Thanksgiving 2015

Thanksgiving is a time of year designed specifically to express our appreciation for life and pay homage to those pilgrims who landed at Plymouth Rock. It's a time to celebrate another year in gratitude with our family, old friends and new friends to be made. The focal point of this ritual always revolves around food and drink... And lots of it!

Here are a handful of superb options available in the Southland.

Orange County

THE WHITE HOUSE
887 S Anaheim Boulevard, Anaheim
714.772.1381
anaheimwhitehouse.com

White House owner Bruno Serato created Caterina's Club named after his mother, whom he recently lost. Her (and his) generosity is in full force every day of the year, as the organization serves over 1,200 low-income children a nutritionally balanced meal. To date, over one million meals have been served. After witnessing the high rate of homeless families in Anaheim (Motel
Kids), Caterina's Club began to also assist those families in need, helping to relocate them from motels into homes. Thanksgiving dining at The White House or on any time of the year helps to fund these crucial causes.

For Thanksgiving 2015, The White House is serving up a traditional feast, as
well as their spectacular regular menu. The day's special is seasoned, oven-
roasted white and dark meat turkey, served with fluffy mashed potatoes, topped by hearty turkey gravy, with a helping of yams, stuffing, fresh steamed vegetables and a side of cranberries.

BACK BAY BISTRO
1131 Back Bay Drive,
Newport Beach
949.729.1144
newportdunes.com/bistro

If you're looking to spend your Thanksgiving with a water view, Back Bay
Bistro's Champagne Brunch is incredibly delicious. For Thanksgiving, they're
going buffet style: Salads include Field Greens with Apples and Dried Cherries in walnut vinaigrette; Asparagus Salad, Spaghetti Squash Salad, Beet with Goat Cheese, a Beefsteak Tomato and Burrata with Basil Dressing, Cauliflower Salad and Roasted Brussel Sprouts with balsamic dressing. Heart-warming soups include the Seafood Chowder and Butternut Squash Soup and at the "Carved To Order" station look for roasted turkey and prime rib, with seasonal side dishes include walnut stuffing and of course, cranberry relish.

Hot offerings include an array of grilled salmon, crab cakes, short ribs, rice pilaf, shallot mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, candied yams, corn "off the cobb," creamed spinach, sweet peas, corn bread and rolls. Desserts are plentiful; pumpkin, caramelized apple, pecan, as well as bundtinis and a chocolate fountain with fruits and other treats for dipping.

BAD TO THE BONE
31738 Rancho Viejo Road
San Juan Capistrano
949.218.0227 badtothebone-bbq.com

For those who do not want to do the "market, purchase, then go home and make a mess of the kitchen and cook..." Bad to the Bone is the answer to your prayers. Here's the nitty gritty of what you get when you pay the experts to do it for you: A five pound Smoked Turkey Breast is $49.95, A fancy Smoked Bone-in Spiral Cut, nine pound Ham goes for $79.95 and for big gatherings, the Whole Smoke Jumbo Turkey (24 to 28 pound) is priced at $99.95. The sides to feed your tribe offered are; garlic mashed potatoes,
fresh veggies, Mac'n cheese, cornbread stuffing, giblet gravy, cranberry sauce with prices ranging from $4.95 to 13.95 per. Dessert delivers house made pumpkin and sweet potato apple pie for only $12.95 to $13.95. All holiday feasts require a three hours reheating time and include all fresh sides and trimmings. Thanksgiving pre-paid orders must be placed by Monday, Novembers 24 and pick up for pre-placed orders is available Tuesday and Wednesday, November 24 and 25.

West Hollywood

THE ABBEY
692 N. Robertson Boulevard, West Hollywood
310.289.8410
theabbeyweho.com

The Abbey Food and Bar started as a coffee shop that has grown into a
world-renowned restaurant and bar, winning the MTV/Logo"Best Gay Bar in
the World"award, twice. If you make this your Thanksgiving dining destination, this place crawls with celebrities and will treat you to an eyeful of beautiful men and women. The Abbey firmly believes in tradition
and will once again serve up their memorable Thanksgiving dinner, a
three-course meal for just $17.95. Guests start with a fresh green salad, followed by their signature entr�e; hand-carved turkey, whipped mashed potatoes, stuffing, seasonal butternut squash, Brussels sprouts and fresh cranberries -- finish that all off with a hearty slice of homemade pumpkin pie. Cocktails, beer and wine are always available, though, Thanksgiving at the Abby, features Champagne and Belvedere Vodka cocktails.

PUMP
8948 Santa Monica Boulevard,
West Hollywood
310.657.7867
pumprestaurant.com

By far the sexiest Thanksgiving day option would be PUMP. It's the third of
Lisa Vanderpump's successful themed restaurants in the WeHo and Beverly
Hills areas; Villa Blanca, Sur and now PUMP. Transformed by Ken Todd and Lisa Vanderpump, PUMP sits on what was the long-neglected corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Robertson. The vibe is romantic, sexy and whimsical and the place feels like its been there for years.

Their specialized Thanksgiving menu had not been announced at time of publication, except for homemade PUMPkin Pie... but as always, they will be serving up a sexy take on dinner with style. The regular PUMP menu offers an array of eclectic and playful items, high in flavor and sexy in presentation. Appetizers of- fer Fresh Papaya, Shrimp and Crab tossed with chives and heirloom tomatoes in a light aioli and a Charcuterie Board with a selection of meats, marinated vegetables and figs. Entrees include a Filet Mignon Tagliata; with sliced, seared filet mignon and crispy leeks, wasabi cauliflower mash and braised red cabbage; or a Lobster and Asparagus Fiori with flower-shaped pasta, asparagus, kalamata olives, garlic, red onion and fresh radicchio in a light white wine sauce. Dessert sews up the meal with The Pump Peuff, a Raspberry Mouse Dome, Ginger Cake, Toffee Pudding or a Fruit Tart.

Long Beach

QUEEN MARY
1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach
877.342.0738
queenmary.com

If you prefer to be trans-oceanic, the Queen Mary is the way to go, with all three restaurants serving up Thanksgiving menus of turkey and other specialties. Thanksgiving Brunch is a local favorite and the Queen Mary's Champagne version takes guests on a worldwide culinary adventure, with over 50 unique dishes from around the globe. Get an early start on your Thanksgiving Day holiday by booking your reservations now and enjoy the day's specialty menu.

Sir Winston's Restaurant & Lounge

Five-star dining at its finest, Sir Winston's Restaurant and Lounge boasts
impeccable service, a gourmet menu, an extensive wine list and an unmatched ambiance -- this place sports stunning seaside views from nearly every seat.

Chelsea Chowder House & Bar

Enjoy the feel of an authentic British chowder house, complete with subway-
tiled walls, butcher paper-covered tables and a decorative tin ceiling. Relax and enjoy as you dine on some of the best seafood, chowders and steaks around.

Promenade Caf�

A classic Thanksgiving Day meal is the fare at Promenade. Come casual, come dressed, but leave your turkey day stress at home.