News

Go out for Thanksgiving

By Times Staff Writer
Published November 7, 2007

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Note to readers: Prices, dishes and availability may change. Remember to call ahead to make reservations now; space is limited. Show up on time or you may lose your spot.

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You've decided to ditch the family tradition of cooking a 20-pound turkey this year and are all ready to eat out. But where? You don't want to end up like Ralphie and his family in A Christmas Story, eating Chinese for Thanksgiving Day. So consider exploring some of these possibilities.

Got a big family?

All Piccadilly Cafeterias will be open Thanksgiving from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., with a traditional buffet for $7.99.

Nice thought, but ...

All Bob Evans restaurants are closed on Thanksgiving.

Eat like a tourist

Hotels host some of the most lavish spreads, including Tampa's Grand Hyatt (Petey Brown's, 2900 Bayport Drive, Tampa (813) 207-6783; www.grandtampabay.hyatt.com ), Pinellas' Don CeSar, (727) 360-1881 www.doncesar.com , and
Renaissance Vinoy resorts, (727) 894-1000; www.vinoyrenaissanceresort.com .

Some notables

Black Pearl: Serving roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, turnip souffle and mashed potatoes ($22.95). Additional menu items will also be available. 315 Main St., Dunedin; (727) 734 3463; www.theblackpearlofdunedin.com .

Bon Appetit Restaurant: This casual, sophisticated restaurant dishes up Thanksgiving two ways: sit-down or buffet, noon-8 p.m., both with a water view. This year's buffet will include: Ahi tuna in wasabi, cheese assortment, assorted mixed greens, marinated black mussels, edamane in rice wine dressing, green peppercorn and portobello pate, gulf shrimp with horseradish cocktail sauce, platters of assorted Italian sausages and salamis, green beans and Bermuda onion vinaigrette, mushrooms with garlic and tomatoes, Roma tomatoes with fresh mozzarella in pesto, Norwegian smoked salmon bruschetta, marinated olives and celery and pickled cauliflower. Entre possibilities include: grilled filet of beef on Chinese eggplant crouton with artichokes and sauce Bearnaise; Virginia ham rubbed with lavender honey, golden raisin glaze and toasted almonds; North Atlantic salmon, pan-seared, in a cornmeal crust with cumin ratatouille; twin pork loin medallions sauted with button mushrooms, caramelized shallots and chardonnay cream. Adults $39.95, children under 10 half-price. Dunedin; (727) 733-2151. www.bonappetitrestaurant.com .

E&E's Stakeout Grill: Traditional roast turkey with corn bread-chorizo sausage stuffing, giblet gravy and orange-cranberry-apple chutney and smashed sweet potatoes with acorn squash and black strap molasses, pan-seared filet of Chilean sea bass with sun-dried tomato basil beurre blanc and garlic-mashed potatoes, veal sirloin steak with sauteed button mushroom marsala and whipped Idaho potatoes with parsnip and white truffle oil, grilled breast of duck with orange ginger glaze and butternut squash ravioli tossed in an apple gorgonzola cream with spiced pecans; $18.50-$24.95. Reservations suggested. 100 N Indian Rocks Road, Belleair Bluffs: (727) 585-6399; www.3bestchefs.com/ee .

Kelly's for Just About Anything: Traditional meal with turduckhen, cream of asparagus soup, house salad, cranberry pear relish, lima beans with ham, mashed potatoes, lemon pomegranate cheesecake or organ Grand Marnier pumpkin pie ($22.99 adults, $7.99 children 10 and younger) 319 Main St., Dunedin; (727) 736-5284; www.kellyschicaboom.com .

Mango's, Hilton Hotel: Thanksgiving dinner from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. It includes turkey with andouille corn bread stuffing, roast pork loin, roast beef, honey baked ham, mahi mahi, garlic mashed potatoes, kids' stations and dessert display. Adults $24.95, children 12 and younger $10.95. North Redington Beach; (727) 369-7180. Reservations available.

Mise en Place: Want elegant epicurean delights at home? Reserve your dinner by Nov. 15 and pick it up on Thanksgiving Day between 8:30 a.m. and noon. You can order a 20-pound turkey with gravy ($179), side dishes (sweet potato walnut mash, green bean casserole, pecan herb stuffing, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, triple cranberry sauce) and desserts. 442 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa; (813) 254-5373.

O'Bistro: Sip from the boutique wine list while nibbling the roasted turkey with cranberry chestnut dressing, giblet gravy, maple roasted yams and garlic mashed potatoes ($18.95-$32.95) while others enjoy a phyllo-wrapped chicken breast, veal osso buco or veal Marselle. 1:30-8 p.m. The Thanksgiving takeout menu features a blue cheese crusted roasted beef tenderloin, whole roasted turkey or turkey breast with side dishes (toasted pecan stuffing), fresh baked rolls and desserts (Kentucky bourbon pecan tart). 6661 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. (727) 381-1212.

Parkshore Grille: The newest restaurant along St. Petersburg's downtown waterfront will serve a traditional Thanksgiving dinner as well as items from the regular menu from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; 300 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg: (727) 896-9463, www.parkshoregrill.com .

Rusty Pelican: The buffet is open from 11 a.m-5 p.m. and will feature roasted turkey, candied yams, herb dressing, mashed potatoes, carved prime rib, Virginia ham, salmon, salad, dessert and raw bar (peel and eat shrimp, crab legs, oysters). Adults $29.95, kids 5-11 $12.95, under 5 eat for free. 2425 N Rocky Point Drive, Tampa; (813) 281-1943; www.therustypelicanrestaurant.com . Reservations available.

Sirata Beach Resort: Serving a buffet from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Compass Grill. Enjoy the panoramic view and delights. The dinner includes, tossed green salad with assorted dressing or shrimp and corn chowder; sliced honey-baked ham with spiced rum and pineapple sauce served with mashed sweet potatoes and sauted fresh vegetables ($14.95); or roasted turkey with apple and andouille sausage stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes with traditional old-fashioned gravy, green bean casserole and fresh cranberry relish ($14.95); or slow-roasted prime rib of beef with au jus and horseradish sauce, served with stuffed baked potato and sauted fresh vegetables ($16.95). 5300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach; (727) 363-5100; www.sirata.com .

Spinners, Grand Plaza Hotel: The rotating, sky-high restaurant serves a buffet, 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Munch roast turkey with country dressing, carved roast beef, grouper, shrimp, ham, cold salads, domestic cheese and fruit, delectable desserts and breads. Adults $26.95, children $11.95. St. Pete Beach; (727) 360-1811; www.grandplazaflorida.com/spinners-appetizers.html . Reservations accepted.

Other suggestions:

Carino's Northern Italian Cuisine, noon-10 p.m., traditional meal, reservations accepted; 9524 Blind Pass Road, St. Pete Beach, (727) 360-8502; www.carinosrestaurant.com

Philthy Phil's, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., traditional meal, reservations accepted; 678 75th Ave., St. Pete Beach, (727) 367-9977; www.philthyphilsbarandgrill.com

The Pepper Mill, noon-8 p.m., traditional meal, reservations required; 1575 S Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater, (727) 449-2988; www.peppermillofclearwater.com

Salt Rock Grill, noon-10 p.m., traditional meal, $18.95, reservations recommended; 19325 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores, (727) 593-7625; www.saltrockgrill.com

Island Way Grill, noon-9 p.m., traditional meal, reservations recommended; 20 Island Way, Clearwater Beach, (727) 461-6617; www.islandwaygrill.com

Bern's Steak House, 4-10 p.m., regular menu, reservations recommended; 1208 S Howard Ave., Tampa, (813) 251-2421; www.bernssteakhouse.com

Watercolour Steakhouse and Grille in the Marriott Suites, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. buffet, 5-10 p.m. traditional meal buffet, $39.95, $17.95 ages 5-11, regular menu available, reservations recommended; 1201 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater Beach/Sand Key. (727) 596-1100; www.watercolourgrille.com

Castaway, traditional meal buffet, $29.95 ages 12-adult, $12.95 ages 5-11, free under age 5, reservations recommended; 7720 Courtney Campbell Parkway, Tampa, (813) 281-0770

Jackson's Bistro-Bar-Sushi, noon-6 p.m., traditional meal buffet, $26.95 adults, $10.95 ages 10 and younger, reservations recommended; 601 S Harbour Island Blvd., Tampa, (813) 277-0112; www.jacksonsbistro.com

 

[Last modified November 7, 2007, 13:17:10]