FEAST ON THIS
This Thanksgiving Gather One And All
By AP Connolly
If a reservation feels like the best thing you could make for Thanksgiving dinner, you’re not alone. Whether visiting for the holidays or simply enjoying Thanksgiving Day with family and friends, New York City offers plenty of options to whet your appetite. From prime-aged steaks and Italian hospitality to Provencal charm and, of course, roast turkey top the menu this year. Here, some select picks for an enjoyable Thanksgiving dinner.
T-BAR STEAK & LOUNGE
A classically-chic Upper East Side eatery, T-Bar Steak and Lounge offers outstanding cuisine in a casual yet elegant space. Under the watchful eye of restaurateur Tony Fortuna and Executive Chef Ben Zwicker, T-Bar is a new spin on the upscale steakhouse. The menu features a wide range of dishes, ranging from well-cooked renditions of classics, to refined and inventive plates, providing the ultimate dining experience. This Thanksgiving, they’ll be serving a robust prix-fixe Thanksgiving menu with appetizers including Pumpkin Soup along with Amish Roasted Turkey with Sage Gravy, Stuffing, and Sweet Potatoes. Info: tbarnyc.com.
DEMARCHELIER RESTAURANT
Authentic French Bistro Demarchelier is a little bit of France in New York City. Every meal that leaves its kitchen aims to capture the soul of authentic bistro fare. His loyal following enjoys not only the excellent cuisine but also a glimpse into the French-born artist paintings adorning the restaurant’s walls. Owner Eric Demarchelier’s artistic style encompasses abstract expressionism as well as landscape and portrait. The restaurant will be serving its regular menu and prix-fixe specials which will include Roasted Turkey Breast served with Stuffing and Cranberry Sauce. Be sure to leave room for the delectable Pecan Tart. Info: demarchelierrestaurant.com.
CATHÉDRALE RESTAURANT
Cathédrale is the exciting new French-Mediterranean restaurant by the Tao Hospitality Group located in the Moxy East Village. The larger than life space has a towering cathedral ceiling, wide archways, and outdoor dining terrace. This Thanksgiving, Cathédrale’s Chefs Ralph Scamardella and Jason Hall will offer a Thanksgiving menu as well serving up its exceptional coastal cuisine with dishes like Hamachi Crudo with Green Apple and Black Olive Oil, Roasted Lobster with Wild Oregano, Lemon, and Parsley Butter, and a Dry-Aged Ribeye Steak Au Poivre. Watch the chefs bring your meal to life in an open-hearth kitchen, while you sip on a cocktail with friends and family. Make your reservations today! Info: cathedraleny.com.
CARMINE’S
When Carmine’s first opened on the Upper West Side, word spread quickly about the exciting atmosphere and the great food served family-style and reasonably priced. This, along with the oversized cocktails and a wine list composed of the best values and varieties from. Italy and around the world, made Carmine’s an immediate hit. For Thanksgiving, look for Roasted Turkey with Sausage and Sage Stuffing served with Cranberry Sauce and all the trimmings: Brussels Sprouts with Caramelized Onions and Applewood Smoked Bacon, Sauteed String Beans with Red Peppers, and Sweet Potatoes topped with Marshmallows and Maple Syrup. Leave room for the pumpkin and apple pies! Info: carminesnyc.com.
TAVERN ON THE GREEN
New York’s iconic restaurant re-opened five years ago, adding a fresh new spin to eating in the park. Since its redux, it’s been well-received by locals and tourists alike. Celebrate a classic Thanksgiving in Central Park and enjoy a traditional dinner with turkey and a four-course menu. Chef Bill Peet will stir your appetite with his classic Roasted Free-Range Turkey with Sage and Sausage Stuffing, Sun-Dried Cranberry Conserves, Glazed Carrots with Shaved Green Onion, and Whipped Sweet Potato Puree. The menu also includes celebratory dishes like Roasted Chateaubriand, and Organic Salmon Fillet. Info: tavernonthegreen.com.
RIVERPARK
Located on a unique garden plaza with romantic East River views, Chef Tom Colicchio’s Riverpark represents a dynamic culinary destination in Kip’s Bay. The restaurant showcases produce from its very own Riverpark Farm—just feet away from the kitchen—as well as local farms and greenmarkets. This Thanksgiving, look for Branzino with Parsnips and Pomegranate, Heritage Turkey with Garlic and Herbs accompanied by sides like Brussels Sprouts and Apple Hash, and Wild Mushroom Stuffing. Dessert includes seasonal pies, Cinnamon-Sugar Doughnuts, as well as ice creams and sorbet. Info: riverparknyc.com.
HILL COUNTRY BARBECUE MARKET
For those longing for Southern cooking and finger-licking barbecue, head over to Hill Country’s Thanksgiving Day Feast. No long or fancy ingredient list is necessary, just high-grade meat, a solid dry rub and lots and lots of cooking time. The feast will include a Pit-Smoked Turkey, Signature Beef Brisket, and Market Chicken. Don’t forget the sides: Texas Toast Stuffing, Sweet Potato Bourbon Mash, and Cheddar Mac n’ Cheese. For dessert, the Caramel Apple Streusel is always a favorite. After dinner, head downstairs for live country music (there’s rarely a cover charge). Info: hillcountry.com.
BURKE & WILLS
Since its opening, Burke & Wills has staked its claim as one of the most popular restaurants on the Upper West Side—and has become well known for its top-flight combination of seasonal cuisine and original, artisanal cocktails. The Australian ex-pat owners offer a double experience under one roof. The casual Manhattan Cricket Club, a swanky exclusive cocktail lounge. You’ll find the comfortable dining room inviting and Chef Jonathan Perez’s menu ripe with modern, adventurous flavors of Australia. Thanksgiving Day menu will feature Roasted Heritage Turkey Breast with Chestnut Stuffing, Savoy Cabbage, Cranberry Relish, and Sage Jus. Be sure to leave room for the Bread & Butter Pudding topped with Toffee Sauce and Whipped Mascarpone. Info: burkeandwillsny.com.
