Thanksgiving holiday is rapidly approaching here in Manhattan and all over the country. Millions of people will be flocking to their loved ones places for all things turkey, mashed potatoes, and more to enjoy one of the biggest holidays we celebrate each year. What happens though, if you are a savvy Manhattanite and would prefer to dine out on Thanksgiving with your friends and family? Well fear not, because Manhattan Digest have found some great locations that are open and serving some delicious cuisine for you to enjoy on the 24th.
Here are four locations you should check out if you are in a rut on Thanksgiving and need some tasty food provided by some of the best restaurants out there. Happy Holidays!
TESSA NYC
They’ll be featuring Thanksgiving spins on the impeccable modern Mediterranean cuisine that the restaurant is known for. The young and talented Executive Chef Eric Cope has crafted a special prix fixe menu for those looking to have a luxurious Thanksgiving dinner without the arduous kitchen work.
The menu offers a range of options, beginning with a choice of amuse bouche: Truffle Aranchini with mustard seed aioli and watercress, or Caviar with marble potato, creme fraiche and chive. Continue with an entree such as Cervena Venison Loin with beech mushroom, spaetzle, kabocha squash, dried cherry and venison jus, and finish sweet with the Spiced Pumpkin Mousse.
The TESSA staff is also happy to suggest wine pairings from the impressive list, which includes 60 rare selections on the ‘Reserve List.’ The sleek, industrial chic interior—which has been featured in Interior Design Magazine numerous times—sets the tone for the sophisticated, yet approachable cuisine, and is sure to create a memorable holiday.
For $65, the prix fixe includes three courses, and will be available from 12pm-9pm on November 24th.
The restaurant is located at 349 Amsterdam Avenue between 76th and 77th Streets, www.tessanyc.com, 212-390-1974.
Bustan
New Executive Chef/Partner Rafael Hasid (owner of BK hotspots Wolf & Deer, Miriam and Bergen Dean) has created a menu that combines holiday staples with exotic flavors from the restaurant’s custom taboon oven.
A la carte options include butternut squash soup, which receives an updgrade of pistachio crusted goat cheese and apple crostini, in addition to sweet potato latkes, accompanied by seasoned lebaneh (Lebanese strained yogurt). Heartier dishes include the Berkshire pork belly terracotta, prepared famously in a bread dome and baked in the taboon, sealing in the moisture and flavor. Even the free range turkey recieve’s Bustan’s particular brand of Mediterranean flair, served with pita and Jerusalem artichoke stuffing, cranberry-pommegranate relish & veal demi glace gravy.
The cocktail program from mixologist Kelsey Didit (Wolf & Deer) offers a variety of seasonal cocktails perfect to pair with Thanksgiving dinner, including the Ginger Bitters, built with Fernet Branca, Michter’s Bourbon, lemon and ginger syrup.
Thanksgiving hours are 1pm-10pm on November 24th. The restaurant is located at 487 Amsterdam Avenue, near W. 84th Street, www.bustannyc.com, 212-595-5050.
Burke & Wills Australian Bistro
From Executive Chef Rodrigo Nogueira (Montmartre, The Monkey Bar, The Four Seasons) the Thanksgiving menu features an all-Australian wine pairing and a one-night-only featured fall cocktail.
Priced at $60 per person ($90 with the pairing) the prix fixe includes three courses, offering options such as butternut squash soup with candied chestnuts and brioche (paired with Orchard Hill Hard Cider), Roast Turkey with a foie, pork and chestnut stuffing (paired with Chemin Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley Australia), and housemade pumpkin cheesecake with fresh berries and cranberry sauce (paired with DeBortoli Noble One, Riverina, Australia).
The featured cocktail (not included in the cost) will be the “It’s a Long Way to the Top,” built with Crop organic spiced pumpkin vodka, garam masala, lime and Brooklyn seltzer. It was created by owner and Aussie expat, Tim Harris.
Thanksgiving hours are 12pm-9pm, reservations preferred. The restaurant is located at 226 W 79th Street (between Broadway and Amsterdam), 646-823-9251, www.burkeandwillsny.com.
Padoca Bakery
The Thanksgiving menu from Padoca Bakery was created specially for the holiday by their star pastry chef, Rachel Binder. Born in Toronto and raised in Jerusalem, Binder began her career under Chef Peter Hoffman at Savoy, and went on to do stints at Union Square Cafe and Tabla, before leaving her more recent position as Pastry Chef of Maialino to open Padoca.
Though Padoca is known for its unique Brazilian/Israeli specialties, the popular Upper East Side bakery is focusing on the classics this holiday, offering the following for pre-order and store pickup:
Pumpkin Pie
Chocolate Pecan Pie
Apple Crumb Pie
Pumpkin Cranberry Bread Loaf (also currently available by the slice in store)
Gluten Free Banana Chocolate Chip Bread Loaf
All orders must be placed by 11/18, and are to be picked up on 11/23. Call the store at (212) 300-4543 to place an order.