Whether you love the challenge of feeding a dozen or more people in your home, or you’d rather save the labor and let someone else do the cooking for you, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday with friends and loved ones this year.

PRE-CELEBRATIONS

Why cook? Sensible foodies know the place to be is Hula’s Modern Tiki on Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, Nov. 26. You’ll get all the dry turkey you can handle on the big day, so why not head out to Hula’s and enjoy a few Mai Tais before dealing with the in-laws. Plus, happy hour will be going all night long! There also will be live music, specialty cocktails and fun.

Stuff yourself with our delicious dishes or just come to the bar and look awesome in your fall getup. Hula’s Modern Tiki is located at 4700 N. Central Ave.

Why settle for plain ol’ turkey when you can enjoy a true Texas-style treat this Thanksgiving at TEXAZ Grill, where for four days only the restaurant is whipping up heaping portions of Chicken Fried Turkey. Available exclusively during the lead up to Thanksgiving (Nov. 23-26), this turkey twist on TEXAZ Grill’s signature Chicken Fried Steak (858,526 sold and counting) has been a fan favorite since it was first rolled out six years ago.

So what exactly is a Chicken Fried Turkey? The dish starts with a hearty portion of seasoned and lightly breaded turkey breast cutlet that’s been fried to perfection—creating the perfect combination of crispy exterior and fork-tender, moist interior. Smothered with slow-cooked, savory gravy, the turkey is paired with a side of mashed potatoes and homemade cranberry sauce. Cost is $10 for lunch and $14 for supper; it will also include bread & butter and a house salad.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Wednesday; closed on Thursday, Nov. 27. TEXAZ Grill is located at 6003 N. 16th St. Call 602.248.STAR (7827) or visit www.texazgrill.com.

DINING OUT

Let the Arizona American Italian Club serve you up a Thanksgiving feast with a few Italian twists, beginning at 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 27. The buffet will include roasted turkey, spiral honey glazed ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and roasted butternut squash. For those craving a more Italian taste, enjoy an antipasto, pumpkin ricotta cheese lasagna, Mediterranean spinach, and focaccia bread. There also will be a variety of desserts.

Cost is $20 per person and tickets can be purchased at the club bar or over the phone at 602-944-3090, ext. 5. You must be a member of the club or a guest of a member to purchase alcohol. The AAIC is located at 7509 N. 12th St. Visit http://azaiclub.org/.

At Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak’s signature restaurant, Rico’s American Grill, families can enjoy a decadent Thanksgiving Day buffet served from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. To start, a variety of cold salads from traditional Caesar salad, marinated pasta salad to caprese salad will be offered alongside grilled vegetable, antipasti platters and spicy poached shrimp, and a pasta station. Fresh from the carving board features include golden-basted tom turkey, herb-rubbed ribeye and bourbon-glazed ham, along with grilled salmon, and honey-glazed baked chicken. Warm sides will include cranberry sage cornbread stuffing, borsin and roasted garlic mashed potatoes, cinnamon scented candied yams and more.

Just for the little ones, a kids station will feature mac and cheese, chicken fingers and corn dogs. For dessert, a selection of pastries, assorted cakes and pies, and more.

The buffet is available for $49 per adult and $24 for children 10 and younger, with no charge for children ages 3 and younger. Reservations are suggested and can be made by calling 602-997-5850.

Families can also head to Hole-In-The-Wall for a relaxed Western Thanksgiving Family Feast served on Thanksgiving Day from noon to 10 p.m. The Thanksgiving Feast family-style dinner starts with a bottomless garden green salad, followed by an entrée platter featuring house-smoked turkey, pineapple-glazed pork loin and mesquite brisket. The family dinner also includes a choice of three sides from the following: house made stuffing, cowboy beans, corn on the cob, garlic mashed potatoes, citrus glazed baby carrots, steamed broccolini, mac and three cheeses or bruleed candied yams. Diners will also have their choice of individual desserts including s’mores, apple crumb pie, pumpkin pie or white chocolate bread pudding. The dinner is available for $39 for adults, $35 for seniors ages 65 and up, and $19 for kids ages 10 and younger, with no charge for children ages 3 and younger. For reservations, call 602-906-3840.

Connect with friends and family this Thanksgiving with a traditional, seasonal dinner at District American Kitchen and Wine Bar, located inside the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, 320 N. 3rd St.

District American Kitchen’s annual holiday feast begins at 11:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day and will feature a selection of traditional fare. Served until 8 p.m., dinner will include: sweet potato bisque, winter rainbow salad, free range turkey breast and giblet gravy, cranberry relish, Andouille sausage spiked cornbread stuffing, whipped Yukon Gold potatoes, green bean casserole, maple buttered yams, pumpkin cheesecake tart with maple cinnamon cream and salted caramel chocolate cookie bar with vanilla bean ice cream.

Prices are $34 for adults, $17 for kids 4 to 12 years old, and kids younger than 3 eat free. Complimentary three-hour self-parking validation is available. Restaurant reservations required by phone only. Call 602-817-5400. Menu and restaurant information can be viewed online at www.districtrestaurant.com.

Give thanks over a decadent buffet with views of the city at Different Pointe of View, located at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs, 11111 N. 7th St. Offered Thanksgiving Day from 12 to 7 p.m., enjoy an array of chilled seafood including marinated Penn cove mussels, snow crab claws, little neck clams and pacific gulf shrimp, along with a variety of accompaniments including vegetable and pasta salads, lobster bisque, cheeses and seasonal fruits.

Fresh from the oven, a savory array of side dishes include caramelized cauliflower, seared steelhead, braised turkey osso bucco, sweet potato mouse with shallot whipped potatoes and more. Carving station offerings include slow-roasted prime rib, Guinness-brined slow roasted turkey breast, and smoked pork loin.  For dessert, a variety of seasonal desserts prepared by the restaurant’s pastry chef.

Pricing is $59.95 for adults and $29.95 for children ages 10 and under. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 602-866-6350, ext. 7200.

For a more casual holiday feast, Pointe In Thyme (also at Tapatio Cliffs) will offer a festive holiday buffet on Thanksgiving Day from noon to 6 p.m. Offerings include a variety of soups, cold salads and pastas to start, and fresh from the oven features including brown sugar-braised short ribs, pork loin and sea bass, along with a variety of savory sides including whipped potatoes, cornbread stuffing and grilled vegetables.

Carving stations will feature herb crusted prime rib, roasted leg of lamb and brined and roasted turkey. For dessert, a variety of cakes, pies, and more. Pricing is $47.95 for adults, $38.95 for seniors, and $19.95 for children ages 10 and under. For reservations, call 602-866-6348, ext. 7900.

Spend more time with family and friends and less time in the kitchen by dining at Province restaurant, located inside the Westin Phoenix Downtown at 333 N. Central Ave. Get an early start on holiday feasting with Thanksgiving brunch beginning at 10:30 a.m. through 3 p.m. or a traditional three-course dinner from 4 to 10 p.m.

Thanksgiving Brunch includes: Build Your Own Belgian Waffle; Create Your Own Omelet Station; Roasted Turkey carving station; and a selection of salads. Desserts include Pecan Tarts, Pumpkin Pie Bites, Gingerbread Flan or Apple Pie Tarts. Cost is $32 per person (plus tax and gratuity), $12 for kids 5 to 12 years old, and kids younger than 5 eat for free.

Thanksgiving Dinner, served family style, includes a first course of Market Salad with field greens, shaved vegetables, mint, basil and chive tossed with champagne vinaigrette, followed by farm-raised roasted turkey, roasted garlic whipped potatoes, homemade gravy and cranberry compote. Sides include Brown butter Brussels sprouts, traditional corn bread stuffing and glazed sweet potatoes. Dessert is Pumpkin pie with whipped cream. Cost is $35 per person (plus tax and tip), and includes one glass of house red or white wine, or your choice of handcrafted draft beer. Children ages 5-12 pay $12, and kids younger than 5 eat for free.

Parking validation is available for Province restaurant patrons. Reservations are required by calling 602-429-3600 or visiting http://phoenix.provincerestaurant.com.

The chefs at Rawhide Western Town and Steakhouse in Scottsdale will be cooking up a storm this Thanksgiving holiday in true western style, inviting families and visitors to celebrate the spirit of the season. On Thursday, Nov. 27 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., guests will enjoy an authentic western buffet of traditional holiday favorites that includes a mandarin orange cranberry salad, maple roasted turkey, honey-baked ham, rosemary-crusted prime rib, cornbread stuffing, garlic roasted mashed potatoes and homemade gravy, candied carrots and pumpkin bisque. Dessert offerings top the list with pumpkin pie, apple crisp, fudge brownies, seasonal cookies and an ice cream bar.

Prices for Rawhide’s Thanksgiving menu are $18.95 for adults, $9.95 for children 12 and under.* Reservations are encouraged by calling 480-502-5600 or e-mail reso@rawhide.com. *(Prices do not include tax or gratuity. An automatic gratuity of 12% will be applied to parties of 8 or more.)

All of Rawhide’s famed sites and attractions will be open on Thanksgiving Day including the zip line, petting zoo, panning for gold, mechanical bull, rock climbing wall, burro and hay wagon rides and the Six Gun Theater. Visit www.rawhide.com.

This Thanksgiving, leave the cooking to T. Cook’s, the renowned restaurant at Royal Palms Resort and Spa, 5200 E. Camelback Road. Enjoy two dining opportunities with a buffet or specialty menu from Chef Paul McCabe.

Guests of T. Cook’s have the opportunity to choose from a prix-fixe menu or holiday buffet featuring Carved Free-Range Turkey and other Thanksgiving dishes.

The Prix-fixe Thanksgiving Dinner Menu at T. Cook’s is served from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and includes: Carved Free-Range Turkey, Crispy Duck Confit, Loch Duart Salmon, Bourbon Pecan and Dates dessert and more. Cost is $80 per person, $29 for children ages 6-12 years old, gratis 5 years or younger. Does not include tax or gratuity. Reservations are required.

The Thanksgiving Palmera Holiday Buffet will be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with carving stations that include Roasted Beet Salad, Carved Free-Range Turkey, Tahitian Squash Soup, Carved Herb Crusted NY Strip, Organic Apple Galettes and more. Cost is $65 per person, $20 for children ages 6-12 years old, gratis 5 years or younger. Does not include tax or gratuity. Reservations are required.

To book a reservation, visit http://www.royalpalmshotel.com/ or call 602-808-0766.

Skip the stress of preparing for Thanksgiving this year and enjoy time with family and friends at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, 6902 E. Greenway Parkway. The resort will feature a traditional Thanksgiving Day dinner created by Executive Chef Christopher Masco.

Guests will enjoy a delicious buffet-style dinner, featuring holiday favorites with all the traditional Thanksgiving flavors. Enjoy starters such as buttercup bisque, local applewood-smoked pecans from “Sun Valley Farms” and a regional cheese board. Seafood includes a selection of Mexican white jumbo shrimp, marinated mussels, Pacific Oysters on the half shell and Red King Crab legs.

The festive Thanksgiving buffet also will feature a roasted Sonoran spice-rubbed turkey, winter lager-infused beef strip, agave chile-glazed ham, blue cornmeal-crusted “Skuna Bay” salmon and an Arizona Stir Fry featuring fresh seasonal produce. Sausage fennel stuffing, roasted vegetable stuffing, fresh cranberry relish, whipped Yukon gold potatoes, sweet potato succotash and local squash from “Sleeping Frog Farms” with lemon-infused  “Queen Creek” olive oil are just a few of the trimmings.

Of course, Thanksgiving just wouldn’t be complete without warm apple pie, traditional pumpkin pie, cinnamon spice cheesecake, flourless chocolate cake and bourbon pecan pie as well as an assortment of dessert shooters such as apple cranberry crumb, espresso dark chocolate mousse and lemon curd chipotle meringue.

Thanksgiving Dinner will be served from 1-6 p.m. (last seating at 5:15 p.m.) on Nov. 27. The dinner is priced at $72 for adults and $25 for children aged 5-12 (children 4 and under dine for free), excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 480-624-1202 or emailing dining@kierlandresort.com.

TAKE IT HOME

Luci’s Healthy Marketplace is helping you out this Thanksgiving by providing full catered meals for those who don’t feel like cooking for the family this year. Their official Thanksgiving Catering menu is now available for people to place orders. So for those who don’t feel like staying by the stove all day but still want a home-cooked meal, let Luci’s Healthy Marketplace do the job for you!

Food is fully cooked and ready to heat & serve. (Reheat times range from 30 minutes to 2 hours and recommended reheat instructions will be provided). People can place orders by visiting Luci’s at Bethany Home Road and 16th Street or by calling the store at 602-773-1339.

Cost for a complete meal for 6-8 people is $139.99, and includes: 12-14 Lbs. Pre-Cooked Premium, All-Natural, Locally-Roasted Turkey; 1 Quart Turkey Gravy; 1 Pint Fresh Cranberry Sauce w/ Local Honey (Gluten Free, Vegetarian); 1 Luci’s Pumpkin Pie (Vegetarian); Side Item 1: 3 Lbs. Cornbread Stuffing; Side Item 2: 4 Lbs. Green Bean Casserole (Vegetarian); Side Item 3: 3 Lbs. Roasted Root Vegetables (Gluten Free, Vegan); Side Item 4: 4 Lbs. Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes (Gluten Free).

Substitute one of the four Side Items for a Seasonal Fall Salad (Butternut Squash, Roasted Pumpkin Seeds, Pecan, Dried Cranberries, Roasted Corn and Field Greens w/ Citrus Vinaigrette) at no extra charge.

Many of the items can be ordered a la carte, including just the turkey, as well as a variety of desserts. Prices do not include tax. All cancellations or changes must be made by Nov. 21. No refunds are available after this date.

This November, quit your kitchen cold turkey and let Bobby-Q Great Steaks & Real BBQ do all the work with their famed smoked Thanksgiving turkeys, available for pickup Nov. 1-26 (Bobby-Q’s will be closed on Thanksgiving Day).

Now going on its ninth year, every fall Bobby Q adds a special seasonal item to its award-winning menu of smokehouse classics: smoked turkeys. Pair it with some savory from-scratch sides (mashed potatoes, fire-roasted corn, smoked walnut stuffing, smoked turkey gravy, cornbread), and you’re ready to treat your friends and family to a gourmet, rib-stickin’ feast.

Hand-rubbed with a custom blend of spices and then roasted, slow and low over almond and mesquite wood, Bobby Q’s turkeys are incredibly moist and flavorful. Each 12-15 pound turkey (pre-cooked weight), serves 2-4 people. It can be purchased a la carte for $45 or packed with a quart of mashed potatoes, a quart of fire-roasted corn, a pint of gravy and eight cornbreads for $65.

Also available by special order only will be Smoked Walnut Stuffing and Smoked Turkey Gravy (stuffing and gravy only available on Wednesday, Nov. 26). Turkey orders need to be placed a minimum of 72 hours in advance of the pick up date and re-heating instructions are provided. Keep in mind that the turkey is completely cooked, and only needs to be warmed. However, since the turkey is smoked, it will have a distinctive pink smoke ring when carved.

A limited amount of turkeys will be available for only a short period of time. Make sure to call 602-995-5982 in advance to order yours today. Bobby-Q Great Steaks & Real BBQ is located at 8501 N 27th Ave.; visit www.bobbyq.net.

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