So Thanksgiving is less than a week again.  Have you firmed up your plans yet?  Are you the hostess still trying to get a handle your menu because no one will tell you what they are bringing?  Or maybe you are a reluctant guest who is only going somewhere out of obligation.

Any way you look at it, the easiest way to get through Thanksgiving is to make this one thing….RESERVATIONS!!!  I thought I’d share with you a list of fabulous restaurants that want to take the heat out of your kitchen and give you a reason to get disowned by your family.  Looking at some of the menus, I think it is the perfect time to burn some bridges, lie to your family and just go out and enjoy a great meal!  Or just forward this list to your family and they may want to go out too!

SHAW’S CRAB HOUSE IN CHICAGO HOSTS
AN ABUNDANT THANKSGIVING BUFFET!
SPECIAL BUFFET TO BENEFIT
THE LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY
(Chicago)- Shaw’s Crab House is hosting a Traditional Thanksgiving Buffet on Thanksgiving Day, November 26th, at its Chicago location. The family-friendly buffet will be served from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to commemorate the holiday. The Traditional Thanksgiving Buffet is priced at $75 per adult, and $20 for kids 12 and younger (exclusive of tax, gratuity and beverages).

The bountiful buffet will feature the following items:
Cold Seafood Bar
Oysters on the Half Shell
Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail
Golden King Crab Bites
Assorted Hand-Rolled Sushi
Kale and Heirloom Spinach Salad
Classic Caesar Salad
Shaw’s Chopped Salad
Roasted Root Vegetable Salad
Smoked Salmon
Assorted Breads
The Carvery
Herb-Roasted Turkey
Roasted Beef Tenderloin
Golden King Crab Legs
Creamy Lobster Bisque
Cranberry Sauce
Traditional Homemade Stuffing
Mashed Potatoes
Shaw’s Grand Hot Buffet
Lobster, Brie & Cavatappi Pasta
Au Gratin Potatoes
Candied Sweet Potatoes
Steamed Broccoli
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Fresh Green Beans
Creamed Spinach
French Fried Shrimp
Mini Crab Cakes
Sautéed Salmon
Corn Casserole
Glazed Carrots
Roasted Cauliflower
Delicate Squash- Tom’s Farm
Dessert Buffet
What’s a holiday feast without dessert? Shaw’s Sweet Table will serve up the restaurant’s signature desserts such as mini pecan and key lime pies, crème brulee and specialty cupcakes. Holiday favorites such as homemade pumpkin pie, cheesecake, and apple pie squares are not to be missed.
For more information or to make reservations, please call 312-527-2722 or visit www.shawscrabhouse.com.  The Schaumburg, Illinois Shaw’s will have a Thanksgiving Buffett too!

 

 
Acadia 
1639 S. Wabash Avenue
(312) 360-9500

In celebration of Thanksgiving, Chef/Owner Ryan McCaskey installs a special Thanksgiving menu at Acadia on Thursday, November 26 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. At the recently named two-star Michelin restaurant in the South Loop, Thanksgiving diners enjoy a holiday five-course meal for $85 per person or $135 with wine pairings, enticing guests with innovative versions of holiday staple items including Chestnut Soup, Spinach Salad, Turkey Saltimbocca and Sticky Toffee Apple Cake. The unparalleled meal incorporates unexpected wine pairings, creating a playful, yet elegant culinary journey.

 
Michael Jordan’s Steak House
505 N Michigan Avenue
(312) 321-8823

This Thanksgiving, eat like Mike at Michael Jordan’s Steak House. In celebration of the festive holiday, Chef Craig Couper has created a few Thanksgiving specials for guests, including:

  • Slagel Farms Sage Sausage Stuffed Pork Loin with cranberry blood orange marmalade ($32)
  • Ginger Mashed Candied Sweet Potatoes ($9)
  • Chanterelle Mushroom Brioche Bread Pudding ($13)
 
Seven Lions
130 N. Michigan
(312) 880 – 0130

Seven Lions is offering a four-course Thanksgiving menu by Executive Chef Chris Curren, highlighting traditional favorites such as the Traditional Turkey Dinner, but also featuring Seven Lions specialities such as the Scottish Salmon and Braised Short Ribs. Perfect for families, the Seven Lions also offers a $12 childrens menu. Thanksgiving dinner is $55 per guest with a $38 optional wine pairing. For reservations, please visit opentable.com. To view the complete menu, click here.

 

The Boarding House
720 N. Wells
(312) 280 – 0720

Executive Chef Tanya Baker and Pastry Chef Julia Fitting have put together an unforgettable Thanksgiving spread that will impress the entire family. Featuring four courses (including a completely vegetarian option), guests can also add a wine pairing by The Boarding House’s Sommelier Kelly Peterson Bates. Thanksgiving dinner is available from 12 pm to 8 pm and is $65 per guest ($12 for children) and $38 for optional wine pairings. For reservations, please visit opentable.com. To view the complete menu, click here.

 

The Florentine
151 W. Adams
(312) 660-8866

This Thanksgiving, celebrate at The Florentine located in the heart of downtown Chicago with a fixed four-course meal for $65 with an optional wine pairing for $25. Chef Zachary Walrath will be featuring seasonal flavors with a Roasted Butternut Squash Soup, Baby Carrot Salad, Herb Roasted Turkey and Pumpkin Tart. In addition to the fixed four-course menu, the full The Florentine menu will be available for a la carte ordering. Thanksgiving Day hours are 4 – 10 p.m.

 
Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago
401 N. Wabash
(312) 588-8000

Guests can reflect on their gratitude list amidst majestic views of downtown Chicago while indulging in an unparalleled holiday meal with loved ones. Offerings this season include Thanksgiving brunch and Thanksgiving dinner.

  • Give Thanks Over Brunch
    On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, Sixteen brings the year’s bountiful harvest to life by presenting a festive brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. inside the stunning dining room that affords breathtaking views of Chicago’s architectural landscape, the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Guests can indulge in traditional Thanksgiving favorites and other specialty items during the festive brunch buffet. To enhance the festivities, a string trio will provide beautiful background music while pilgrims circulate. A petting zoo will also be on hand for children and adults both to enjoy.  Thanksgiving brunch at Sixteen costs $158 per person and $50 for children ages 5 to 12 years of age, exclusive of tax, alcohol and gratuity. 
  • Celebrate Thanksgiving Dinner Over the Bounty of the Seasonal Harvest
    Sixteen will be open for dinner beginning at 6:00 p.m., offering an inviting setting for those looking to enjoy a celebratory evening meal. The two-Michelin starred restaurant will offer the Chef’s tasting menu with special Thanksgiving holiday additions.  A multi-course tasting menu for $190 and a pre-fixe menu for $130 will be offered.

    Menu highlights include:

    • Cider braised leg and seared breast of poussin, caramelized pumpkin and toasted hickory nuts
    • Peppercorn-crusted prime rib, bordelaise sauce, and horseradish cream
    • Salmon and spinach en croute, dill sauce
    • Citrus and sage roasted whole turkey, stuffing
    • Seared diver scallops, carrot puree, orange rosemary butter sauce, basil essence

    Reservations are highly recommended and may be made by calling (312) 588-8030.

Sullivan’s Steakhouse

Without warning, holiday season has snuck up on us yet again! This busy time of year is supposed to be filled with great joy and no stress, so, why not take some to-dos off of your plate and let Sullivan’s Steakhouse put a whole lot on it. Sullivan’s invites you to gather around there table for a classic Thanksgiving meal.

On November 26th from 12P.M.-8P.M, Sullivan’s invites you to gather around the table for a class Thanksgiving. For $39 per person (excluding beverages, tax, and gratuity), guests will indulge in a Thanksgiving Prix-Fixe Menu. Start off with one of three delectable appetizers like Sullivan’s classic Iceberg Lettuce Wedge or warm up with Shrimp & Lobster Bisque.

The main event will be a hand-carved roasted turkey served alongside a sweet onion apple-sausage stuffing with gravy and fresh cranberry relish. Guests will also choose two sides from seven available options including holiday favorites like sweet potato casserole, hand-chucked creamed corn and garlic horseradish mashed potatoes.

Guests will finish their Roasted Turkey Dinner with a decadent chocolate mousse, classic pecan pie, savory bananas foster bread pudding or classic creme brulee.

As part of this holiday feast, Sullivan’s Steakhouse Naperville will also offer a variety of signature A La Carte dishes if you would like to forgo the prix-fixe menu.

To make a reservation for this Thanksgiving, call 630-305-0237.

 

And in case reservations out may get your disowned….here are a couple of to-go options that will make you and your family happy to be with each other!

SHAW’S CHICAGO OFFERS THANKSGIVING TO-GO
(Chicago)- This Thanksgiving, invite Shaw’s Crab House to dinner! Shaw’s is offering a spectacular to-go menu at its Chicago location for hosts who’d rather leave the Thanksgiving Day cooking to the experts. Orders must be placed 72 hours in advance and can be picked up on Wednesday, November 25 and Thursday, November 26.

Shaw’s Thanksgiving to-go includes the following options in either half or full sizes:
Seasonal Salads
Chopped Seafood Salad- $75 (half), $150 (full)
Chopped Salad- $52 (half), $104 (full)
Caesar Salad- $42 (half), $84 (full)
Organic Mixed Greens- $35 (half), $70 (full)
Kale & Spinach- $42 (half), $84 (full)
Asian Salad- $35 (half), $70 (full)
Signature Starters
Mini Crab Cakes- $90 (half), $180 (full)
Shrimp Cocktail- $32 (half), $64 (full)
King Crab Bites- $52 (half), $104 (full)
 
Side Dishes (all half sizes)
Braised Brussels Sprouts- $50
Lobster Mac & Cheese- $80
Mashed Potatoes-$42
Roasted Cauliflower- $50
Au Gratin Potatoes-$55
Sauteed Garlic Spinach- $50
Creamed Spinach- $50
Macaroni & Cheese- $50
Cole Slaw- $14
For more info, call 312.527.2722 (Chicago) or 847.517.2722 (Schaumburg), visit the website at www.shawscrabhouse.com, tweet with The Shaw’s Mermaid at www.twitter.com/shellyfromshaws, or follow the restauratn on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shawscrabhouse.

Thanksgiving To-Go by Paramount Events
Creating a picturesque Thanksgiving meal is daunting, especially for holiday hosts given the cooking reins of one of the most celebrated dining days of the year with little time to spare. Thankfully Chicago’s premier catering company Paramount Events is available upon request, presenting a special Thanksgiving drop-off catering menu full of favorite holiday eats including turkey, stuffing, roasted vegetables and more. Whether taking a break from the kitchen or planning last-minute festivities, home cooks and party hosts rely on Paramount Events, elevating Thanksgiving dinner with fervent holiday spirit.
“Thanksgiving is just around the corner and we’re here to supply the ultimate Thanksgiving feast,” says Paramount Events Principal Jodi Fyfe. “Everyone deserves to enjoy the holidays with loved ones, so we’re happy to provide unforgettable meals throughout the season.”

A day of celebrating with family and friends, Thanksgiving shouldn’t limit anyone to spending the holiday tied to the kitchen, so Paramount Events happily handles cooking with an assortment of Thanksgiving musts. Providing a plethora of satisfying, autumnal dishes, Paramount’s signature Turkey Day menu includes:
Brown Sugar & Sage Brined Free Range Turkey
(Oven roasted, pre-carve, served with pan gravy)

Holiday Stuffing
(Assorted artisan breads, applewood smoked bacon, onion, garlic, thyme, sage)

Roasted Fall Vegetables
(Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, sunchokes, baby turnips, heirloom baby carrots, herbed pistou) 

Mashed Yukon Gold Potatoes

Assorted Dinner Rolls

Mini Pumpkin Tarts

Mini Apple Cheddar Pies

This year leave the prep to the professionals, allowing Paramount Events to cater Thanksgiving functions with its traditional yet exceptional holiday-inspired drop-off menu. To order Paramount’s Thanksgiving meal, contact Paramount Events by calling (773) 880-8044 or visiting www.paramounteventschicago.com.

About Paramount Events
Paramount Events is Chicago’s established, go-to resource for events and catering. The team continually strives to create custom, creative menus from sustainable and local products, provide every guest with impeccable, attentive service and foster growth in community partnerships. For more information about Paramount Events, please call (773) 880-8044 or visit www.paramounteventschicago.com or Paramount’sFacebook, Twitter or Instagram pages.