Thanksgiving feasts at local restaurants

Our family has been eating out for Thanksgiving the past several years, a group of about 10. We've been to Captains Quarters (pretty darned good!), John E's (avg), Executive Inn West (below avg), and Galt House (who seated us at crowded, long tables that prohibited conversation). Any suggestions? Looking for a place that's decent food, has round tables, and not overly expensive.

(Note from moderator: I've "borrowed" this seasonal question to make "sticky" for the next couple of weeks. Local restaurants are welcome to post their special Thanksgiving events here, and anyone who cares to is welcome to talk about their favorite places if you don't want to do the turkey-and-trimmings at home.)

The last several years we've gone to the English Grille. They do a wonderful job. They have an appetizer buffet and a desert buffet and the main course is table service with five or six menu choices. The service of course is wonderful as is the food. I'm not sure if they still have space available or not but it would be worth a try. Of course another option is Churchill Downs, they do a big buffet for thanksgiving but again space may be limited.

We have been to several of the State Parks for Thanksgiving buffet, and must say, the food was well prepared. I don't recall about the round tables but it wasn't that crowded the last time we went.
Excellent comfort food and reasonably priced. General Butler - not too far unless you are driving home.

Joe

I'd second Churchill Downs . . . you may find better food and cheaper prices, but it's a great time and a fun afternoon - plus the buffet lasts around 5 hours so you can stuff yourself as much as you want!

[Robin Garr]

J. Graham’s Café Thanksgiving Buffet features soup, salads, roasted pork loin with cranberry stuffing, sautéed salmon with peppercorn sauce, maple glazed Kentucky ham, traditional roasted turkey with cranberry sauce, giblet gravy, oyster stuffing, and the pastry chef’s selection of assorted pies, cookies and cake for dessert. The cost is $34 per person plus tax and gratuity, $17 for children ages 4-12, children under 4 dine free. Seating times are 12:15 pm, 12:45 pm, and 2:30 pm, and 3 pm.
For reservations, please call (502) 583-1234, extension 7225.

Thanksgiving Dinner at The English Grill features a prix fixe menu beginning with an appetizer buffet featuring roasted corn and lobster chowder, antipasto, seasonal salads, fresh seafood, assorted artisan breads and domestic cheeses. The a la carte entrée selection offers a choice of dusted garam masala salmon, sautéed filet mignon of beef, or the traditional roast turkey breast and leg with oyster dressing. The pastry chef’s dessert table includes pies, cobbler, and cake. The cost is $59 per person plus tax and gratuity, $29.50 for children ages 4-12 for buffet only, children under 4 dine free. Seating times are 12:30 pm, 12:45 pm and 1 pm, 3:30 pm, 3:45 pm and 4 pm. For reservations, call (502) 736-2996.

The Brown Hotel
Fourth and Broadway
583-1234
www.brownhotel.com

FWIW, as of this a.m. (Thursday, the 11th) The English Grill's reporting completely sold out for all seatings. They recommend, however, that J Graham's Cafe is still available.

Although Varanese will be closed on thanksgiving, over the past few years Chef John has been preparing Turduckens for quests to purchase for their holiday feast. two sizes are available, as well as side dishes. Please call the restaurant for more information

[Robin Garr]

Proof on Main will serve Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, Nov. 25 from 2-8 p.m. with Chef Michael Paley's Thanksgiving-inspired classics. Proof favorites will also be available for those who would rather skip the bird.

Thanksgiving Specials

(Appetizer)
Roasted Pumpkin Salad
Double smoked ham, arugula, pine nuts & ricotta salata 10

(Pasta)
Chestnut Ravioli
Black trumpet mushrooms, treviso brown butter 19

(Entree)
Sorghum Glazed Smoked Turkey
Turkey & foie gras sausage, semolina leek pie & Tuscan green beans 28

(Dessert)
Pumpkin Tart
Salted butterscotch & spiced
pecans 8

My mom, brother and I are dining at the University Club this year - not sure what to think about our first Thanksgiving away from home, but as it's our first year without Dad, we thought we should change up the routine a bit. Won't miss cooking, as I'll be assisting with the annual Sullivan-Salvation Army dinner for 500+ the day before . . . just not sure about eating "dinner" at 11:30 AM!