Tradition is great – except for the cooking and dishes. This year, let a pro handle it at one of these local restaurants.
By Kate Faherty
Blue Duck Tavern can host family and friends for Thanksgiving. (Photo courtesy of Blue Duck Tavern)
BLUE DUCK TAVERN
Where: 1201 24th Street NW, Washington DC
Ambiance: Swank Americana in a sophisticated and warm setting
Thanksgiving Special: Blue Duck Tavern took tradition to heart when it created its Thanksgiving Day Feast menu – its serving farm-fresh turkeys from a family-owned farm nearby in Pennsylvania. The Thanksgiving Day Brunch menu is based around the Apple Cider Glazed Roasted Turkey. Seasonal salads, meats and cheeses will begin the meal, to be followed by a variety of meats, seafood or vegetarian options as the main course. Dide dishes include Pumpkin Seed Stuffing and Sweet Potato Cake. The pastry pantry at Blue Duck Tavern adds a sweet ending to the holiday meal, with desserts such as Pumpkin Tarts, Chocolate Chestnut Cakes and Butternut Squash Crème Brulee.
Price: $90 for adults and $42 for children between the ages of 6 and 12. Children under 6 are complimentary.
Brunch is served on Thanksgiving from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Chef Geoff Tracy of Chef Geoff's
CHEF GEOFF’S DOWNTOWN
Where: 1301 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington DC
Ambiance: Family-friendly restaurant in a lively setting
Thanksgiving Special: Chef Geoff’s Downtown will serve 3-course and 4-course meals with a great variety. Starters include outside-the-box options such as Tuna Sashimi, Bacon Wrapped Crab Stuffed Shrimp, and Shrimp Coconut Soup. The starters menu includes holiday classics such as Romaine Caesar, an Autumn Squash Bisque, and Golden Beets with Pomegranate and Goat Cheese. The second course, for those who choose the 4-course option, includes a salad or a variety of soups, from pumpkin to mushroom-leek soups. The main course which spreads much beyond Chef Geoff’s featured traditional holiday plate of Roasted Turkey. Other options include Butternut Risotto, Flat Iron Steak, Mushroom Ravioli, and many seafood options. Customary to Chef Geoff’s, the desserts being offered include the traditional Pumpkin Pie with Maple Ice Cream or a Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake. For the little pilgrims, Chef Geoff’s is serving up a place with the classic Thanksgiving favorites – including the childhood favorite cranberry sauce.
Price: $39 for a three-course meal, $45 for a four-course meal, and 11.95 for kids
Open on Thanksgiving from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
FOUNDING FARMERS
Where: 1924 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington DC
Ambiance: Comfortable, inviting and sustainable with a trendy twist
Thanksgiving Special: Celebrating our founding settlers on the Thanksgiving holiday has come full circle with the Thanksgiving menu at Founding Farmers, D.C. Most well known for its eco- and farm-friendly menu, this D.C. staple creates its menu items from fresh products delivered from family farms, ranches and fisheries.The extensive meal begins with a Roasted Butternut and Acorn Squash Soup or a Field Green Salad. For the main course, diners will choose from Roasted Turkey, Ham, or Fried Chicken, to be accompanied by a variety of sides. To finish off the meal, Founding Farmers will serve up pies that add a twist to the traditional desserts, including a Pumpkin Pie with Spiced Whipped Cream or a Dutch Apple Caramel Pie.
Price: $35 per person, $20 for children under 12.
Open on Thanksgiving from noon to 8 p.m.
The Old Ebbitt Grill will set the table for you for Thanksgiving dinner.
OLD EBBITT GRILL
Where: 675 15th Street NW, Washington DC
Ambiance: Historic hotspot full of character
Thanksgiving Special: Part of the Clyde’s Restaurant Group, the Old Ebbitt Grill is favored for its fresh ingredients and traditional American meals. Thanksgiving Dinner here will will carry on the tradition of Old Ebbitt Grill. The basic menu features well-known Thanksgiving classics based around the traditional Turkey Dinner with sides ranging from sausage-chestnut stuffing to baked sweet potato and cranberry sauce. For those with a sweet tooth, you can finish off your meal with classic Apple, Pecan or Pumpkin Pie. The menu is rounded out with seafood dishes, pasta, or the special pumpkin ravioli – all with a bit of Thanksgiving spice.
Price: $25.95, or $15.95 for Children 10 and under.
The full Thanksgiving menu will be served 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. A light fare menu will then be served until 1 a.m., including the Turkey Entree.
PERRY’S
Where: 1811 Columbia Road NW, Washington DC
Ambiance: Classically hip Adams Morgan
Thanksgiving Special: Perry’s offers two options for the Thanksgiving feast for your family this year. The menu includes starters such as Roasted Butternut Squash Soup, Endive Salad and Cornmeal Crusted Local Chesapeake Oysters. The main course menu is short yet diverse and includes an Apple Cider Glazed Salmon, Braised Beef Short Rib and the classic Slow Roasted Amish Turkey. Side dishes to be shared by the table include the classic vegetable and potato dishes, and the dessert options include four traditional pies. If diners would rather enjoy the traditional meal at home, Perry’s Chef Robert is offering Thanksgiving specialties to go. Until November 20th, orders can be places by phone or e-mail for some of Perry’s Thanksgiving specialties. The same Butternut Squash Soup that will be served at Perry’s on Thanksgiving can be brought home and served, in addition to four varieties of pies. Pricing and more information on the take-home meal can be found online.
Price: $40 per adults, and $19 for children under 11.
Open on Thanksgiving 1 p.m to 8 p.m.
