No plans for Thanksgiving yet? Or does preparing a multi-course meal sound less than savory? Last minute Lindas can breathe a sigh of relief and exit out of the YouTube tutorial on how to fry a turkey — check out these helpful tips on how to make Turkey Day a hit in a cinch.
Leave the cooking to the experts…
No need to pull out great Aunt Betty’s recipe book, there are multiple Greater Gainesville restaurants serving up scrumptious dishes this Thanksgiving holiday. But beware, according to the National Restaurant association, 14 million Americans dine out on Thanksgiving, so it is best to snag a reservation sooner rather than later.
Indulge in delectable Floridian fare at Covey Kitchen + Cocktails, located in Hotel ELEO, enjoy a surf and turf feast at Prime and Pearl, or celebrate with Italian flair at Pomodoro Cafe.
Can’t imagine spending Thanksgiving anywhere else outside the comforts of home? There are various catering companies in Greater Gainesville offering Thanksgiving specials. Check out Boston Market and choose from a variety of meats, appetizers and sides. Preorder for Thanksgiving dinners end Nov. 22. Mi Apá Latin Café is also offering family meals that include roast turkey and various sides, starting at $99.
Reheat and rejoice…
For those on a budget, or those who missed the preorder date for a catered meal, there are still ways to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast at home with little to no prep. Publix is featuring a fully cooked turkey dinner that includes a 10-12 pound Butterball turkey and sides, just order 48 hours in advance and heat at home.
Head to Trader Joes and find an array of scrumptious frozen meals, desserts and sides that will easily scratch the itch for a homecooked meal on Thanksgiving. Vegetarians and vegans will also appreciate the grocery store’s impressive collection of plant-based foods.
When in doubt, wine it out…
As joyous as they are, holidays have a knack for inducing stress. Skip the stress, grab a loved one and split a bottle of wine from Superette Wine + Provisions or Cork It — Wine and Charcuterie over a favorite meal (even if it is takeout in a Styrofoam box), because not every Thanksgiving has to look like a Norman Rockwell painting.
By Shelley Akins.