By Billy Eye
Every year, for at least the last 15 years, I’ve whipped up a massive Thanksgiving dinner at home — turkey, ham, oyster casserole, sweet-and-sour green beans à la my favorite recipe from the 1970s Junior League cookbook, and on and on — to feed friends who had no other arrangements or those who spent time with their families but needed an escape plan for later. Since that’s not going to happen this year, I’ve been shopping around for Gate City restaurants offering Thanksgiving supper with all the trimmings.
Sure, there are national chains like Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Cracker Barrel and Harper’s, all with meals to go. But I prefer some locally owned options. Should you opt to go this route too: Make your reservations early so you don’t miss out.
Starmount Forest and Greensboro Country Club each offer a traditional dinner to-go or dine-in for their members. Lucky 32 and Green Valley Grill offer similar in-or-out options. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve spent Thanksgiving with family at Green Valley Grill, but it was always top flight. Lucky 32 never disappoints. Order by midnight on Monday, 11/23, for Thursday pick up at both locations.
Although it’s a regional chain, K&W Cafeteria has always felt to me like a hometown place. It’s certainly a reliable standby with turkey, dressing and green bean and sweet potato casseroles, all prepared the way grandma fixed them. Individual meals include your choice of turkey and dressing or baked ham along with two hot sides, a soft roll and a slice of homemade pie ($9.99 per person or $69.99 for the Family Feast, which feeds 6).
At Grandover Resort & Spa, dine-in seating is already sold out. But good news: You can still order your traditional Thanksgiving turkey and ham dinner to go (includes salad, sides and dessert). Order by Monday, 11/23, 5 p.m. Pick up on Tuesday, 11/24, or Wednesday, 11/25, at 19 & Timber Bar.
Oakcrest Family Restaurant is another old-fashioned, last minute destination but, quite frankly, I’m craving something a bit different this year. Perhaps you are as well.
Melt Kitchen & Bar on New Garden Road has an array of appetizers and savory side dishes such as Smoked Gouda Spinach Dip, Butternut Squash Spinach Salad, Whipped Garlic & Mascarpone Potatoes with Black Pepper Gravy and Cranberry-Orange Relish. Orders must be received by Sunday, 11/22, 2 p.m. for Wednesday pick up.
I’m definitely going to avail myself of The Sage Mule’s ‘Sides ’n Pies’ menu, which includes Crab Stuffed Mushrooms, Onion Dip, Roasted Giblet Gravy, Cider Glazed Root Veggies, Squash & Corn Casserole, Au Gratin Potatoes and muffins stuffed with Neese’s Sausage and apple or oysters. They even have homemade vanilla ice cream to top their pumpkin, apple or chocolate cheesecake pies. Parking lot pick up for Sides ‘n Pies will be Wednesday, 11/25, from 10 a.m. — 2 p.m.
Whatever and wherever your Thanksgiving culinary delights may originate from, Eye wish you and yours the best!
