Thanksgiving meals at home are a lovely thing. We all know the cozy familiarity of gathering at a family home, the kitchen a-bustle with helping hands and simmering pots of traditional Thanksgiving fare. There’s nothing quite like it. But there are other options that are gaining steady ground–other ways that celebrate this most food-centric of holidays in great “togetherness fashion.”
Dining Out is In
The interesting thing about get-togethers is that it’s the togetherness that’s key. And increasingly that togetherness is taking place in venues different than your home or that of your aunt or mother….families are gathering around tables in restaurant dining rooms which offer distinctive Thanksgiving meals.
But What About the Turkey?
Many fine dining establishments offer the traditional turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing (no need for anyone in your family to go without!) But even these foods most stock-in-trade may be done with a slight twist, or level of culinary aplomb most of us only hope to achieve in our own kitchens. In the hands of a talented chef, the turkey can sing, the potatoes can make you swoon, and the stuffing can literally melt in your mouth. Such is the dining, when dining out.
Options Make for Happy Families
Every year Tendrils Vineyard Restaurant–at Cave B Inn at SageCliffe–offers a Thanksgiving meal with the goal of making every member of the family happy. And that means giving options. This year, Tendrils provides a choice of two starters, three entrees and two decadent desserts. Dining guests make their choices and then talk, laugh and look forward to their ‘custom-chosen ‘ Thanksgiving meal. With starter options like Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Bacon and Thyme, or Baby Greens Salad with Fresh Goat Cheese, Hazelnuts and (SageCliffe farm-grown) Apples, entrees which range from Roasted Turkey Breast with Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes to Brined Pork Tenderloin or Seared Steelhead, it would be hard indeed to find a member of the family without an option that seems to be made just for them.
Oh–and yes; we can’t forget the best part–dessert: Spiced Chocolate Cake with Pumpkin Ice Cream, or Huckleberry Sundae with Honey Ice Cream and Hazelnuts. (Which will you choose? Let’s take a moment to vicariously enjoy….)
And Yes–There are No Dishes
This is a well-known “pro” of dining out, and on a big holiday like Thanksgiving, it frankly cannot be overstated. There is simply pure bliss in knowing that at the end of the long, delicious meal, you can simply….get up from the table. At SageCliffe, you may visit the Cave B Estate Winery tasting room, or take your full-tummied family members on a leisurely stroll among the vineyards and ponds, or on a brisk hike down into the gorge. Or, a card game or continued discussion in front of the huge lobby fireplace may be just the ticket. Whatever you choose to do with your loved ones, the one thing you won’t have to do is the dishes.
If you decide to celebrate your day of thanks this year outside the home, we wish you fabulous culinary options, lots of conversation and laughter, wonderful togetherness and a day without soap suds. May the celebrating begin!
To see the full Thanksgiving menu at Tendrils Vineyard Restaurant or to make your reservation, visit http://www.sagecliffe.com/tendrils.htm.