Thanksgiving in local restaurants
The holidays are finally here. That means rushing around, shopping, out-of-town relatives cramming into the beach house and planning menus. Thanksgiving represents gathering with family and friends and the beginning of gluttonous days and overindulging in longtime favorites.
But it doesn’t mean the host has to spend every minute in the kitchen. If stuffing a bird, simmering cranberries or baking apple pies isn’t on the schedule this year, local chefs are pleased to offer up traditional fare for the holiday. So, go to the experts and enjoy restaurants and bakeries serving up cuisine – and let them clean up the kitchen after dinner.
The Buttery in Lewes has served Thanksgiving dinner since it opened 14 years ago, said office manager Joyce Lamb. She said the restaurant is a popular local spot because of the quality food and service. “We serve more than the contemporary Thanksgiving dinner. We serve a seafood trio and offer something a little different,” she said. This year’s menu has a selection of classics revisited with seasonal, gourmet ingredients, such as the candied walnuts and lavender honey blackberry vinaigrette that tops a Belgian endive and pear salad, one of several salad choices. In addition to ham and turkey, guests may choose porcini-dusted beef tenderloin. There is always a choice of soups or appetizers, and three decadent desserts, including flourless chocolate cake and pumpkin-hazelnut cheesecake.
Beginning a new tradition, Jerry’s Seafood in Lewes is offering a Thanksgiving Day buffet from noon to 5 p.m. for the first time this year. All the traditional fare is on the menu, including three kinds of stuffing – onion, oyster and pineapple – to accompany carved turkey or ham. “We have a lot of reservations already,” said owner Suzanne Becker. She said Jerry’s hopes to provide a real, home-cooked meal for people with out-of-town guests who don’t want to bother cooking. Becker said the restaurant chose a menu of dishes that are familiar and in keeping with what most people enjoy for the holidays. Reservations are preferred, but not required.
Going for a southern twist, Gilligan’s Waterfront is frying turkey this year for its fifth annual Thanksgiving buffet. “The turkey is really good because it’s something different, and I love the corn bread-sausage stuffing,” said server and bartender Lynn O’Neil. The buffet also has side dishes such as broccoli casserole, corn pudding, and sweet potato soufflé to name a few. She said guests should hurry to make reservations for one of three seatings at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. or 6 p.m. because they’re filling up quickly.
If cooking dinner doesn’t sound so bad, but making dessert does, pick up a pie or cake at Vintage Café and Bake Shop in Milton. Owners Martha and Debbie Jean Audet will make just about any confection that comes to mind. “There’s nothing they can think of that I can’t do, if they give me a recipe I’ll make it,” Martha said. She also has the standard favorites, such as pecan, custard and fruit pies. Debbie Jean said she is excited about the fruit cornucopia made from puff pastry and filled with fresh fruit and homemade dip. “It’s just beautiful with pineapple, black raspberries, strawberries and all kinds of fruit,” she said. The bakery is accepting reservations for pies through Monday, Nov. 19, but Martha insists they also have compassion for the last-minute planners.
After dessert, it’s time to relax a little. Stop in to the Summer House in Rehoboth Beach, where dinner won’t be served but the drinks will be flowing starting at 8 p.m. “We’re just going for the bar night and letting our employees enjoy the holiday with their families,” said manager Andrea Gray.
Whether the family packs into the SUV and hauls down for a formal sit-down feast, opts for a casual buffet, or just enjoys someone else’s pies or brews, hosting Thanksgiving Day festivities doesn’t mean doing everything. Local restaurants are more than happy to cater to the not-so-culinary inclined.
source: capegazette.com
