By Nanette Wiser
We’re grateful that this year, we’re not cooking! For many of us, work doesn’t stop for Thanksgiving, so whether you’re dining out or supplementing at home the family gathering with pick-up meals or desserts, here are some suggestions from Beach to Bay. Remember to order or make reservations in advance.
Pick Up & Serve: Publix, Lucky’s, Earth Fare, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Winn Dixie and Fresh Market offer holiday appetizers, Thanksgiving desserts and pies, gourmet cheeses, dips and tasty delights. Bayou Market & Café is offering Cajun or Jerk Fried Turkey with your choice of Cajun or Caribbean dishes such as Seafood Gumbo, Oyster Dressing, Crabmeat Dip, Conch Chowder, Rum cake and can be picked up or delivered.
Desserts: A visit to Corey Sunday Market or Downtown’s Saturday Market yields a bounty of breads and desserts and the new Wandering Whisk in Pinellas Park can make your desserts to order (we love their cupcakes and cookies). For pies, count on the The Village Inn, The Pie Factory, Frida’s Café & Bakery or Swah-rey.
Dining Out: Cody’s, The Waffle House, Outback Steakhouse, Boston Market, Applebee’s and Bob Evans serve up traditional turkey with all the fixings. Want something a bit more fancy? Check out these hotels and restaurants. We also recommend Bella Brava, The Birchwood and Parkshore Grill in DTSP; Da Sesto Italiano in Pinellas Park, Island Way Grille in Clearwater and Middlegrounds and The Pearl in Treasure Island.
Aqua Prime, Indian Rocks: From 11am – 9pm enjoy Chef Jason Vargo’s full coastal cuisine seafood and hand-cut steak menu plus traditional turkey dinner as a special.
400 Beach, DTSP: Open at 11am with last seating at 7pm, Steve and Nancy Westphal serve a succulent repast that features multiple salads (cucumber, cranberry pear, shrimp pasta), a carving station (ham, turkey, roast beef), maple glazed salmon, sensational sides (andouille sausage stuffing, roasted garlic mashed taters, herbed rice) and a glorious dessert buffet.
Bilmar Beach Resort: Enjoy a Thanksgiving with tiki drinks, seafood dinner, key lime pie or traditional turkey dinner with all the fixins’ and Gulf vista at Sloppy Joe’s and Bilmar Beach Café.
The Don Cesar, Pass-A-Grille: Enjoy Thanksgiving three ways with a brunch buffet at the King Charles room, a dinner buffet in the Sea Porch with drinks in The Rowe Bar or a prix-fixe supper at the reimagined Maritana Grill which reopens in November.
Hurricane’s Seafood Restaurant, Pass-A-Grille: With a superb view of the Gulf of Mexico, this popular multi-tier restaurant is a family favorite at the beach.
Fenway Hotel, Dunedin: The HEW Parlor & Chophouse will serve a three-course family style menu starting with salad, Parker Rolls and choice of turkey breast, roasted pork loin ham or slow-cooked prime rib served with family style sides: Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Corn with Spicy Miso Butter, Carrots with Harissa Maple Glaze, Brown Butter & Herbed Stuffing, and Cranberry Sauce with Ginger & Sage. For dessert, enjoy Pumpkin/Apple/Pecan Pies, assorted Cookies, Brownies and Cupcakes. Live music in the Parlor.
Mango’s Restaurant, Madeira Beach: A beautiful view of the Gulf and an excellent Thanksgiving buffet.
Middle Grounds Grill, Treasure Island: Serving both its regular menu and some special Thanksgiving favorites, this classy restaurant and spectacular wine/martini list makes every occasion festive.
Salt Rock Grill, Indian Shores: Serving a limited menu of traditional Thanksgiving fare, steak and seafood, its view and wine list make for an inspired day with friends and family.
Shephard’s Open Flame, Clearwater Beach: Known for its Friday seafood buffets, the choices for Thanksgiving Day mix ethnic treats with traditional delights.
Sirata Hotel, St. Pete Beach: Tune up with drinks at Harry’s Beach Bar, then enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving buffet in the Royal Palm Ballroom overlooking the Gulf with seatings from noon to 5pm. Enjoy seafood, soup, bread and salad bars; a carving station featuring Sage Infused & Carved Carolina Turkey and Herb Roasted Prime Rib of Beef plus sensational sides, pies and mini desserts.
TradeWinds Island Grand, St. Pete Beach: Kick off the holiday season with all your traditional favorites at the popular and delicious Thanksgiving Day Buffet. Choose from a selection of breakfast offerings, to main courses including Herb Crusted Prime Rib and Roasted Tom Turkey, and delectable desserts. Served 10:30am to 2:30pm in the Grand Palm Colonnade and Ballroom.