Lazy Thanksgiving

 

A couple of years back, The Dabbler decided to make Thanksgiving into a 'date night'. I won't explain the thinking behind this, since it's far too complicated (not to mention, far too uninteresting) to share with you. But I will share some of my discoveries.

The past two years we've gone to the prix fixe ($65 a head) at JAR, where we have enjoyed the family style turkey dinner with fixings. I'm not a cranberry sauce kind of gal, but their homemade version is tangy and delightful. The turnips, potatoes gratin and Turkey with dressing were all perfectly cooked. (Sorry, I know foodbloggers usually provide lovely photography with their 'reviews', but I didn't think to bring my camera last year.)

The first year we attended, we were given so much food that we had a full bag of left-overs to bring home, making the whole 'Thanksgiving at a restaurant' experience feel a little more like going to your cousin's house, and taking home a tupperware container filled with noodle kugel and jello mold. Sadly, last year, we were given more modest portions and watched jealously as the petite Asian couple next to us picked at their overflowing platter that contained at least twice as much food as ours. We were left with clean plate awards and no doggie bags to speak of, and maybe that's why this year I've elected to try another spot instead.

Our decision? We're going to Upstairs 2, the restaurant above the Wine House, one of LA's best wine stores. We've dined at Upstairs 2 before, and have always had a good time. The food comes care of the former chef of Joe's in Venice, and is high quality grub. The price is even more attractive than JAR's, at only $39 a person. Additionally, any bottle of wine you've purchased at Wine House can be consumed with your meal for a moderate $10 corkage. And there's always the option of ordering a bottle from the large and moderately priced wine list that includes many options by the glass.

Some other restaurant Thanksgiving options to consider are:

• Angeli Caffe, 1st seating is sold out but call (323-936-9086) to find out the details for seating number 2. This Thanksgiving dinner is a continuation of the restaurant's ongoing Thursday night family-style supper series. Chef Evan Kleinman is host of KCRW's Good Food program and this is a casual, comfortable place.
  
• Campanile, $65 per person. This restaurant is ALWAYS good. So this time I'll forgive them for charging an extra $25 for the truffle option on the Thanksgiving menu.
• Simon LA, $65 per person for 3 courses, or full menu available. Frankly, the website is rather annoying and I won't even provide you with a link. If you want cotton candy for dessert, this is the place for you.
• Whist at the Viceroy, $75 per person. Personally, I've eaten here and it's just okay. And overpriced. But if the ocean calls you, then it's something to consider.
• Zucca Restaurant, $34 per person for four courses. The name of the restaurant means pumpkin, so expect plenty of orange menu options.

And, if you're both lazy and cheap (nothing to be ashamed of), try Norm's. I'd be surprised if the tab goes over $15 a person.

Make your plans in advance, though, as space is limited at all of these spots (except for Norm's).