Establishments around the Garden State are gearing up for the big holiday crowd with special prix fixe menus.
For some, Thanksgiving is all about getting together with family and friends for a delicious and extremely satisfying homemade feast. Others do not enjoy putting in the time and energy required to prepare the turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie and all of the other traditional dishes. For those who prefer going out but are still pondering where, here are 10 restaurants -- in no particular order -- that are worthy of consideration.
This seductive steakhouse is offering a special prix fixe ($59 for adults/$26 for children 12 and under plus tax and gratuity) menu from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. that includes a basket of fresh corn muffins, butternut squash soup, roasted organic free-range turkey with all the fixings, grilled Atlantic salmon and pie a la mode for dessert. Westminster Hotel, 550 W Mt Pleasant Ave., Livingston, (973) 548-0050.
This recently and extensively renovated establishment, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is offering both a classic turkey dinner as well as other seasonal choices -- we are talking braised greens and goat cheese ravioli, warm wild mushroom tart and grilled whole branzino ($45 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under, plus tax and gratuity). Reservations are taken between noon and 6 p.m. 1 E. Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, (201) 445-4115.
The oceanfront restaurant is offering a special three-course prix fixe menu ($37 for adults, $18 for children ages 5 to 12) from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. from which guests can choose from a variety of entrees that turkey, seared black pearl salmon, boeuf bourguignon, flat iron steak, trout amandine or risotto of quinoa. 23 Ocean Ave., Long Branch, (732) 759-2900.
Now that the search to determine N.J.'s best diner has reached the semifinal round, it's only fitting to include one in this roundup. Besides the regular menu, this South Jersey landmark is offering a special holiday deal that includes soup or salad, choice of entree (roast turkey served with traditional homemade stuffing, turkey gravy and cranberry sauce for $24.99 or baked ham served with pineapple sauce for $21.99), two sides and a dessert (including plenty of homemade pies). Children's dinners for those 12 and under are available for $12.99. 7 West Route 70, Cherry Hill, (856) 428-4808.
This roundup includes several three-course options, but this Camden County-based restaurant has put together a five-course menu ($45 per person; children 12 and under half price) that includes a choice of sliced turkey, prime rib, veal osso bucco, roast loin of pork, or honey mustard-glazed salmon for an entree. 12101 Town Center Blvd., Voorhees, (856) 751-6069.
This nearly 200-year-old property is offering guests two different experiences. The Blue Pig Tavern is featuring a special three-course menu that includes the traditional favorites of slow-roasted turkey breast with mashed potatoes and stuffing ($42 per person) from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. In the ballroom, the chefs will be busy preparing a decadent buffet from 1 to 5 p.m. ($45 adults; $19 children ages 3 to 12) complete with sliced turkey, maple-glazed ham, vanilla-maple sweet potatoes, traditional herb mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. 200 Congress Place, Cape May, (609) 884-6574.
Chef Sammy DeMarco has put together a special three-course Thanksgiving menu ($29.99 per person) that includes a choice of oven-roasted turkey, pan-seared salmon or prime rib au jus paired with family-style sides of mashed potatoes, sweet potato puree with marshmallows, cornbread stuffing, green beans and fresh cranberry sauce. Harrah's Resort, 777 Harrah's Blvd., Atlantic City, (609) 541-5402.
The restaurant is hosting a family-style Thanksgiving feast (adults $34; children 12 and under $15) from noon to 6 p.m. with a menu featuring traditional favorites, including turkey, stuffing, glazed sweet potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, mixed green salad, and pumpkin pie. 500 State Route 10, Randolph, (973) 891-1776.
ROONEY'S OCEANFRONT RESTAURANT
This is a place to find a little something for everyone, as the Thanksgiving buffet dinner, which is being offered from noon to 6 p.m. ($35 adults; $17 children ages 4 to 12), includes a raw bar, pasta and carving stations; Italian sausage and sage stuffing; honey-glazed baby carrots; string bean almandine; pumpkin pie and pecan pie. 100 Ocean Ave. North, Long Branch, (732) 440-3168.
There is a special three-course menu ($58 adults; $16 children) available from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. with selections that include organic cream of broccoli soup, heirloom beets, maple-roasted free range organic turkey, steamed halibut, center cut beef tenderloin, pumpkin brioche bread pudding, chocolate chip cake, and assorted cheeses. 29 Dennis St., New Brunswick, (732) 846-3216.
Contact Bill Gelman at bkgelman@hotmail.com.
