Dining Out: Everything’s on the Thanksgiving table

There are as many ways to do Thanksgiving dinner as there are things to be thankful for. Some like home-cooked dishes handed down through the generations. Others attempt the latest foodie trend (is that turkey deep fryer gathering dust?). Some order in from the new place around the corner. Others go out to a classic restaurant. Here’s a rundown of local purveyors of Thanksgiving foods so you can do it your way.

Appetizers

Anthony’s Fine Food & Wine in La Cañada will design a custom-made cheese and meat board based on clients’ preferences. Patrons may bring in their own platter or borrow one of Anthony’s. A fine selection of imported and domestic wines is also available. (anthonysfoodandwine.com; (818) 790-0440)

Near the Glendale-Burbank border, the Spot Gourmet can always be counted on for creative, well-prepared foods. They’ve got all your sides and entrees (including Beef Wellington) but their appetizers look particularly interesting: sausage-stuffed mushrooms, crab dip, and perogies with paprika sauce to name a few. (thespotgourmet.com; (818) 861-7335)

Dinner

Classically trained chefs with a flair for the experimental and a heart devoted to the earth create modern Thanksgiving dishes for pick up or delivery at Heirloom LA. Try a Kurobuta Pork Leg Porchetta with sage apple puree for something different. The pie crust lover (versus filling lover) will appreciate the flaky, buttery caramel-apple hand pies. (heirloomla.com; (855) 456-6652)

Amber Road in Montrose is a brand-new specialty food shop owned by a family that knows its meats, the Gelsingers. Here you can pick up an entire classic Thanksgiving meal to go, as well as a hostess gift. Balsamic vinegars and olive oils from around the world are on tap in stainless jugs, ready for tasting then bottling. (gelsingersamberroad.com; (818) 957-7065)

Looking for a turducken? Who isn’t? Bristol Farms in South Pasadena has it Cajun-style for $99. For that Dickensian holiday, try their roast goose with port-currant sauce scented with rosemary and thyme. (bristolfarms.com; (626) 441-5450)

Dessert

Here’s a fun new tradition: Dream Dinners in La Crescenta is hosting their annual pie-making day on Nov. 26. All the fixings are laid out for you in their lab-like kitchens. Make up to five different pies at $8 to $10 each. The convenience of pre-made meets the aroma of fresh-baked. (RSVP at (818) 957-1499; dreamdinners.com)

Urth Caffe, the newest outpost of the famed coffee house is now open in Pasadena. They have the perfect dessert for your choosier guests — gluten-free vegan pumpkin pie ($25). Pick up some organic coffee beans while you’re at it. (urthcaffe.com; (626) 844-4644)

Why bother hosting at all?

The Langham Hotel hosts Thanksgiving meals in all of its restaurants. Whatever your party’s needs in the way of cuisine and accommodations, the elegant Langham is bound to meet them. Choose from brunch in the ballroom or a three-course prix-fixe dinner at the Royce or the Terrace.
(pasadena.langhamhotels.com; (626) 568-3900)

For families that enjoy a pre- or post-dinner stroll in the great outdoors, Descanso Gardens offers a Patina-prepared buffet including squash soup, warm spinach salad and roasted Diestel turkey with brown butter stuffing. Non-members’ price is $53 and children ($19) are welcome.
(descansogardens.org; (818) 790-3663)

The Castaway in Burbank has been doing a Thanksgiving buffet for years. If prime rib, champagne and a killer view is more your thing, this is the place to be. (castawayrestaurant.com; (818) 848-6691)

Something completely different

For around $50 to $100 per person a professional chef will come to your home and make a multicourse meal according to your specifications. It might be vegetarian, southern, Indian or classic turkey — you and your chosen chef decide. Kitchit.com is the latest thing to hit the celebrity circuit. Gwyneth Paltrow’s a fan. The thing to be most thankful for? Cleanup is included. (kitchit.com)

Reservations are a must at all restaurants. Deadlines for catering orders vary. Call soon to avoid disappointment. Happy Thanksgiving and may your family and friends come together with minimum stress and maximum cherished memories.

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LISA DUPUY welcomes comments at ldupuy@aol.com.