Thanksgiving 2012 Sarasota Dining Options

If you are like me, every year Thanksgiving seems to come upon us with little to no notice. This year is no exception. I cannot believe we are only days away from Thanksgiving and the start of the holiday season. Each year we highlight some Thanksgiving dining options for you to consider. Despite the short notice, this year is no exception.

A traditional home cooked Thanksgiving meal.

Since Thanksgiving is a holiday share amongst family and friends, the traditional home cooked meal generally takes center stage. For those of you looking for fresh and/or organic turkeys, there are a number of options:

1. Morton’s Gourmet Market is offering fresh Bell & Evans turkeys and Eberly Farms organic turkeys. Call 941-955-9856 to place an order.
2. The Butcher’s Block is offering Amish turkeys for pick up. Call 941-955-2822 to place an order.
3. Whole Foods Market offers a wide selection of Heritage, heirloom, organic, or kosher turkeys. You can also special order a chilled brined turkey.
4. The Fresh Market is offering a 1-stop shop for all of your Thanksgiving needs.
5. The Mozzarella Fella, a new addition to Sarasota is offering Italian specialties, side dishes, and catering for Thanksgiving. Call 941-366-7600 for more information or to place an order.

One of the best dining views in Sarasota!

For some, the thought of planning, preparing, and serving a large holiday meal is daunting. Not to mention the clean-up which is part of the process! Fortunately, Sarasota is home to many fine restaurants offering options for Thanksgiving Day Dining.

Here are a few to consider:

1. Ophelia’s on the Bay is offering a Traditional Turkey Dinner featuring turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, vegetables and gravy for $25.00 per person. Call for reservations: 941-349-2212. Our comments: Perhaps one of the finest spots for water-view dining. Very friendly attentive staff. Quality food. To see our full review>>>
2. The Polo Bar & Grill will be offering a Thanksgiving Day Buffet from noon till 5:00pm, $35 per person, $14.95 for children under 12. Call for reservations 941-782-0899 ext.2.
3. The Bijou Cafe will be offering their full dinner menu as well as some chef specials and of course Carolina turkey on Thanksgiving Day from noon till 8:00pm. For information and reservations call 941-366-8111  Our comments: Quiet, casual elegance, very fine service. Friendly staff. To see our full review>>>
4. Libby’s Cafe + Bar is offering a special plated Thanksgiving dinner which includes a special “brown bag” for leftovers,  as well as a la Carte items. Pricing for the Thanksgiving plate is $30/adult, $12/children (12 and under) Our comments: Libby’s has definitely stepped up their game. Food is very good, setting is excellent. A new review is forthcoming. To see our full review>>>
5. Duval’s New World Cafe will be serving up a special Thanksgiving feast from 2:00pm till 9:00pm. For reservations please call 941-312-4001. Our comments: Casual, subtly upscale, friendly staff, and quality food. To see our full review>>>

No matter what the choice, one thing is clear; we wish you the very best Thanksgiving. Enjoy!

SRQ Reviews, the restaurant guide you need to find the best dining in Sarasota, Florida.

 

Thanksgiving Day Dining Options

Perhaps no holiday is more focused on food, football, family, and fun than Thanksgiving. Serving as the official “Kick-Off” to the holiday season, Thanksgiving family traditions run deep. Whether it is a family football game, a trip to the beach, a visit to grandma’s house, or just a planned viewing of the NFL games, all the planned activities revolve around the Thanksgiving meal.

Although the traditional home-cooked/home-made Thanksgiving Day meal is still the predominant manner of celebration by most, hectic schedules and lifestyles necessitate dining alternatives. For many, going out for a Thanksgiving dinner works best. After all, there is little prep and no clean-up involved! Sarasota is blessed with many fine restaurants; here are a few for your Thanksgiving Day Dining options:

Two Chefs Casual:  2:00-8:00pm. By reservation only 941-355-5151.  4 courses, $30 includes coffee, glass of house wine, beer, or soft drink.  Children under 12 years old $12 for 2 courses plus soft drink.

Patricks 1481:  3 course meal.  5 options prices ranging from $18.00 to $28.00.  For reservations 941-955-1481

Ophelia’s:  Regular menu plus traditional Thanksgiving meal $24.  For reservations 941-349-2212

Bijou Cafe:  Regular menu and specials. Traditional dinner plate $24.95.  Noon – 8:00pm.  Reservations 941-366-8111

Libby’s Cafe and Bar:  11:00 am to close (last seating at 9:00 pm)  Thanksgiving Special Dinner Plate is $30/adult and $13/child, 12 and under  — including a Turkey Brown Bag To Go.  Beverages, taxes and gratuity are additional.   Ala Carte limited menu items range from $3 to $36. For reservations call  941-487-7300

Cafe Baci:  Noon to 8:00pm  941-921-4848, 3 courses $27

Michael’s On East: From 2:00-8:00pm Traditional and special holiday menu available; For reservations, please call 941-366-0007

Polo Grill and Bar: A gourmet Thanksgiving buffet, available from noon to 5 pm. For just $32.95++ for adults, $14.95++ for children 12 and under, and free for children 4 and under; For reservations call 941-782-0899 ext. 2; 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch

The Sandbar: Traditional turkey dinner and regular menu; 11:30am to 9:00 pm; 100 Spring Avenue • Anna Maria, FL 34216  941-778-0444

The Broken Egg: open for Thanksgiving brunch at each of their three locations from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm

 6115 Exchange Way, Lakewood Ranch  941-388-6898

4031 Clark Road, Sarasota   941-922-2869

140/144 Avenida Messina, Siesta Key  941-346-2750

So whatever your choice, traditional home-made or dining out, we wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy!

SRQ Reviews, the restaurant guide you need to find the best dining in Sarasota, Florida.