Restaurant Reporter
Jan ButschSchroder
Whether it’s fried, roasted or smoked, everyone loves a big juicy turkey for Thanksgiving. If cooking it yourself is not on your agenda, there are plenty of options for traditional Thanksgiving fare, from a sit-down dinner to take-out. But you do need to plan ahead, whether it’s picking up the phone to make a reservation or ordering side dishes, a turkey or the whole feast for take-out.
Restaurants
All locations of Atkins Park open at 5:30 p.m. to serve a three-course family-style dinner. 794 North Highland Avenue, 404-876-7249; 2840 Atlanta Road, 770-435-1887, www.atkinspark.com.
Au Pied de Cochon has seatings for brunch at 11:30 a.m. and at 1:30 p.m. The cost is $68 for adults and $34 for children. 3315 Peachtree Road, 404-946-9070,
www.aupieddecochonatlanta.com
Brunch will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Cassis at the Grand Hyatt for $58/adults and $27.50/child 5-12. 3300 Peachtree Road, 404-364-3933, www.grandatlanta.hyatt.com.
Chequers Seafood Grill is serving a traditional Thanksgiving buffet with a few extras from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for $27.95 for adults and $13.95 for children. 236 Perimeter Center Parkway, 770-391-9383, www.chequersseafood.com.
The Clubhouse is serving a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. 3393 Peachtree Road, 404-442-8891, www.clubhouse.com
For a more exotic feast, try venison, buffalo, quail, kangaroo or ostrich at dinner at Fire of Brazil. They’ll have traditional Thanksgiving fare as well. 118 Perimeter Center West, 770-551-4367, www.fireofbrazil.com
Both locations of Food 101 are serving dinner with a choice of turkey, ham or leg of lamb with four sides served family style. Food 101 – Sandy Springs is at 4969 Roswell Road, 404-497-9700. Food 101- Morningside is at 1397 North Highland Ave, 404-347-9747, www.101concepts.com
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood is serving up traditional fare. 600 Ashwood Parkway, 770-399-9900, www.mccornickandschmicks.com.
103 West is serving each group a whole turkey, dressings and side dishes, with desserts served buffet style. The cost is $69 for adults; $35 for children under 12 and free for children 6 and younger. 103 West Paces Ferry Road, 404-233-5993, www.buckheadrestaurants.com.
At The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead you have a choice of three options: Brunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and a dinner buffet is served in The Café from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Both of these are $82 for adults and $36 for children 6 to 12. Chef Arnaud Berthelier is presenting a four-course tasting menu for $137 a person; $207 with wine pairings.
3434 Peachtree Road, 404-237-2700, www.ritzcarlton.com.
River Room is serving a three-course menu for $39.95 for adults and $19.95 for children 12 and under. 4403 Northside Parkway, 404-233-5455, www.riverroom.com.
Toulouse is serving roasted turkey in addition to its regular menu. 2293 Peachtree Road, 404-351-9533, www.toulouserestaurant.com
The Vinings Inn is serving a three-course meal for $39.95 for adults and $19.95 for children 12 and under. 3011 Paces Mill Road, 770-438-2282, www.viningsinn.com.
Takeout
After stressing over cooking the entire Thanksgiving feast by myself for a few years, I discovered the takeout option and ordered the entire dinner from Murphy’s. It was one of the happiest days of my life. My family cared not a whit that our turkey was roasted elsewhere. As long as your loved ones are gathered around the table, it’s Thanksgiving, right? Just don’t forget the cranberry sauce.
The deadline for ordering Murphy’s has passed, but here are some options to pick up the whole feast or just a few side dishes to round out your meal or take as a guest.
Alon’s Bakery and Market has appetizers, side dishes and entrees. Deadline to order is November 19. 1394 N. Highland Avenue, 404-872-6000, www.alons.com
Get a free-range organic Heritage or Eberly turkey and side dishes at Provisions to Go, but act fast. These have to be ordered by Saturday, November 17. 1198 Howell Mill Road, 404-365-0410, www.starprovisions.com.
I attended a Thanksgiving tasting at Whole Foods and could have sworn that somebody’s grandmamma was back in the kitchen. I loved the cornbread dressing and the green bean casserole, so much better than the usual swimming-in-mushroom-soup variety. Brined before cooking, the turkey was extra moist and delicious. If you cook your own turkey, you can still pick up a packet of their brining mix. For dessert we tried the so-good-you-groan chocolate bourbon pecan pie and the pumpkin pumpkin mousse pie, which takes this classic to new heights by adding a layer of pumpkin mousse topping. Order online at http://so-orders.wholefoods.com The Whole Foods in Buckhead is at 77 West Paces Ferry Road, 404-324-4100 and in Sandy Springs at 5930 Roswell Road, 404-236-0810.