Whether it’s because you’ve burned the last four turkeys, or simply become too tired to endure another family feud over how to carve the thing, the News-Press has the holiday dining scoop for those of you who want the cooking done for you this year.
From traditionalists on a budget to sports lovers with an appetite, there’s something for everyone, even the Turkey Day Scrooges.
For the Thrifty Traditionalist
Thanksgiving favorites with all the trimmings can easily be found for $35 and under. For just $22.95 a person, Clyde’s (8332 Leesburg Pike, Vienna) will be serving up the works – turkey, sausage sage stuffing, green beans, whipped potatoes with gravy, mashed sweet potatoes and traditional cranberry sauce, along with a slice of either apple, pecan or pumpkin pie topped with a dollop of whipped cream or served a la mode.
When asked about the amount of customer traffic he usually sees on a holiday typical of in-home dining, General Manager Rich Hilliard said most of the time slots in the middle of the afternoon have already been booked.
“Last year, we fed over 1,000 people. It was packed here,” said Hilliard.
A shortened version of Clyde’s edible turkey tour is available for kids under the age of 10 for $12.95. To make reservations, call 703-734-1901.
Also try:
• Seagar’s Restaurant (1767 King St., Alexandria) is featuring a Thanksgiving Day buffet from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and a three-course dinner from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m., each at $24.95 per person. From pancakes to fruit pastries and roasted turkey to prime rib, the buffet is sure to leave patrons stuffed. Seagar’s dinner spread will include corn and squash soup, roasted turkey, pumpkin cheesecake with a gingerbread crust and more. For reservations, call 703-647-2000.
• Piola (1550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington) will be putting an Italian spin on traditional holiday cuisine. At $31 for adults or $14.95 children ages 5-11, Piola’s Turkey Day menu consists of butternut squash soup, pizza and pasta and Piola’s famous pumpkin gnocchi, but its ending is all-American – apple pie. For more information, call 703-528-1502.
For the Lavish Feaster
For patrons with a little more cash to burn who are looking for a truly elite experience, 2941 Restaurant (2941 Fairview Park Dr., Falls Church) is offering a three-course ($75) and six-course option ($105), fully-equipped with flowers, candlelight and a lavish spread of entrees like Yellow Fin Tuna Tartar and East Coast Halibut.
Despite the pricey fee, Maître d’ Rachid LaKroune said, “We’re already expecting 550 people, so it’s going to be a busy day to say the least.”
The restaurant will also give patrons the opportunity to support Homestretch Inc., a Falls Church-based organization that assists the local homeless community. Apple pies will be sold for customers to take home, with proceeds supporting the cause.
“Pies are being sent to the shelters as well,” said LaKroune, who noted 2941 brought some pies over to Homestretch last week.
To partake in the upscale flavors of pine nut black truffle vinaigrette or Muscat wine gelée this holiday, make reservations by calling 703-270-1500.
Also try:
• The Grille at Morrison House (116 S. Alfred St., Alexandria) will be offering Thanksgiving favorites with a touch of class in the form of a five-course prix fixe special for $85. Diners can expect apple parsnip bisque, oyster po’boy, rock fish with a clam chowder cream sauce, clams stuffed with potato spinach, turkey with cranberry sauce and pumpkin bread pudding. To make reservations, call 703-838-8000.
• Adour at St. Regis (5015 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.) is planning to serve a traditional four-course meal from 2:30 – 8:30 p.m. for hungry folks with $90 to spare, $45 for children ages 6-10. Their theme, “Designed with Wine in Mind” will allow diners to order from a wine pairing menu by the decanter, but that will cost you extra. Reservations for this spirit-filled event can be made by calling 202-509-8000.
• Our editor’s pick is The Palm (1225 19th Street NW, Washington, D.C.), which is offering a three-courser at fixed prices of $42-55, depending on your main dish choice of either roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham or crab-stuffed lobster. For more information, call 202-293-9091.
For the Thirsty Sports Lover
Whether you’re a Cowboys or a Seahawks fan, chances are you’re one of many sports buffs that are thankful for two very important things this year – beer and HDTV … and family, of course. During this Thanksgiving’s after hours, local sports bars and pubs are opening their doors for drinking and sports enthusiasts alike, some of which are even offering Turkey Day specials.
Though its kitchen will be closed, Ireland’s Four Provinces (105 W. Broad St., Falls Church) will be serving up cottage and shepherds pies when it opens its bar from 6 p.m. – 1:30 a.m., business permitting.
“We had a great crowd last year. When we opened, there were actually people outside waiting to get in,” said Manager Patrick Dunnegan. “I think people are just kind of like ‘OK, we’ve done the family thing and now it’s time to do my thing.'”
For more information on how to score a TV-friendly game seat, call 703-534-8999.
Also try:
• For $18.95, customers can get a traditional turkey platter with gravy and stuffing at Velocity Five Sports Bar (8111 Lee Hwy., Falls Church), which will be open 4 p.m. – 2 a.m. Velocity boasts over 50 plasma flat screens and a rich amount of seating. For more information, call 703-207-9464.
• Grevey’s Restaurant & Sports Bar (8130 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church) will be serving their Turkey Special for $21 – fully loaded with slices of good, old-fashioned bird, dressing, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans and cranberry sauce. Grevey’s opens at 4 p.m. and closes at 2 a.m. on Thanksgiving. For more information, call 703-560-8530.
For the Simply Unamused
Whether this “thankfulness” bit just isn’t in your plans or you’re unable to make it home for the holidays, local food establishments are making sure your appetite isn’t left out in the cold – and they’re not even breaking out the turkey bells and whistles to rub in your face.
Deliverers of an American staple, Pizza Hut (1216 W. Broad St., Falls Church) will be open for pick-ups and deliveries from noon – 8 p.m.
“Usually, we close every year, but this year we’ve just had too many customers already asking if we plan on being open. We figured if they’re asking, we can probably get some good business,” said Manager Harbreet Singh. “It’s going to be just like any other day.”
Also try:
• Harvest Moon (7260 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church) will be open from 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Cuisine: Chinese. For more information, call 703-573-6000.
• Hoang’s Grill and Sushi Bar (502 W. Broad St., Falls Church) will be open for lunch from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cuisine: Pan-Asian. For more information, call 703-536-7777.
• Hunan Lion (2070 Chain Bridge Rd., Vienna) will be open from 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. Cuisine: Chinese. For more information, call 703-734-9828
