Is a family Thanksgiving too bold? Where to take your new love
The holidays are upon us. There is no doubting it. Everywhere you turn there are inflatable turkeys, paper pilgrims and even Christmas trees on display.
Holidays can be tricky times of the year for new relationships, old relationships and those seeking a relationship. Is your relationship too new to involve family and holiday traditions? Maybe your relationship is more mature and begs the question, "Do you want to cook for a bunch of people when your specialty is takeout pizza?" If you are single and not kicking it with anybody for T-day, how do you avoid the solitude of your own walls and a TV dinner?
Lucky for you there are solutions to all of these situations that will take the holiday stress off your shoulders, mostly.
Just getting to know your honey but not ready to know his or her family, or for him or her to know yours, but still want some quality T-day time together? You could plan an intimate dinner for two, finding the smallest turkey out there; spend all day cooking for your mate and then all night serving, too. If all that work for two people is just not your thing, try dining out.
Dining out is also an option if you let your partner rope you into making a feast for an army of relatives. If you fear that your first T-day will turn out like my mom's, who forgot to defrost the turkey before cooking and served it raw inside, plan on someone else cooking for your guests. Take them out. Your partner will be thankful that you did not poison his or her family. Try one of these restaurants:
Café Lucci
609 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview, (847) 729-2268
Offering traditional favorites like lentil soup, roasted turkey with sweet apple stuffing, mashed garlic or sweet potatoes and homemade pumpkin pie! If you are not a turkey lover, then Cafe Lucci's regular a la carte menu of regional Italian cuisine also is available. For reservations, call or reserve online at cafelucci.com. (Seating from 1 to 7:30 p.m.; $21.95 per person.)
The Palm - Northbrook
2000 Northbrook Court, Northbrook, (847) 239-7256
Celebrate with their special Thanksgiving menu. Their classic, tasty dinner menu will also be available. ($32.95 per adult, $16.95 per child.)
Birch River Grill
75 W. Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, (847) 427-4242
In the Northwest 'burbs, this American kitchen will be serving a four-course plated meal featuring updated classics like acorn-squash-and-Kentucky-bourbon bisque and maple-glazed free-range turkey breast with kiln-dried cherry dressing. (Noon to 7 p.m.; $24.95 per adult, $13.95 per child 12 and younger)
Staying home
Someone might be a little more traditional and be insistent that T-day should take place in the confines of one's home. So stay home, no one said you have to cook! Either carryout or have your turkey dinner delivered.
Maggiano's - various locations
Their special menu includes roast turkey, country-style ham, garlic mashed potatoes, pumpkin praline cheesecake and more. Thanksgiving carryout and home delivery is available. Call the restaurant nearest you (find one at maggianos.com) for pricing information and to make a reservation.
Going solo?
All is perfect, said and done right? Not if you are spending the day hip-swinging solo. You want to avoid that "special" Thanksgiving TV dinner that is screaming at you in the freezer section, yet you do not want to sit by yourself at a table in a restaurant. Do not fret; there is a place out there for you, too.
Flatlander's Restaurant and Brewery
200 Village Green, Lincolnshire, (847) 821-1234
Join them for a huge traditional Thanksgiving Day buffet with chef selections just like Grandma makes. (Seating from noon to 5 p.m.; $32 per adult, $16 per child, kids younger than 5 eat for free.) Note: Grab your plate and head to the bar area to chat people up or watch some sports. Indulge in the microbrews and buy one for the hot single at the end of the bar who is eating solo, too.
Yes, T-day is all about traditions - from the turkey to the pumpkin pie. These traditions were started somewhere, and if it means alleviating some of that infamous holiday stress from your relationship, maybe it is time to start a new one.