Dining out for Thanksgiving: a festive twist or holiday bust?
Published 8:25 pm Tuesday, November 15, 2011
The iconic Norman Rockwell portrait of Thanksgiving at the grandparents is the picture of the perfect American holiday dinner.
But when the task isn’t the family cook’s idea of a holiday, there is another option: dining out. No dishes, no cleaning, no worry about timing all the sides with the turkey.
Sometimes the restaurant option is the best one when kitchens are under renovation or the cook is lousy.
Dining out for the holiday doesn’t mean the family meal will lose its intimacy. Many restaurants accommodate larger parties, expecting groups to take two or three hours from soup to pumpkin pie.
South County restaurants are offering a variety of Thanksgiving meal options, from traditional turkey to tandoori turkey. Picky eaters can always select something off the regular menu.
The one piece of advice restaurateurs give is to make reservations – and make them early because spots fill up.
Some ideas to get you started:
Arnie’s Restaurant, 300 Admiral Way, Edmonds, 425-771-5688
Scott’s Bar &Grill, 8115 Lake Ballinger Way, Edmonds, 425-775-2561
Tulalip Resort Casino, Tulalip, 360-716-7162
Claim Jumper, Alderwood mall, The Terraces, 425-778-5700
Black Angus Steakhouse, 20102 44th Ave. W, Lynnwood, 425-774-6556
Masala Bar &Grill, 19409 Bothell-Everett Highway, Bothell, 425-481-9000
WHAT OUR READERS LIKE
Went to the Painted Table way back when. It was nontraditional, but delicious.
Barbara, Edmonds
Haven’t broke tradition yet. We love having family over for Thanksgiving. …I have been delivering hot Thanksgiving dinners with my grandson and neighbor’s daughter for the last four years for Senior Services. Great tradition!
Alison, Lynnwood
Thinking about going to Ruth’s Chris in Seattle again.
David, Seattle
We went to the Palisade. The food was extraordinary BUT nobody was happy to be away from home. Never did it again. Its not the food, but the gathering of the clan that we love.
Becky, Lynnwood
After several years of big family and friend Thanksgivings we have been going out the last few years. Very enjoyable, Ray’s Boathouse, Scott’s, and Salty’s. No clean up, no hassles and great food
Bruce, Shoreline
Many years ago I went to the Cliff House in SF, it was a truly lovely meal. But, of course, there were no leftovers!!
Christine, Edmonds
I would never, but I have a family with a small child. There are people who are alone or traveling on the holiday, and I could see it then. But just as a matter of convenience? That’s basically just saying no to Thanksgiving.
NaShea, Edmonds
When I had to work on Thanksgiving, we use to go to the Yankee Diner in Ballard. Not sure if that’s around anymore.
Laurie, Bothell
WHERE TO FIND…
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Address: 727 Pine St., Seattle; 565 Bellevue Square, Bellevue
Online: www.ruthschris.com
Palisade
Address: 2601 W Marina Pl., Seattle
Online: palisaderestaurant.com
Ray’s Boathouse
Address: 6049 Seaview Ave. NW, Seattle
Online: www.rays.com
Scott’s Bar and Grill
Address: 8115 Ballinger Way, Edmonds
Online: www.scottsbarandgrill.com
Salty’s
Address: 1936 Harbor Ave. SW, Seattle
Online: www.saltys.com
