So, I usually host a big Thanksgiving dinner and I love it. My grandparents drive up from Canon City, and my mom and sister, and whoever else doesn't have anything else to do, come over and Ori and I cook like crazy. I like to search for fresh twists on the traditional menu items, walking a fine foodie line between "something new" and "pissing my Grandma off".
This year, however, my Grandpa just got out of the hospital and they aren't feeling up to the drive...so we are bringing the Thanksgiving feast to them. We are still trying to figure out how to cook and transport the turkey...smoke it the day before? Roast it, pull it out of the oven, and take it with us all snuggled up in a roasting pan, hoping it will stay warm on the 3-hour road-trip? Or carve it up before we leave, put it in a crockpot and serve it that way?
I would miss the big "ta-da...oooh, aaah" moment of placing the turkey on the table for everyone to admire...but I am also not trying to food-poison anyone.
Anyway, since we are doing all of the holidays a bit differently this year, it got me thinking to years back when I was working in restaurants and had to work on Thanksgiving. Back then, not many restaurants were open on Turkey Day, but it looks like more and more people are throwing in the roasting pan and going out to eat, because the Denver area has a bunch of yummy sounding options this year!
Thanksgiving brunch buffet
Garden Terrace at The Inverness Hotel - 200 Inverness Drive West - Park MeadowsNovember 24 : 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.The Garden Terrace at the Inverness Hotel never disappoints on Thanksgiving Day, and this year you can also dine in the hotel's Columbine room! They're offering their special menu from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Everything from traditional turkey to sushi to vegetarian couscous is on offer at $55.95 per adult and $23.95 for kids 6-10.
Traditional Thanksgiving Day dinner
The Greenbriar Inn - 8735 N. Foothills Pkwy. - BoulderNovember 24 : 11:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.Craving a traditional turkey dinner but don't feel like doing the carving? The Greenbriar Inn is serving dinner from 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. for $25/adults and $13 for the kiddos. And guess what? They'll give you seconds totally for free upon request! We're talking turkey, mashed potatoes, delicious desserts and more for a low cost!
Thanksgiving Day feast at Jill's Restaurant
Jill's Restaurant - St. Julien Hotel - 900 Walnut St. - Pearl Street / DowntownNovember 24 : 6:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Closed from 9:30-10 a.m.Okay, so we can't help but jump up and down for this delicious Thanksgiving Day feast. You can have breakfast/brunch from 6:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. (with a break from 9:30-10 a.m.) and enjoy the buffet which will include cereal, pancakes, seafood, charcuterie and other treats at $44.95 for adults and $19.95 for kids. Dinner, from 5:30-10 p.m., will feature multiple courses including soup, turkey or lamb, vegetables and dessert for $49.95 adults and $19.95 for kids. The less-formal bistro and tea menus will also be available. Make reservations at 720-406-7399.
Gather around for 1515's Thanksgiving feast
1515 Restaurant - 1515 Market St. - LodoNovember 24 : 11 a.m.1515 is serving up traditional entrees (turkey, prime rib, salmon and risotto) with not-so-traditional sides like duck sausage macaroni and cheese and crab cakes. Everything is priced separately from $10-$20. Make reservations by calling 303-571-0011 or events@1515restaurant.com.
3-course turkey dinner at The Keg
The Keg Steakhouse & Bar - Colorado Mills Mall - 14065 W. Colfax Dr. - LakewoodNovember 24 : 11 a.m.Get your traditional turkey dinner this Thanksgiving Day in Denver without doing the kitchen grunt work. The Keg Steakhouse in Lakewood will open at 11 .m. on Thanksgiving Day and the Downtown Denver location opens at 12 p.m. Both are offering a traditional 3-course turkey dinner for only $23.95 for adults and $9.95 for kids 12 and under. They say reservations are encouraged but not necessary. The menu includes caesar salad, turkey, stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, vegetables, cranberry sauce and gravy. For dessert enjoy cheesecake with a pumpkin cream sauce.
Have aFrench Thanksgiving at Le Central
Le Central - 112 E. 8th Ave. - Capitol HillNovember 24 : 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.Have a French style Thanksgiving at Le Central! From noon-5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day you can enjoy a three-course prix fixed menu for $25.95 for adults and $11.95 for children. You can choose from either a standard Thanksgiving meal or a French dinner featuring mussels, prime beef and other options. They also do an entire Thanksgiving meal cooked and packaged to-go for eight to 10 people for $120 that you can pick up that morning.
Thanksgiving at Cru!
Cru Cafe & Wine Bar - 1442 Larimer St. - Central Business DistrictNovember 24 : 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.Bring the whole family to Cru this Thanksgiving and indulge yourself in their specially prepared three-course menu. Choose from a more traditional Thanksgiving offering, such as roasted turkey breast or beef tenderloin, rack of lamb or pan seared salmon. There will also be dessert and optional wine pairings. The cost is $34 for adults and they'll be open on Thanksgiving Day from noon-9 p.m.
Thanksgiving Day at The Fort
The Fort - 19192 Hwy. 8 - MorrisonNovember 24 : 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.The Fort is a popular Denver dining destination on a normal day, so imagine the family memories on Thanksgiving Day! They're offering a special Thanksgiving Day menu from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Enjoy a turkey dinner ($38 adults; $18 for kids) which includes fresh honey roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry relish, fire roasted yams, giblet gravy and pumpkin pie for dessert. If that doesn't tickle your Thanksgiving Day fancy, try the filet mignon ($37/person), quail ($28/person) or the salmon ($30/person), the game plate ($44) or other entrees.
Thanksgiving Buffet at the Hotel Boulderado
Hotel Boulderado - 2115 13th St. - Pearl Street / DowntownNovember 24 : 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. [End Date: November 24, 2011]Enjoy a Thanksgiving Buffet at the historic (and beautiful) Hotel Boulder. They'll be open from 12:00PM to 4:00PM and the prices are $37.95 for Adults, $18.95 for Children 6-12, Free for Children Under 5.
Thanksgiving Dinner at the Grand Hyatt Denver
1876 Restaurant - 1750 Welton St. - Central Business DistrictNovember 24 : 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. [End Date: November 24, 2011] November 24, 2011 Served from 11:00 am - 3:00pmHow does seafood pot pie, braised lamb shank or boneless beef short rib sound for Turkey Day? If you're a purist, don't worry, they'll have a delicious traditional turkey dinner, too. $34 adults, $15 for kids 6-11.
Thanksgiving at Bastien's
Bastien's Restaurant - 3503 E. Colfax - DenverNovember 24 : 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.Bastien's will be serving their regular menu (succulent steak!) along with a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings
Thanksgiving Dinner at Chinook Tavern
Chinook Tavern - 6380 South Fiddlers Green - Greenwood VillageNovember 24 : 11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.From traditional turkey to prime rib and schnitzel, Chinook has a feast you'll be thankful for. Prices range from $17 to $35 for an entree and do not include soup, salad, appetizers or dessert. Call to make reservations! (720)266-6000.
Thanksgiving at Colterra
Colterra Food & Wine - 210 Franklin St. - NiwotNovember 24 : 2 p.m. - 7 p.m.Colterra is serving up a three-course Thanksgiving meal for $45 per person, along with an optional wine flight for $20. Enjoy buffalo carpaccio, traditional turkey, pork tenderloin and a bevy of side dishes ranging from crab soup to a seasonal vegetable tasting.
Thanksgiving at Salt
Salt the Bistro - 1047 Pearl St. - Pearl Street / DowntownNovember 24 : 2 p.m. - 8 p.m.Salt spices up Thanksgiving with three courses for $38 ($19 for kids). Pick from a traditional turkey dinner or hanger steak with all the fixings.
List information courtesy of Metromix and About Denver - if you know of any other places open on Thanksgiving, let me know!
What are you doing this Thanksgiving? Hosting a huge dinner? Heading up for some time on the slopes? Hitting one of your favorite restaurants?Happy Thanksgiving!
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