With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it's time to start making arrangements if you don't already have a Turkey Day feast planned. Use CultureMap's guide — with options ranging from Brasilian cuisine to Cajun fare (and many standards, of course) — to help you figure out where to go and where to make reservations to celebrate the holiday.
Amalfi
This Italian newcomer in the Briargrove shopping center is featuring a four-course menu. Start with butternut squash soup. Choose from roasted quail lasagna or riccotta-stuffed pasta for your second course. Entree choices consist of stuffed turkey breast or roast sucking pig served with Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, green beans and eggplant caponata. Finish with chocolate meringue or pecan tart.
Price: $50
Americas/Churrascos
Cordúa Restaurants are hosting a brunch buffet all area Americas and Churrascos locations. The buffet will include familiar dishes with a South American twist, including pumpkin and chorizo empanadas, aji pepper-rubbed turkey and pumpkin spice tres leches to name a few. Many of the restaurants' classic dishes will also be available, and don't miss out on the cinnamon-spiced cranberry sangria.
Price: $49 for adults, $15 for children aged 6 to 12
Artisans
If you're interested in a French take on the holiday, visit this Midtown establishment for their four-course prix fixe feast. The meal begins with a oyster and chorizo cornbread, then on to select from jumbo lump crab cakes or a port braised short rib. Entrees range from wild rice crusted Alaskan halibut to roasted turkey breast with cream of mushrooms. A decadent pumpkin opera cake serves as the perfect finish to the autumnal meal.
Price: $75
Brennan's of Houston
From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the iconic restaurant will be offering a three-course prix fixe meal. For a down-home take on French fare, start with the duck prosciutto and foie gras dish featuring duck cracklins. As for entrees, the Creole roasted turkey with jalapeno cheddar corn pudding and molasses-roasted sweet potato and pumpkin puree steals the show for a Southern take on Thanksgiving staples. Dessert options include cinnamon spiced pumpkin pie and Brennan's iconic banana's Foster.
Price: $60
The Federal Grill
If you are in the mood a traditional Thanksgiving feast, this Washington-area eatery is the place for you. The three-course menu include oven roasted turkey and honey baked ham, as well as standard (and delicious) Turkey Day sides. The restaurant is offering two seatings, one at noon and another at 2:30 p.m.
Price: $48 for adults, $12 for children 10 and under
Fogo de Chao
The well-known Brasilian steakhouse is serving up all the meats you could conceivably want to eat as part of their holiday feast. Roasted turkey breast, sweet potato casserole and cranberry relish will make you feel right at home. In addition to standard holiday fare, the churrascaria is also serving up house specialties like picanha sirloin, filet mignon, lamb chops, bone-in pork chop and bacon-wrapped chicken.
Price: $52
Mockingbird Bistro
This neighborhood bistro is offering a three-course holiday meal from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For the first course, opt for the butternut squash souffle, complete with glazed shimeji mushrooms and toasted pepitas. As for entrees, herb roasted turkey with stuffing and sweet potato puree will satisfy your desire for traditional Thanksgiving fare. Dessert options include pumpkin cheesecake, apple bread pudding and chocolate pecan pie.
Price: $65 for adults, $25 for children
Rainbow Lodge
This long-time restaurant's three-course prix fixe menu features dishes with a distinctly Southern slant. For the first course, you can't go wrong with the "Taste of the Wild," comprised of the chef's sampling of wild game. A medallion of venison paired with stuffed quail and pork belly corn pudding is a stunner, although a more traditional turkey and sides meal is also an excellent option. The croissant bread pudding is a can't-miss dessert choice. The best part yet? You can take home turkey and dressing (enough for a delicious sandwich) for only $5 extra.
Price: $55
60 Degrees Mastercrafted
This ranch-to-table restaurant is offering an extensive buffet in honor of the Thanksgiving holiday. You can expect gourmet updates on classics, including curried deviled eggs and foie gras bread pudding. Entree options include traditional fare, such as slow roasted turkey and baked ham with a brown sugar glaze, as well as herb roasted Akausi roast beef. Don't miss out on sides like fried Brussels sprouts and baked sweet potato casserole.
Price: $37 for adults, $15 for children 10 and under
Sorrel Urban Bistro
Contemporary fare reigns supreme at the Upper Kirby restaurant's final Thanksgiving meal (it will be closing in the new year). From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sorrel offers everything from handmade gnocchi and foie gras brulee to smoked turkey leg and Chilean sea bass. Add some holiday cheer and finish your meal with a slice of pumpkin or pecan pie.
Price: A la carte
Did we miss your favorite Thanksgiving destination? Leave a comment below.
CultureMap food writer Eric Sandler contributed to this article.
