We know there are a handful of us out there that didn’t inherit cooking genes, and the idea of whipping up a holiday meal seems like the most daunting thing on Earth. Whether you’re a Thanksgiving orphan or just simply can’t be bothered to cook those sweet potatoes for your Friendsgiving dinner, not to worry – we’ve gathered some of the spots in your cities where you can enjoy Latin-inspired holiday treats without having to toil over the hot stove.
Casa Pomona will be like a true New York holiday: Upper West Side, a delicious meal, and a stroll by Central Park. For Thanksgiving, they are offering an affordable menu ($29) which will include an appetizer of butternut squash or kale salad, a main course of turkey with smoked chorizo stuffing, mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts, and dessert of vanilla flan or chocolate pecan pie! 212.362.3200
Havana Central
Modeled after pre-revolution Cuba, this eatery has an old-world vibe, with jazz, swanky decor, and classic dishes. In addition to their regular menu, they will also offer a special Latin Thanksgiving menu which will include Picadillo sweet plantain casserole topped with manchego cheese, turkey breast or pernil, pumpkin flan, chorizo stuffing, and sangria. (212)662-8830 Upper West Side
Sushisamba
We’re all about the fusion! Being offered at both Gramercy and West Village locations, Sushisamba will have á la carte specials in addition to their special signature menu. Offering a mojo roasted organic turkey, kabocha cheesecake and a Thanksgiving cocktail with red wine pisco porton, creme de cacao, and orange zest to wash it all down. Both locations are open till Midnight so feast when you wish!
Hidden away in the heart of Miami’s Midtown district is Sugarcane Bar & Grill, and the lush and private ambiance is just the spot to have an intimate and unique Thanksgiving dinner.Chef Balloo will be serving up an a la carte menu which includes turkey with spiced pumpkin purée, fall spiced pumpkin soup, poached salmon and more. A prix fixe menu is available for $45 per person. (786) 369-0353
Toro Toro
Toro Toro Miami will offer a family-style Thanksgiving prix-fixe dinner priced at $59 per person, which will include a variety of courses. You can start with a selection of healthy salads before you indulge in pumpkin soup, a picadillo and choclo empanada basket, roasted turkey breast with Toro Toro cranberry sauce and more! Green beans, Yukon mashed potatoes, corn esquites and chorizo stuffing (chorizo, cornbread and jalapeño) finish off the menu – excuse us but we’re already drooling. (305) 372-4710
Maya Tapas & Grill
If you want to find a meal that’s a little more affordable but you don’t want to skimp on location, Maya Tapas is your spot. It’s right in the middle of Lincoln Road, so your Thanksgiving can have a European feel while you dine on herb roasted turkey, butternut squash soup, warm apple pie and more for only $24.95 per person! Then you can walk it all off to the beach and it’s a win/win for everyone. (305) 538-0058
Located in ARTango Center, the Bistro is offering a seasonal three-course Thanksgiving Day and evening prix fixe menus that is both meatlover and vegetarian friendly. Executive Isaak Reyes is offering Filet Mignon , caramelized onions, truffled butter, roasted potatoes, grilled red peppers finished with Malbec sauce and sweet treats such as mango flan with dry fruits and candied walnuts. Adults pay $39 and it’s BYOB! Sweet.(312)823-4859
Vermilion
Vermilion is a truly unique dining experience, fusing Indian and Latin cuisine into an adventurous menu. For $69 you can enjoy a 5-course meal that includes Colombian arepa de yucca with a tangy tamarind chutney and the main course of smoked turkey breast, cumin yam lentil stuffing and chorizo beans. There is also a delicious alternative vegetarian menu for the health conscious. Adventurous eaters encouraged! (312) 527-4060
Mercat a la Planxa
Mercat a la Planxa gives us the authentic taste of Catalan cuisine. This Thanksgiving, enjoy your turkey with a spanish twist. On the menu is a roasted, confit and fried turkey (yes, FRIED!) with Sherry pan gravy and cranberry-orange compote. Mercat will also be offering a suckling pig, marinated for two days in secret Catalan spices offered tableside or ‘Pig-Out To Go’ to take home and share at your Friendsgiving. (312) 765-0524
We featured Guelaguetza last year, but when you’re consistently voted as the best Oaxacan restaurant in the country, you’re kind of hard to ignore. This year they are offering their specialty turkeys- pavo relleno and pavo con mole (which they are experts in). Each of the family meals will be made to serve 8-10 people, and will come with espaghetti verde (with poblano chiles), ensalada dulce, and bolillos. The pavo relleno meal is $98 with pasta frijol and the pavo con mole meal is $108. (213) 427-0608
The Bazaar by José Andrés
The Bazaar will serve a family-style menu meant for four people for $65 per person, so make sure you dress up in your Thanksgiving best. The traditional dishes will include roasted organic turkey, papas canarias and mashed sweet potatoes. The a la carte menu will also be available if a choice of tapas is more your style. Seatings are from 4 to 8:45 p.m. (310) 246-5555
Chef Ray Garcia’s restaurant, FIG, is a seasonal bistro which crafts its menu based on the ingredients that are in peak season, so a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with a twist is what you will get. Dishes include sweet potato, piloncillo and chipotle brined turkey, churro crumble, pumpkin pie, tamales and more delicacies. Meals begin at 12, 3 and 6 p.m. and cost $69 per person. 310-319-3111
Mateo’s Cocina Latina
Mateos Cocina Latina usually has a mouthwatering menu (and full tequila bar!) and this Thanksgiving is no different. Offering three different turkey dishes (for all tastes), the Relleno Blanco de Pavo has a hard boiled egg center, white gravy, fried tomato, and sea-salt handmade tortillas. If you’re more of a traditionalist, try the Pavo Tradicional served with cranberry salsa. The desert is really where it’s at–Blue corn taco filled with vanilla ice cream, seasonal fruit salsa and sea salt will have you in a food coma till Christmas. (707)433-1520
Reposado
You’ll need to reposar after feasting at Reposado this Thanksgiving. Their menu is one of the few that is offering delicious intricate dishes inspired by the season and not just predictable turkeys! For starters, try anything from sweet butternut squash tamalitos with fire roasted salsa to stuffed dates with chorizo and goat cheese. The entree that jumped off the menu was Crepas de Mariscos, blue corn seafood crepes, poblano crema and herbed black rice with mango. Finish it off with Pastel Azteca de Chocolate and then take a nap. (650)833-3151
Fresca
Fresca will serve as a perfect lunchtime stop on Thanksgiving. If you’re not feeling turkey and all the trimmings (and thats okay!), Fresca offers a modern take on Peruvian cuisine. Open till 3PM on Thanksgiving day, pick from their mouthwatering sandwiches. Whether you’re feeling Lechon Asado or Salmon a La Parilla BLT, Fresca has got you covered. (415) 447-2668