealous. End on a sweet note with your pick from a selection of homemade pies and tarts.

$61 a person with an optional (read: necessary) wine pairing for an additional $29 and you have yourself a charming and clean up free evening!

Bistro du Midi
Looking to go the French route? One option immediately comes to mind, Bistro du Midi, located right opposite the beautiful Public Gardens. Chef Robert Sisca always brings a beautiful slice of heaven to his tables and Thanksgiving is no different.  On the 28th, the pièce de résistance is without a doubt their slowly cooked turkey, stuffed with duck and ....wait for it....foie gras. Accompanied by sweet potato purée, roasted cauliflower and chestnuts, you will not ever want to eat thanksgiving anywhere else.

Dante
Chef Dante de Magistris cooks up a storm at Dante, in Cambridge, with a three -course signature Italian prix fixe.  Go a bit beyond the strictly traditional Turkey with dishes like chestnut porcini soup or perhaps their roasted duck with sour cherries and chestnut stuffing.  Of course, you will certainly be able to order naturally-raised, free range Vermont turkey as well. For the less meat centric diners, don't fret, a few vegetarian options are also included – think sweet potato purée and maple brussel sprouts. For dessert; apple, pumpkin, ricotta and chocolate pies will abound.

À la carte options are also available as well as a special menu for children under the age of twelve.

Legal Seafood
For the seafood lovers out there, you will be most happy to know that the first Thanksgiving in New England actually featured lots of seafood and shellfish in particular.  What better place to enjoy some of the freshest seafood than at various locations of Legal Seafood, Boston's first legally sustainable seafood restaurant.

Slow roasted turkey breast with the usual Thanksgiving accoutrements will also be served, so you can have it all:)

L'Espalier
To take your Thanksgiving to the height of fine dining in Boston, L'Espalier is the route to go. Chef Frank McClelland shows off the bounties of his fall offerings from his own Apple Street Farm in Essex.  Last year the menu, which ranges from $95$ to $120 for the degustation, can be viewed here. As is chef's preferred style, this year's menu will not be published until closer to the week of Thanksgiving...but don't let this stop you from snagging your spot...now.

Pantry at The Verve
Chef de Cuisine Alastair Mclean at Pantry, the signature restaurant located in The Verve- Crowne Plaza hotel in Natick, offers a delicious brunch buffet. An array of offerings is sure to please everyone, with dishes like apricot and clove glazed ham, turkey pot pie or butternut squash ravioli.  Don't forget their impressive selection of cured meat and local cheeses...or their raw bar...or their dessert bar...Kentucky bourbon pecan pie or sugar glazed sweet potato fritters? Sign me up!

Prices are $39 for adults and $20 for children; reservations, not surprisingly, are highly recommended.

Scampo
Voted one of the Daily Meal's top 20 Italian restaurants in the country, Scampo is certainly a solid option for this year's festivities.

Chef Lydia Shire, a James Beard award-winner, loves all holidays and rumor has it, Thanksgiving is one of her faves. With a three-course Italian-influenced feast ($54) presented with Shire's usual attention to playfulness and sophistication, there is no surprise why. Dishes include hot baked white lily biscuits to start (with molasses butter of course!), a range of options including Indian Summer duckling, Roast Heritage Turkey with homemade Andana Bread stuffing.  All sides are served family style and desserts are just as tantalizing with warm pumpkin caramel cake or maple pecan tart.

Strega Prime
Should you be looking for something out in the burbs, the Varano Group's Strega Prime in Woburn is a lovely option.  From noon to 9 p.m. an à la carte Thanksgiving special will be served with prices ranging from 9- 38 $. Butternut squash bisque, two way turkey (because one way sometimes just isn't enough) and a heartier braised short rib are all on the menu. Nutella bread pudding also sounds right up just about anyone's alley,,,and is not something you see often enough. Reservations required.

Towne Stove and Spirits
Get out on the 'towne' this Thanksgiving where the restaurant's new executive chef and culinary director, Mark Allen, serves up a family style Thanksgiving menu starting with shareable platters for four.  Think assorted cheeses, antipasto and a raw bar.  Holiday soups, salads, entrées and sides are all available à la carte as well.

The beautiful dining rooms are open from noon to 8 p.m. And the bar will be kicking until 10 p.m.