I will have plenty of advice for your at-home entertaining for Thanksgiving, but the option of dining out in the city is also a great idea. There are plenty of amazing spots that will give you that feeling of family and provide a traditional but chic event with no prep (or clean up). From Old World New York to the hottest trendy spot, there is an abundance of choices. I personally prefer traditional, even if it's traditional Soul Food, so that you're really left with the memories of home for the holidays. But the new hot spots sure do make you feel like you've hit your social stride.
ONE IF BY LAND
17 Barrow Street
(212) 255-8649
A warm, Old New York, colonial atmosphere with exceptional American fare. It's romantic, homey and gives you the feeling like you've just been a guest at an elegant New York family home.
FRAUNCES TAVERN
54 Pearl Street
(212) 968-1776
This Historic Colonial spot will tap into your inner Patriot. A favorite of our founding father George Washington, they serve a traditional turkey dinner (or salmon or sweet potato ravioli) with all the trimmings. (I wonder if the last four digits of the phone number is coincidental.)
SYLVIA'S
328 Lenox Avenue
(212) 996-0660
Here's a twist on traditional New York. Sylvia's is the most celebrated soul food establishment in the city. Being a resident of Harlem myself, I urge you to be a little adventurous for the Holiday. Their roasted turkey, ham, stuffing, macaroni, collard greens and candied yams will give you the satisfaction that the meal you only indulge in once a year is meant to.
AUROLE
34 East 61st Street
(212) 319-1660
This elegant Upper East Side restaurant by famed Chef Charlie Palmer is a beautiful way to spend the day. A fine dining experience with exceptional service and recipes that will leaving you asking "Why didn't I think of that?"
BISTRO LES AMIS
180 Spring Street
(212) 226-8645
A very nicely priced Thanksgiving menu at this SoHo French bistro will give you a fantastic dining experience from A-Z. Starting with a Ginger Carrot Soup, the meal has a French twist on the American Tradition; Turkey with Garlic Sausage and Mushrooms, Butternut Squash & mashed Potato Quenelles, finishing with Pumpkin Pie or Cheese Cake.
BLUE SMOKE
(212) 447-6058
Your at-home feast is covered, but how will you also bake pies while there is a 20 pound turkey in your oven all day? Blue Smoke has them ready for you to just pop into the oven after the turkey is already out. Guests need not be the wiser.
