Thanksgiving 2011: Where to Feast

Turkey. Stuffing. Gravy. Mashed potatoes (with more gravy). Green Beans. Sweet Potatoes. Warm dinner rolls. And, every pie you can imagine. What can’t you live without on Thanksgiving? If you’re ditching the kitchen this year and letting someone else do the dirty work for you, we’ve outlined a few fantastic Thanksgiving Day meals (and even some Thanksgiving Eve events) you might want to pencil in your plans.

With many options around the Valley, buffets, brunch, and formal seated dinners, you’re sure to find a restaurant that serves up all your favorite Thanksgiving trimmings.

And, don’t be a turkey! Make sure you call ahead for reservations before all seats are spoken for. Many of these restaurants are expected to fill up quickly.

• Arrowhead Grill | Thanksgiving Dinner

When: Nov. 24
Where: Arrowhead Grille
Details:  For Thanksgiving Day, Valley Chef Charles Wade Schwerd and Arrowhead Grill are cooking up a Thanksgiving dinner Phoenix residents will love – with Thanksgiving recipes and non-traditional alternatives sure to please. Starters include lamb chop fondue and pork wings followed by butternut squash soup or the choice of four salads (iceberg wedge, Caesar, seasonal or spinach). But the real fun begins when the entrees arrive. Arrowhead Grill patrons can choose from seven different entrees for Thanksgiving Day 2011. A generous 12-ounce portion of turducken or a 12-ounce portion of traditional turkey is available, served with a prosciutto and fennel cornbread stuffing with homemade cranberry sauce. Also available is a 10-ounce signature Delmonico steak, 10-ounce prime rib, Atlantic salmon, sea bass or an 8-ounce filet. Sides include several choices of potatoes, creamed corn, cheese grits, steamed broccoli, creamed spinach and sautéed green beans. For dessert, Schwerd is serving up sweet potato pie, pumpkin cheesecake, a flourless chocolate cake and his signature butter cake.
Cost:  $49.99 per person for prix fixe meal.
More info: Reservations required, call 623-566-2224.

• British Open Pub | “When Your Goose is Cooked Thanksgiving Bash”

When: Nov. 24, 5pm-2am
Where: British Open Pub
Details:  When Arizonans had their turkey (or goose) and enough family time to last awhile, they’re invited to join their friends and neighbors the British Open Pub and end the day with a celebration of their own. The folks at British Open Pub will be there all night, serving up favorite beers and cocktails from right here at home and around the world. And for those whose turkey (or goose) was really cooked and still have an appetite, the British Open Pub will have the kitchen fired up and ready to serve up delicious meals and fun barroom flavors, like quesadillas, jalapeno poppers, delicious burgers, including the wine burger, Mulligan burger, sandwedges, and more.

• Cadillac Ranch| Jive Turkey – Rocking Thanksgiving Eve

When: Nov. 23
Where: Cadillac Ranch
Details:  Live Cover Bands from 8pm to Midnight, DJ and Dancing 12 to close; Hourly drink and shot specials, and the best part? No cover.

•  Café 24/7 at Lone Butte | Thanksgiving Special

When: Nov. 24, 11am-8pm
Where: Café 24/7 at Lone Butte Casino
Details:  Includes choice of House Salad or Cup of Soup, Traditional Roasted Turkey or Sliced Pit Ham, Fresh Mashed Potatoes with Gravy, Corn Bread and Cranberry Stuffing, Green Beans with Bacon and Onions, Fresh Rolls and Butter and Pumpkin or Apple Pie with choice of whipped cream or Ala Mode.
Cost:  $12.99 per person.

• Café 24/7 at Wild Horse Pass | Thanksgiving Special

When: Nov. 24, 11am-8pm
Where: Café 24/7 at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino
Details:  Includes small House Salad or Butternut Squash Soup, Roasted Turkey with Bourbon Gravy, Traditional Bread Stuffing, Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes, Candied Sweet Potatoes, Succotash with Green Beans and Corn, Homemade Cranberry Relish, Bread With Whipped Butter and Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream or Apple Pie Ala Mode.
Cost:  $13.95 per person.

•  Different Pointe of View | Thanksgiving Buffet

When: Nov. 24, Noon-7pm
Where: Different Pointe of View
Details:  The AAA Four Diamond restaurant, Different Pointe of View, offers an elegant twist on the traditional Thanksgiving feast with carving stations, seasonal vegetables and decadent desserts designed by Chef Anthony DeMuro.
Cost: $59.95 for adults and $29.95 for children ages 10 and under.
More Info: Call 602-866-6350.

• El Chorro | Three-Course Thanksgiving Menu

When: Nov. 24
Where: El Chorro
Details:  The special three-course Thanksgiving menu offers guests a choice of the restaurant’s festive classics like herb roasted beef tenderloin, organic turkey and pan seared Scottish salmon. Handcrafted breads with butter, chili pecans, dried fruit, and El Chorro’s famous sticky buns are served to complement.
More info: Reservations recommended, call 480-948-5170.

• Estrella Deli | Thanksgiving Special

When: Nov. 24, 10am-11pm
Where: Estrella Deli at Vee Quiva Casino
Details:  Includes Roast Breast of Turkey, Corn Bread Stuffing, Roasted Yams, Cranberry Sauce and Turkey Gravy.
Cost:  $7.50 per person.

• Frank & Albert’s | Family Style Dinner

When: Nov. 24, 11am-10pm
Where: Frank & Albert’s at The Biltmore
Details:  A three-course Thanksgiving dinner will feature a traditional menu: a starter ofRoasted Sweet Potato Soup or Baby Spinach Salad; a second course, served family style, of Oven-Roasted Free-Range Turkey with all the trimmings; and pumpkin or pecan pie for dessert. The regular lunch & dinner menus also will be served.
Cost:  Adults $45, children 12 and under $21, infants free. Plus tax and gratuity.
More info: Reservations required, call 602-381-7632.

• The Gold Room at The Biltmore | Thanksgiving Buffet

When: Nov. 24, Noon-5:30pm
Where: The Gold Room at The Biltmore
Details:  A bountiful cornucopia of holiday and favorite dishes will be served in the historic and gracious setting of the Gold Room. The buffet features traditional turkey with all the trimmings, an array of stations – including Amuse, Soup & Salad, Charcuterie, Seafood, Entrees and Dessert – plus a Kids Buffet.
Cost:  Adults $80, children 12 and under $40, infants free; includes specially selected wines and non-alcoholic beverages, and tax and gratuity.
More info: Reservations required, call 602-381-7632.

• Il Terrazzo | Thanksgiving Day Brunch

When: Nov. 24, 11am-3pm
Where: Il Terrazzo at The Phoenician
Details:  Featuring a carving station with roasted turkey and prime rib, entrees of grilled swordfish and pork loin, accompanied by mashed potatoes and chestnut ciabatta stuffing; a pasta and risotto bar; breakfast favorites including scrambled eggs and omelets made-to-order, cheese blintzes and French toast; a sushi and raw bar; all complemented by a selection of house-made breakfast pastries and desserts.  Also featuring unlimited sparkling wine.
Cost: $95 per adult; $44.50 for children 3-12 years of age (children under 3 years of age complimentary).
More Info: Reservations required, call 480-423-2530.

• Litchfield’s | Thanksgiving Dinner

When: Nov. 24, 3pm-8pm
Where: Litchfield’s at The Wigwam
Details:  Celebrate Thanksgiving day this year with a three-course, traditional family dinner at Litchfield’s. Dinner includes Roasted Butternut Squash Bisque or a Farmers Salad to start; followed by one of the following entrees: Cider Brined Pork Loin, Free Range Turkey, Pan Roasted Trout, or Herb Roasted Prime Rib. Guests will also be offered a selection of gourmet desserts including Pumpkin Brulee, Bailey’s Cheesecake, or Pecan Fig Pie.
Cost:  $33 per person.
More info: Reservations required, call 623-856-1053.

• The Phoenician| Holiday Dinners To-Go

When: Nov.24
Where: The Phoenician
Details:  For the first time ever, The Phoenician’s renowned culinary team is offering complete holiday feasts for purchase to illuminate your at-home celebrations.  The flavorful menu includes roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, maple-glazed yams, pecan and pumpkin pies.  Select enhancements are available, including seasonal soups, jumbo shrimp cocktail, freshly baked bread and wines.  Available for pick-up at the Café and Ice Cream Parlor.  Reservations required.  Thanksgiving meal must be ordered by November 21.
Cost: $195, serves 6-8.
More Info: Reservations required. Call 480-423-2530. Thanksgiving meal must be ordered by November 21.

•  Pointe in Tyme | Thanksgiving Buffet

When: Nov. 24, Noon-6:30pm
Where: Pointe in Tyme
Details:  Pointe In Tyme, at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort, celebrates Thanksgiving with a delicious display of the holiday’s traditional dishes. The restaurant will offer a buffet showcasing carving stations, fresh Autumn vegetables and a variety of baked goods from breads to pies.
Cost: $47.95 for adults, $38.95 for seniors, and $19.95 for children ages 10 and under.
More Info: Call 602-866-6348.

• Red’s Bar and Grill | Thanksgiving Buffet

When: Nov. 24, 11am-7pm
Where: Red’s Bar and Grill at The Wigwam
Details: Incorporating a farm-to-table concept, join Red’s for a buffet-style meal of holiday favorites, including Grilled Flat Iron Stake with wild mushrooms, Herb Roasted Prime Rib of Beef, and Herb Seared Lock Duarte Salmon. And for dessert, a choice between six festive fall treats.
Cost:  $33 for adults, $17 for children under 12, children under 4 are complimentary.
More info: Reservations required, call 623-856-1094.

• Rico’s | Thanksgiving Buffet

When: Nov. 24, 11am-5pm
Where: Rico’s American Grill
Details:  Turkey, stuffing, candied yams, pies and more are set to line the 2011 Thanksgiving Buffet at Rico’s American Grill. This decadent buffet will feature carving stations for golden-basted turkey, herb-rubbed rib-eye and bourbon glazed ham, as well as a customizable pasta station. Fixings include cranberry sage cornbread stuffing, cinnamon scented candied yams, citrus and honey glazed carrots, and brown sugar and pork belly baked beans.
Cost: $49 for adults and $13 for children ages 12 and under.
More Info: Call 602-997-5850.

• Shula’s Steak House | Thanksgiving Special

When: Nov. 24, 3pm-8pm
Where: Shula’s Steak House at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino
Details:  Includes traditional roasted turkey, Sourdough Sage Stuffing, Toasted Pine Nuts and Dried Cherries, Homemade Cranberry Ginger Chutney, Roasted Sweet Potatoes Mashed with Honey Butter, Cauliflower and Asparagus Gratin with Crispy Onions, Baked Boursin Mac and Cheese, Apple Cobbler ala mode or Gingerbread Cake with Pumpkin Gelato.
Cost:  $49.95 per person.

•  Spanish Fly | Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving

When: Nov. 23, 5pm-2am
Where: Spanish Fly Mexican Beach Club
Details:  Presented by The Mansion Group. No cover.

• Taggia | Special Thanksgiving Menu

When: Nov. 24
Where: Taggia
Details:  Sometimes you want to enjoy a Turkey Day feast at someone else’s table – and why not Taggia’s? This year, the authentic coastal Italian restaurant’s Thanksgiving menu features a cornucopia of savory and sweet autumnal delights, including: carrot and saffron soup; calamari; slow-roasted turkey; hand-cut prime rib; butternut squash ravioli; pumpkin budio and more.
More Info: Call 480-424-6095.

• TEXAZ Grill | Four-Day Special

When: Nov. 20-23 (4pm-10pm on Sunday, 11am-10pm Monday-Wednesday)
Where: TEXAZ Grill
Details:  TEXAZ Grill is taking its signature dish and making it gobble once again. A few years ago, the Phoenix neighborhood staple created a holiday treat that has become a new holiday tradition: Chicken-Fried Turkey. Available for four days only (Nov. 20 – 23, 2011), the dish starts with a heaping portion of seasoned and lightly breaded turkey cutlet that’s been deep fried to perfection—creating the perfect combination of crispy exterior and fork-tender, moist interior. Smothered with slow-cooked, savory gravy, the turkey is paired with a side of mashed potatoes and homemade cranberry sauce. Come in for supper and it will also include bread & butter and a house salad. It’s the Valley’s best holiday special by a country mile.
Cost:  $9 for lunch, $13 for supper.
More Info: Call 602-248-7827 or visit www.texazgrill.com

• Verona Chophouse | Thanksgiving Brunch

When: Nov. 24, 11am-6pm
Where: Verona Chophouse at Lone Butte Casino
Details:  Includes Salad and Antipasta Station (Mozzarella, Arizona vine ripened tomato and basil with aged balsamic, Artisan cured meats and cheeses, and maple nut glazed butternut squash, mixed greens with gorgonzola and basil vinaigrette), Griddle Station (Made to order eggs with your choice of fresh vegetables, cheeses and meats, Pumpkin and marscapone French toast, Tuscan frittata with dried tomato and spinach and thick sliced apple wood smoked bacon), Buffet Stations (Roasted Whole Turkey with Traditional Gravy, Carved Salt Crusted Prime Rib, Carved Slow Cooked Orange Glazed Ham, Green bean casserole with bacon and onion, Butter whipped potatoes, Candied sweet potatoes with toasted walnuts) and a Dessert Station (Mini pumpkin pies with whipped cream, Pine nut tartlettes, and Tiramisu).
Cost:  $29.99 per person.

• Wright’s at The Biltmore | Five-Course Holiday Menu

When: Nov. 24, 1pm-8pm
Where: Wright’s at The Biltmore
Details:  A five-course epicurean dining experience will be served in the resort’s signature restaurant, complemented with perfectly matched wine pairings by the Sommelier. First course: Winter Squash Soup or Yukon Gold Potato Soup; second course:  Beets and Arugula or McClendon’s Field Greens Salad; third course: Ricotta-Parmesan Ravioli or Duck Confit; fourth course:  Cracked Pepper Turkey Breast, Grilled Filet of Beef or Rosemary Roasted Lamb; dessert: Toasted Pumpkin Tart, Chocolate-Pecan Ganache or Berries ‘N’ Cream.
Cost:  Adults $80, children 12 and under $40, infants free. Plus tax and gratuity.
More info: Reservations required, call 602-381-7632.

•  ZuZu | Breakfast & Dinner

When: Nov. 24, 6am-11:30am for breakfast; Noon-10pm for dinner
Where: ZuZu
Details:  Start Thanksgiving morning right with a hearty breakfast at ZuZu. The regular menu will be offered along with a special feature – Crab Cakes Eggs Benedict. Dinner will be served from noon to 10pm. The regular dinner menu will be offered along with a three-course, a la carte holiday menu featuring Butternut Squash Soup, Slow-Roasted Red Bird Farms Turkey, and Pecan and Pumpkin Pie. Turkey is also featured as a children’s special. Make it a weekend and stay over! Room rates are half off their standard November rates, starting at only $119. For room reservations, call 480-248-2000.
More info: Reservations recommended, call 480-421-7997.

• ZuZu Lounge | Absolut Vodka Special

When: Nov. 23, 7pm-10pm
Where: ZuZu Lounge
Details:  Starting the Thanksgiving festivities a little early, on Wednesday, Nov. 23, Absolut Vodka will be on special all night in the ZuZu Lounge with music from Tina Bailey on the ZuZu patio.