Thanksgiving Roundup: Stuff Yourself, Not the Bird

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Thanksgiving round-up: Stuff yourself, not the bird.
by Anne Daily and Jennifer Usdan McBride

With Thanksgiving less than two weeks away, it's time to make some dining decisions. If you're planning on being in the NYC area and don't have access to a kitchen, we've got some suggestions for you.

In addition to planning your meal for November 23rd, add an event to your agenda for Wednesday November 22nd, to view the inflating of the balloons for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. This classic tradition which started in 1927, is a great way to get together with friends and family before the big feast.

Inflation occurs on the 22nd from 3 p.m. - 10 p.m. You'll need to head up to the upper west side from 77th St. to 81st St. between Columbus Ave and Central Park West.  (Note: a lot of setup happens around 3 p.m. The good inflation action happens a little later in the evening, like around 6:30 p.m. onward).

To warm up from the cold, either choose from our list of Upper West Side restaurants or head down to 5 Ninth for their Thanksgiving Kickoff starting at 10 p.m. featuring in-house DJ's Rob & Enzo and a specialty cocktail, yet to be revealed.

Below is a list of restaurants offering special prix fixe menus.  The beauty of a Thanksgiving meal is that there's always something for everyone at the table. For some, it's the turkey that matters, for others, the stuffing. We've organized our list by traditional dishes served on this day. Choose your menu based on what appeals to you the most.

NOTE: At the time of this posting, reservations were still available for the taking but if you see something you like, don't delay. Prix fixe prices do not include wine pairing.

For: The bird
Aroma Kitchen and Winebar
$55 prix fixe
"grigliata mista di carne" - oven roasted turkey, cornish hen, sausage, roasted potatoes, fall fruits.

5 Ninth
$59 prix fixe, sides cost extra
Heritage Foods turkey, slow-cooked breast, braised and fried thigh.

Toqueville
$68 prix fixe
Turkey simply roasted with traditional sides.

For: Stuffing
Aureole
$99 prix fixe, $60 prix fixe for children
Turkey featuring Chef Palmer's cornbread sausage stuffing

For: Seasonal soup
Barbuto
$50 prix fixe

Stone Park Cafe (note: limited amount of reservations still available)
$55 prix fixe
Butternut squash soup, roasted chestnuts, seared foie gras, apple brandy crème fraiche. 

For: Traditional sides
Prune
$80 prix fixe
Sweet and sour pearl onions; mashed potatoes with butter and cream; ocean spray cranberry sauce

For: Dessert
Artisanal - $58 Prix Fixe, $38 for children under 12
Pumpkin cheesecake & pumpkin Pie

After your Thanksgiving feast, head out for a seasonal digestif.

For: Hot Toddy
The Brandy Library

For: Mulled Wine
Café Sabarsky for "glühwein"