Neat TREAT
Let’s talk turkey! Holiday shopping + dining
November 14, 2009 by karenvitt
Filed under Neat TREAT
So who knew you can buy a Thanksgiving Tur-Duc-Hen online from Neiman Marcus? Isn’t it kind of weird and wrong to shop for holiday dinner and shoes at the same time? Or wait, I guess that’s awesome.
Anyhow, for those of us not planning to order up a turkey bird from NYC along with a pair of new Manolo Blahnik ruffled suede ankle booties, let’s take a look at some stylish Portland Thanksgiving dinner options, whether you’re dining in or out. (Or maybe both.)
Dining in:
Trader Joes All Natural Turkeys are just $1.79/lb, plus they have classic turkey gravy (no gross lumps, yay!) and sweet little 18oz pumpkin tarts for $5.99, which put a bit of a glamorous twist on the traditional pumpkin pie. (We’ll take both, thank you.)
Locally owned New Seasons Market is a great place to pick up a fresh (never frozen), local Diestel free-range turkey, starting at 1.69/lb. Plus they have turduckens, brined free-range turkeys, maple-cured hams and
every side dish you can dream up. If you’re too busy to cook it all yourself, place an order by Sunday, Nov. 22 and they’ll do the dirty work. Still too busy? Go online to New Season’s Thanksgiving shopping list, scroll through and check off all the cranberry sauce, stuffing, pie and potatoes you want. They’ll deliver the whole dinner to your house starting at $10.
Elephants Delicatessen has been a go-to source for stuffing yourself silly for years, and this year it’s just as delicious. The delectable deli has an entire Thanksgiving Day worth of eats, starting from the first bite of morning quiche to the last bite of post-Football pumpkin cheesecake. Check out Elephants Thanksgiving Menu and place your order by Monday, Nov. 23.
Dining in or out:
We discovered chef Abby Fammartino’s naturally delicious food stylings this summer, and now we’re pleased to report Abby’s Table is getting in on the Thanksgiving action. Abby’s has a complete Thanksgiving menu with traditional options, as well as gluten and dairy free holiday dishes you can pick up and bring home for the friends and ‘fam. Dairy-free garlic mashed potatoes? Hello! Place your orders by Friday, Nov. 20.
If you’re craving a sense of community along with your dinner, Abby’s Table also will host a pre-Thanksgiving family-style dinner ($18) at her Southeast Portland studio/kitchen, 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25. It’s a cozy, urban sit-down option for those with family in town for the holiday, or for busy cooks who need a night out of their own kitchens before the big holiday. Or for those who like to eat. A lot.
Dining out:
A handful of reputable Portland restaurants always serve an upscale, homestyle Thanksgiving dinner (Jake’s Grill, The Heathman and Huber’s to name a few favorites), and this year one popular Pearl District eatery will infuse the turkey tradition with international flavor.
Andina has melded a Peruvian and American menu, offering a $55 prix fixe Thanksgiving dinner of tapas (appetizers), main entrée and dessert. Gobble up oven-roasted heritage turkey with quince-huacatay chutney, and yam-aji Amarillo crème brulee or pumpkin chiffon tart for dessert. They’re even bringing in live music by Nelson Salazar and The Danny Romero Trio to complete the festive occasion.
Finally, The Neat Sheet’s top pick for a sophisticated Thanksgiving dinner out in a warm, comfortable setting that feels like home (except way nicer because it’s not a duplex with two noisy cats): Wildwood, in Northwest Portland. We love Wildwood for its seasonal, Northwest cuisine, and for the fact you can order a traditional turkey dinner or something else entirely – like pork chops with brussels sprouts or pan-seared halibut. It’s, like, a holiday in your mouth!
And if you can’t join Wildwood at the restaurant, at least pick up a holiday pie to bring home. Pastry chef Michelle Vernier is baking up extra special apple, pecan and pumpkin pies just for Thanksgiving, made with fresh ingredients from local farmers. Place your pie order by Wednesday, Nov. 18 ($20 each).
Ok, so now aren’t you just STARVING? Have a stylish Thanksgiving, and in a few weeks The Neat Sheet will take you shopping for fashionable fat pants.
Abby’s Table
609 S.E. Ankeny St.; 503-828-7662
abbystable.typepad.com
Andina
1314 N.W. Glisan St.; 503-228-9535
www.andinarestaurant.com
Elephants Delicatessen
(Five area locations)
115 N.W. 22nd Ave.; 503-299-6304
www.elephantsdeli.com
New Seasons (Nine area locations)
Raleigh Hills, 7300 S.W. Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy.?503-292-6838; holiday.newseasonsmarket.com
Trader Joe’s (Three Portland locations)
4121 N.E. Halsey St.; 503-284-1694
www.traderjoes.com
Wildwood
1221 N.W. 21st Ave.; 503-248-9663
www.wildwoodrestaurant.com
Oregon Food Bank
Help others during the holidays by making a secure online donation to Oregon Food Bank here or by visiting www.oregonfoodbank.com for donation sites and information.
