Thanksgiving for Procrastinators / People Who Don't Cook (e.g. Yours Truly)

I confess: at work, I'm OCD on schedule for projects.  Outside of work:  a complete mess.

If you're like me and completely lost track of the countdown to Thanksgiving, and cooking is not part of those plans...

Keep reading to see where you can pick up some tasty desserts that will score you points with hosts, and generate buzz at the dinner table for your baking shopping skills...with your fellow diners...

(Commitment-phobes take note: Some even have single serving sized pies so that you can taste before you commit to a full pie!)

Farmshop - order by Tues 11/25 5pm 


pick up on Tues 11/25, Wed 11/26 and Thanksgiving Day until 11am

I've been obsessed with bourbon-glazed pecans lately, and Farmshop has a beautiful pie made with them for the holidays!  AND they have single-serve sized one that you can get to get a taste of it before deciding whether that's the one you want to bring to dinner.

Other delicious sounding pies to choose from:

• Pumpkin Pie 10" serves up to 10 people $42
• Chocolate Cream Pie 10" serves up to 10 people $40
• Heirloom Apple Pie 10" serves up to 10 people $38
• Bourbon-Pecan Pie 10" serves up to 10 people $42
• Flourless Chocolate Cake 9" serves up to 8 people $32 

  (Add whipped cream: vanilla or fall spice, pint 5)

See menu here

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Farmshop

225 26th Street Ste 25 (Brentwood Country Mart), Santa Monica, CA 90402

Ph: 310.566.2400
Website: farmshopca.com
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Jin Patisserie - order by Wednesday 11/19  
pickup 11/24 to 11/26 (by 4pm)

Photo credit: Jin Patisserie

Fans of Chef Kristy Choo's exquisite pastries need not despair that her Abbot Kinney location has closed, you can still access the loveliness of her masterfully light, #foodart creations from her production facility in Culver City.

And she has two tarts for Thanksgiving that would be as gorgeous as a centerpiece as it is expected to be delicious as a 'dessert entree' (i.e. for people with an incurable sweet tooth like me, this could supercede turkey / actual savory dinner courses and sides in importance):

• Autumn ($48, serves 12 people): a crunchy Breton crust filled with alternating layers of 64%  chocolate cream, orange mascarpone, and hazelnut praline chantilly
• Citron ($38, serves 8): lemon cream with lemon curd on sweet meringue shell

 
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Jin Patisserie

(Production facility, in office park)
5741 Buckingham Parkway, Suite D, Culver City, CA 90230
Ph: 310.399.8801

Website: jinpatisserie.com/
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Sweet Rose Creamery - order by Sunday 11/23  closing - see hours at each location
pickup by Wednesday 11/26 regular store hours at each location

Photo credit: Sweet Rose Creamery

Happiness = pie + ice cream.  Sweet Rose Creamery is offering again fun ice cream versions of classic flavor combos.  AND, they've just started offering select ice cream pies by the slice ($6.50) so you can again try it before splurging on a full pie!

• Spiced Pumpkin with Ginger cookie crust
• Brown Sugar Butter Pecan with Chocolate crust
• Apple Pie topped with Walnut crumble and Caramel in a Graham crust

All pies are $40 each, and serve 8-10 people

See menu here
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Sweet Rose Creamery

225 26th Avenue, Suite 51 Santa Monica, CA 90402

Ph: 310.260.2663

Website: sweetrosecreamery.com
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Craft - order by Monday 11/24 close


pick up 11/26 after 5pm or Thanksgiving Day 9am-noon

Photo credit: Craft LA

If nothing but Top Chef quality will do for you, hit up one of the show's judges Tom Colicchio's reliably good restaurant in Century City, and pick up one of Chef Shannon Swindle's amazing desserts:

• Pumpkin Pie $45
• Pecan Pie $55
• Apple Cranberry Crisp With Oat Streusel $55
• Chocolate Peanut Butter S’mores Tart $65

This info is not on their website!

To order, email: amorini@craftlosangeles.com
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Craft LA

10100 Constellation Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90067

Ph:310.279.4180

Website: craftrestaurantsinc.com/craft-los-angeles
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Pi Bakeshop - farmers market fresh! Pick up at Studio City Farmers Market Sunday 11/23

Photo credit: Pi Bakeshop

Artisanal bakers - they don't have a shop yet but you can find them Sundays at Studio City Farmers Market!  And the great thing is that they offer handcrafted pies at various sizes, with some creative flavor combinations

• Cranberry Hibiscus ($27)
• Bourbon Maple Pecan ($27)
• Pumpkin($27)
• Sweet potato with ginger crust and toasted homemade marshmallow ($27)
• BBQ pie - house smoked pork shoulder, with slow braised greens, and spicy bbq sauce. Topped with creamy mac & cheese ($35)

They can also hand deliver your pie within 20 miles of Sherman Oaks, CA for a flat rate of $10. Distances beyond 20 miles will incur an additional charge.

See menu here

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Pi Bakeshop

Studio City Farmers Market: Sundays 8am-2pm at Laurel Canyon Blvd across from Vons

Ph:818.986.1441

Website: pibakeshop.com
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Du-par's - pre-order or walk-in! 

If you pulled an Indiana Jones and are literally trying to slide under the descending rock door of holiday closures: Du-par's will be your life-saver:  while the most popular pies are sold out via

 pre-orders (I was told they moved literally thousands of pies the day before Thanksgiving!), they know how it goes and always have a batch of extra pies handy for walk-ins on turkey day.  I've been able to pick up my 'spare' pies last minute at the Studio City location.

Choose from classic to seasonal flavors:

• Pecan 
• Pumpkin
• Sweet potato 
• Minced meat
• Orange cranberry walnut
• Cherry

See menu here

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Du-par's

12036 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91602

Ph:818.766.4437

Website: du-pars.com
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Happy PIE Day everyone!!

Thanksgiving for Procrastinators Who Don't Cook (Where to Pick Up Dessert to Take to Dinner...)

If you're like me and waited til last minute to plan what you're going to bring to Thanksgiving dinner, and cooking is not part of those plans...

Here's a quick guide to where you can pick up some tasty desserts that will score you points and great conversation with your fellow diners...

Photo credit: Creme Caramel LA Facebook page

Creme Caramel - order by Sunday 11/25  

Lovely single-serve portions of creme caramel (like flan) and the fluffiest bread pudding with classic to playful flavors / toppings:

• Pumpkin Creme Caramel 
• Pumpkin White Chocolate Bread Pudding 
• Caramelized Bacon Bread Pudding
• Caramelized Spam Bread Pudding 
• Holiday Spice Bread Pudding

Flavors above only available in 6-packs when you order online.  48 hours notice needed for deliveries.
 
See menu here

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Crème Caramel LA

14849 Burbank Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91411

Ph: 818.949.8352
Website: blog.cremecaramella.com
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Photo credit: Sweet Rose Creamery

Sweet Rose Creamery - order by Saturday 11/23 pickup Tuesday 11/27 after 5pm

Pie and ice cream go together like...ice cream pie.  For a fun twist on traditional holiday pies, check out Sweet Rose Creamery's ice cream versions of classic flavor combos:

• Apple Pie: apple pie  ice cream, walnut crumble topping, caramel sauce, graham cracker crust.
• Pecan Pie: Brown Sugar ice cream, topped with buttered pecan halves, chocolate cookie crust.
• Spiced Pumpkin: spiced pumpkin ice cream, whipped milk topping, pumpkin seeds, ginger cookie crust. 

All pies listed $35 each

See menu here
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Sweet Rose Creamery

225 26th Avenue, Suite 51 Santa Monica, CA 90402

Ph: 310.260.2663

Website: sweetrosecreamery.com
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Photo credit: Craft LA

Craft - order by Sunday 11/25
email amorini@craftlosangeles.com. Pick up 11/27 after 5pm or 11/28 8am-12pm

If you're in the mood to splurge, hit up Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio's reliably good restaurant in Century City, and pick up one of Chef Shannon Swindle's amazing desserts:

• Pumpkin Pie $45
• Pecan Pie $55
• Apple Cranberry Crisp With Oat Streusel $55
• Chocolate Peanut Butter S’mores Tart $65

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Craft LA

10100 Constellation Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90067

Ph:310.279.4180

Website: craftrestaurantsinc.com/craft-los-angeles
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Du-par's - pre-order or walk-in!

If you really, really just left things til the very last minute and missed all the pre-order deadlines, Du-par's is here to save your life:  while the most popular pies are sold out via pre-orders (I was told they moved literally thousands of pies the day before Thanksgiving!), they know how it goes and always have a batch of extra pies handy for walk-ins on turkey day.  I've been able to pick up my 'spare' pies last minute at the Studio City location.

• Pecan pie
• Pumpkin pie
• Cherry pie

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Du-par's

12036 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91602

Ph:818.766.4437

Website: du-pars.com
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Happy Turkey Day everyone!!

Thanksgiving Doesn't Mean You Have to Spend All Week in the Kitchen

As my parents live overseas, in Thanksgivings past I have been graciously hosted by families of some amazing friends, who were kind enough to take in a stray for the day.

Photo: FabulousArizona.com

  Last year was an 'anomaly' - my brother and his wife were in town during the holiday weekend so we ended up going to a splurgey brunch at L'Ermitage that was nothing short of transcendant. (Usually you would think big holidays are the worst time to eat out as chefs are on vacation too - so you get overpriced, subpar quality food - but not at L'Ermitage!) Since then I've been a fan of handing Thanksgiving to the pros. 

My friend 'Lindyhopper's family is taking me in again this year (love them!), but thought I'd share findings for some exciting looking Thanksgiving offerings around town for those who don't want to spend their holiday in the kitchen or travellers who don't just want to eat whatever is in their hotel. Organized by type of experience. These are all under $100 per person, and where there are deals/points to be had I have noted next to each.  Will be adding to this as more enticing menus post.

Modernist Thanksgiving:
The Bazaar by José Andrés
465 South La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048 Ph: 310.246.5555
Prix fixe menu for increments of four people at $65 per person. Includes choice of roasted organic turkey or New Zealand red snapper; all of the following sides: papas canarias, cranberry sauce, grandma's giblets stuffing, mashed sweet potatoes; and choice of dessert TBD. 

Sign up for free membership in SBE Preferred, show your card when you get your bill and the $ you spend on your meal will translate to points towards a gift card redeemable for hotel stays, meals etc. across SBE properties.

Tres by José Andrés
465 South La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048 Ph: 310.246.5551
Holiday Brunch buffet (12pm-9pm), $49pp - they are basically serving their regular brunch menu (which includes 63 degree eggs) but with a Thanksgiving twist; drinks not included. For reference, you can see their regular brunch menu here. Regular Lunch, Tea, and Dinner menus also available.

Sign up for free membership in SBE Preferred, show your card when you get your bill and the $ you spend on your meal will earn you points towards a gift card redeemable for hotel stays, meals etc. across SBE properties.

Duck, Duck, [tastier than, not a] Turkey:
Duck House
501 S. Atlantic Blvd, Monterey Park, CA 91754 Ph: (626) 284-3227
Get out of your comfort zone for Thanksgiving - have Peking Duck instead of turkey.  Duck House serves a set menu at just $99 for two people (that's less than $50 each ;)) which is part of their regular menu, and includes Cold Jelly Fish Salad, Whole Abalone w/ Broccoli in Oyster sauce, Peking Duck, Fresh Crab Meats, Gourmet Bamboos and Konnyaku Strips Soup and Crispy Red Bean Cakes for dessert. YUM. They are only open for dinner on Nov. 24.


Vampires Beware:
The Stinking Rose
55 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90211 Ph: 310.652.7673
Not for vampires (unless you're the 'new age' Twilight type): their $34.95pp prix fixe dinner is pretty much all about the garlic! The 3-course meal starts with a House Salad, then moves onto a 400 Clove Garlic Roasted Turkey with all the trimmings, and finishes with Pumpkin Pie Ala Mode.  Child's portion of the same menu is $19.95pp. Click for menu. Served all-day - regular menu also available.

Brunch Buffet (aka Get Stuffed the Gourmet Way):
Culina at Four Seasons Beverly Hills
300 South Doheny Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90048 Ph: 310.860.4000
Brunch buffet (Nov 24 11am-7pm) featuring omelette and waffle stations, eggs benedict, dim sum, sushi, wild mushroom risotto, farmers market fresh veggies, carving station with rosemary honey glazed turkey, and seasonal desserts. $95pp adults; $47pp kids 5-12; free for kids under 4 . Click for menu

Ocean and Vine at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
1700 Ocean Avenue Santa Monica, CA 90401-3233 Ph: 310.576.3180
Champagne Brunch Buffet (Nov 24 11am-4pm) $74/adult, $37/kid Click for menu (looks like a huge and delicious menu including sushi & raw bar, eggs benedict & waffle stations, carving station and long list of desserts)

The Restaurant at L'Ermitage
9291 Burton Way Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Ph: 310.278.3344
Brunch buffet $75pp featuring favorite Thanksgiving dishes.  Add $20 for bottomless bellinis and mimosas! Click for menu (unfortunately this year's menu does not look as spectacular as last year - this year there is no caviar or raw bar station beyond shrimp cocktail)

Patina at Descanso Gardens
1418 Descanso Drive La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011 Ph: 818.949.4200
Brunch buffet $45pp members, $53pp non-members, $19pp kids 4-12, under 3 years old free (seatings at noon at 2pm) - enjoy fine dining fare in the beautiful Descanso Gardens (price of meal includes admission to gardens, which is normally $8 for adult non-members, $6 for seniors/students, $3 for kids 5-12)
Michelin Caliber:
Melisse
1104 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401 Ph: 310.395.0881
Celebrate Thanksgiving in style at two-Michelin-starred Melisse - with 3-course dinner (Nov 24 3-7:30pm) prix fixe $89pp adults; $42 kids 8 and younger. Click for menu (you can choose one item for each course, from fairly big list - including mouth-watering items like Seared Foie Gras, Banyuls Poached Figs and Ginger Spice, or Maine Diver Scallop, Artichokes, Hibiscus Reduction, Green Apple and Radish or Crispy Eastern Bass with Roasted Fall Squash, Confit Tomatoes, Champagne-Truffle Reduction.  You also get choice of 3 traditional Thanksgiving sides).  High-rollers can also add $48 to get Maine Lobster Ravioli with Shaved White Truffle for your first course (which would put you over the $100 per person budget, FYI).

Top Chef Style:
Craft Los Angeles
10100 Constellation Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90067 Ph: 310.279.4180
Love Craft, they are the epitome of hospitality done right.  Always reliable for impeccable service and generous offerings on their menus.  3-course prix fixe (Nov 24 2pm-8pm) includes 3 items for the table to share in the first course, which features grass-fed beef tongue (!!!) brook trout and chicory salad, choice of 2nd course between 4 options that include diver scallops, and delicious sounding sides, and 4 desserts for the table to share. $85pp adults; $45pp kids under 12. Click for menu

Tapas Style:
Cleo
1717 Vine St., Los Angeles, CA 90028   Ph: 323.962.1711
Cleopatra's Feast: Cleo favorites + Thanksgiving classics served family-style. $65pp adults, includes cocktail; $32pp kids 5-12; kids under 5 free. (Seatings at 1, 3, 5, and 7pm). Sign up for free membership in SBE Preferred, show your card when you get your bill and the $ you spend on your meal will earn you points towards a gift card redeemable for hotel stays, meals etc. across SBE properties.

Wine Driven:
UPSTAIRS 2
2311 Cotner Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90064-1803 Ph: 310.231.0316
4-course prix fixe (Nov 24 2pm - 7pm), take your pick between 4-5 items available for each course. $42pp adults, $25pp kids 12 & under. Add wine Package: 3 full glasses for $20 Click for menu (2nd course choices include bone-in veal short rib, and dessert choices include sticky toffee pudding and grand marnier flourless chocolate cake!)

Relaxing by the Sea:
Cafe Del Rey
4451 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292  Ph: 310.823.6395
3-course prix-fixe (Nov 24 1-8pm) "Favorites with a twist" include Butternut Squash Agnolotti, Free-Range Turkey with duck sausage stuffing, sweet Potato Cheesecake  $55pp Adults $18pp Kids

One Pico at Shutters on the Beach

One Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405  Ph: 310.458.0030

3-course prix fixe - choose from five starters, five entrees and three desserts (Nov 24 11am – 8pm) $75pp. Click for menu (savory choices include black cod, salmon, filet mignon, as well as the requisite turkey).

Classics - Farm to Table:
Campanile
624 South La Brea Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90036 Ph: 323.938.1447
Traditional Thanksgiving meal $65pp with rosemary braised turkey, mashed potatoes & gravy, cranberry sauce, and all the trimings

Tavern
11648 West San Vicente Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90049-5104 Ph: 310.806.6464
3-course prix fixe dinner (Nov 24 1pm-8pm) $65pp adults; $35pp kids 12& under Click for menu (highlights: persimmon and pomegranate salad, herb-roasted organic turkey breast and stuffed leg with mashed potato and gravy served with sides that make my mouth water just as words on the site: chestnut stuffing with prunes and cavolo, sweet potatoes with sherry and roasted shallots, brussels sprouts with pancetta and thyme, cranberry sauce with orange and mint)

Downtown:
Cafe Pinot
700 W Fifth St., Los Angeles, CA 90071 Ph: 213.239.6500
3-course prix fixe, $55 pp - choose one item for each course from among 5 starters, 4 entrees and 3 desserts. All served in lovely indoor/outdoor setting (love the patio!) Menu highlights: roasted chestnut soup with egg nog emulsion and brussel sprout petals, scallop crudo with celery confit, filet mignon, striped bass and pumpkin cake with hazelnut and butternut squash sauce. Click for menu

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Reminder: make your reservations through OpenTable, and you can earn points towards an OpenTable gift certificate when you check in at the restaurant, depending on your selected venue, date and time. 

Double/tripping dipping:  Use a credit card that you've linked with an airline frequent flyer miles program, and you could stack the points between OpenTable, mileage from your card, and SBE Preferred (for SBE restaurants)!

BRING IT ON...HOME:
*Those who want restaurant fare at home - Susan Feniger's STREET has take out menu including Tandoori turkey breast, braised brisket or jackfruit with an eclectic list of mouth-watering sides like Pandan and Coconut Creamed Corn or Moroccan Spiced Winter Squash Soup, or Chorizo Cornbread Stuffing.  Tandoori dishes run $15-$20 per person, and side dishes come in packs: 3 for $40, 5 for $55, and 7 for $65 (all sides serve 4 people).  Order at least 3 days in advance - last day for pickup is Nov 23rd. See menu via link above for details.

Upstairs 2 offers Thanksgiving To Go package deal - dinner for 10 people for $189 plus tax, with wine packages available for additional $12.99-$76.08.  Order in advance for pickup on Wed. Nov. 23 3pm-9pm or Thu, Nov. 24 11am-4pm. See site for details.

Campanile offers a la carte To Go albeit at a hefty price (e.g. 20lb turkey, 15 servings, is $200, spiced pumpkin tart $42 for 12 servings) available for pickup Nov 24 10am-noon.

Suzanne Goin's Tavern also offers a To Go menu - offering 'complete dinner for 8' for $399, or a la carte options (see menu for details - deadline for orders Nov 20th 5pm, pickup Nov 23 between 9am-7pm).

Patina Group has a feast for 6 to go for 'just' $150 that includes a 14lb turkey, all trimmings, 3 sides and 1 pie (apple, pumpkin or pecan).  Not bad of a deal from a fine dining restaurant - works out to $25 a person!  You can also buy trimmings, sides and pie a la carte (pies are 'only' $16!) (Deadline for orders Nov. 22, pickup Wed Nov 23 8am-2pm or Thurs Nov 24 8am-noon)

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Got a cool find that you don't see here?  Let me know in comments below! :)


*Disclaimer:  I have not dined at all of the above places, nor personally tried their Thanksgiving menu.

The Restaurant at L'Ermitage Beverly Hills - Best Thanksgiving Brunch Ever!

Fifteen years in L.A., and this is the first time I'd been to Thanksgiving Brunch at The Restaurant at L'Ermitage Beverly Hills - a splurge that occurred only because my brother and his wife were visiting from Canada - and now I can't believe I let all this time pass without discovering the amazing seafood extravanganza that is on offer!

At first glance, the $80 per head price looked like a lot.  However, you will definitely get your money's worth and more in some truly incredible seafood - it's all you can eat, and they really had me at 'Caviar Station'. 

The spread included the freshest west coast oysters I've had in recent years, and some amazing, tender and subtly sweet raw scallops on the half shell (which I haven't even seen served anywhere else) in a beautiful display.

Various sauces were on offer including cocktail, black pepper mignonette, chipotle mayo, and louie - but as a purist, I preferred the taste of deep ocean in the oyster, and to let its natural flavors shine through unobstructed - the oysters at L'Ermitage were simply perfect on their own. 

There was also a giant bowl piled high with jumbo shrimp, platters of smoked fish including salmon and trout, and shellfish including mussels and  crab legs & claws. 

The feast was served in a relaxed, casually chic space off to the side of the lobby of the boutique hotel.  Aside from the incredible raw offerings on the seafood table, there were also some cooked items including Poached Salmon and Salmon En Croute with Saffron Sauce. 

My favorite by far though, and where we truly got our money's worth, was at the Caviar Station - where a trio of caviars were served consisting of Sturgeon, Whitefish and Salmon along with Potato Blinis and traditional garnishes from chopped hard-boiled egg yolk to red onions. As you can get the Salmon Roe easily at any sushi joint ('Ikura'), we focused mainly on the Sturgeon and Whitefish varieties.  We were able to maintain some semblance of decorum by scooping just small spoonfuls onto our plates at a time, but shamelessly went back for seconds and thirds...and easily consumed $80 worth, each, in caviar alone.  So they were Black Pearl brand, not top of the line, but still great and amazing for AYCE service.

I do want to acknowledge the incredibly warm hospitality of the staff at the restaurant - unexpected for any venue in Beverly Hills, at least towards relatively young and obviously not independently wealthy foodies with a propensity to snap hundreds of photos of every dish from every angle.  Though initially weary of how we would be treated amongst tables of 'old money' customers in their forties and fifties, we were happy to find that we were made to feel like VIPs throughout the meal, and instead of frowning upon our excitement about the AYCE caviar etc., several of the waiters and even the manager were very freindly and took the time to let us know when the rapidly depleted jars of caviar had been replenished - and helped us pour and carry our drinks over to the table when our hands were full with plates.  For that I give the team top ratings for service!

Although our focus was clearly on the seafood, there were also highlights on the salad / fruit / cheeses table - my favorite of which was the Artichoke Flower with Goat Cheese & White Truffle Oil, very rich, creamy and infused with the fragrance of white truffle.

The hot foods section was overshadowed by the seafood table, but still offered some highlights including the flavorful Chestnut and Sage stuffing. The Roasted Breast and Leg of Tom Turkey was too dry in my opinion, as was the Cherry Glazed Ham.

In order to save room for the amazing scallops and oysters, we did not get to the Chef's Station, which offered traditional eggs benedict as well as Roasted Herb Lamb Leg with Au Jus.

To balance out the heavy gorging, we hit up the beverage station where there was a great variety of healthy, fresh juices on offer from Grapefruit to Strawberry Banana, to Watermelon.  Those who have the stomach for alcohol this early in the day can also order Mimosas or wine at the table. 

As we reluctantly gave in to our limited, and overextended stomach capacities, we were advised that there was a chocolate dessert and coffee / tea buffet to be had - out in the lounge area.  This is the Thanksgiving meal that keeps on giving!  We sank into the comfortable sofas in the lounge and braced ourselves for one last round. 

The chocolate dessert display was mouth-watering - with tall sticks of chocolate dipped, perfectly ripe strawberries, individual pumpkin tarts, chocolate and cocoa powder enrobed nuts, hazelnut chocolate confections, triple chocolate mini-layer cakes, and walnut-mousse in scalloped chocolate shell.  I loved everything on this table, except the chocolate dipped dried fruits which were a bit too tough - and the chocolate coconut balls (only because I personally do not like coconut flakes). 

The chocolate dipped strawberries and walnut mousse in chocolate shell were particularly amazing - and the pumpkin tart was quite good as well, light and at the perfect portion size. We were also able to choose from a variety of organic teas like Hibiscus Oolong, to help us digest, as well as imbibe as much as we wanted of Mulled Apple Cider, and Coffee. 



All-in-all, The Restaurant at L'Ermitage Beverly Hills definitely made this Thanksgiving a very happy one for me and the visiting fam.  Would definitely return for Thanksgiving Brunch next year - if just for the seafood and caviar alone (and the lovely space / personable service)!  It also doesn't hurt that the restaurant uses OpenTable, so reserving and dining at L'Ermitage counts towards OpenTable reward points redeemable for a gift certificate.   Merci beaucoup for an amazing Thanksgiving, L'Ermitage!

On a 7 point scale:
Flavor - 6.5 bites
Presentation - 6 bites
Originality - 5.5 bites
Ambience - 6 stars
Service - 7 stars
Overall experience - 6.5 bites
Price - $$$ (3 bite marks)
Probability of return visit - 100%

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The Restaurant at L'Ermitage Beverly Hills
Ph: 310 278 3344
9291 Burton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, USA

Website: lermitagebh.com
OpenTable: Look for reservations

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Thanksgiving Dilemma - To Serve or Be Served?

As my parents live overseas, in Thanksgivings past I have been graciously hosted by families of some amazing friends, who were kind enough to take in a stray for the day.  This year, my brother and his wife will be visiting from Montreal and staying with me for a month (starting mere days after I move!) so I'll be playing hostess for once during a hectic time. 

And so I have a confession to make: I've never cooked a whole turkey in my life - and have no idea what to do with a bird that size!  Though it could be an exciting culinary adventure, and possibly a fun day-long activity for all of us - whipping up all kinds of sides in the kitchen together while the turkey's in the oven - it could also be a DIY disaster.  The planner in me went immediately to work looking for backup dine-out options that I suspect will quickly turn into our preferred choice.

I was pleasantly surprised by all the restaurants (aka lifesavers / my personal heroes) that will be open Thanksgiving day - and some of the very creative interpretations of the traditional holiday meal, that they will be offering. 

Here are a few highlights of the most exciting menus for those who may also find themselves looking to dine out this holiday:

Molecular Gastronomy Thanksgiving:
The Bazaar by José Andrés is offering a five course prix fixe menu for $65 including their take on Turkey, Brussel Sprouts with 'lemon air', Papas Canarias, a spinach dish, and a sweet potato dessert.  The SLS Hotel is also offering a prix fixe brunch 11am-3pm for $59, a tasting menu for $65 and carving station with traditional turkey and trimmings for $49 November 25-28 starting at 5pm.

Vampires Beware Thanksgiving:
The Stinking Rose's $29.95 prix fixe dinner is not for the faint of heart! The three-course meal starts with a House Salad, then moves onto a 400 Clove Garlic Roasted Turkey With All The Trimmings, and finishes with Pumpkin Pie Ala Mode.  You can get a child's portion of the same menu at $19.95.

Land and Sea:
Trader Vic's Polynesian four-course dinner for $45 - Lobster Stuffed & Shrimp with kaffir lime bearnaise Asian pesto, Mixed Green Salad, Choice Of Stuffed Drunken Turkey Or Trio Of Squash, and choice of Pumpkin Tart or Apple Pecan Bread Pudding.

Patina Chef Tony Esnault's $70 prix fixe four-course Thanksgiving menu features two choices within each course - including Maine Lobster & Chestnut Velouté, Butternut Squash Risotto, Roasted Organic Turkey or Seared Day Boat Scallops, and Piedmont Hazelnut Sponge, Whole Wheat Tuile with Ovaltine Rum Ice Cream!


AYCE - Get Stuffed the Gourmet Way Thanksgiving:
By the Beach:  Whist at the Viceroy in Santa Monica is offering a gourmet Thanksgiving Buffet From 1pm-7pm. Chef Tony Disalvo Is Preparing A Special Feast!

Beverly Hills:  The Restaurant at L'Ermitage will be presenting "Thanksgiving Buffet To Satisfy Even The Most Discriminating Palates" for brunch - cost is $80 per adult, $45 for children 10 and under.  They had me at 'Caviar Station'!!! (Oysters, shrimp, smoked & shell fish are also involved, in addition to the requisite turkey and ham)

Religieuse Experience?:
Pinot Bistro's $45 three course Thanksgiving menu offers choices of first, main and dessert including Roasted Pumpkin Soup with spiced creme fraiche, or Smoked Salmon with buckwheat blini, egg mimosa, chives, and citrus; Roasted Turkey With Sweet Potato Gratin; and the dessert with the most awesome name so far - "Pumpkin and Hazelnut Religieuse".

And if you make your reservations through OpenTable, you can also earn points towards an OpenTable gift certificate when you check in at the restaurant, depending on your selected venue, date and time.  There is truly SO much to be thankful for this season! :)

So after perusing all the incredible menus, I think I've pretty much decided we're eating out.  Especially since my brother and his wife are considering moving to much sunnier SoCal, this might be a great time to add 'good eats' as another 'plus' to their list of reasons why they should.

*For those who feel like having restaurant fare at home - Susan Feniger's STREET is offering Tandoori turkey breast, lobster, lamb roast or jackfruit with an eclectic list of mouth-watering sides like Pandan and Coconut Creamed Corn and Spaghetti Squash with Chipotle Honey Butter.  Tandoori dishes run $15-$25 per person, and side dishes are 3 for $40, 5 for $55, and 7 for $65 (most sides serve up to four people).  Order at least 3 days in advance - last day for pickup is Wednesday, November 24th. See menu via link above for details.

A great take home dessert option is of course Tartist, whose apple tart was so amazing that I still remember the taste from Artisanal LA a couple weeks back.  They have a 'Special Pumpkin' pie on ginger crust that I can't wait to try, and of course, I have already ordered an Apple tart with apple slices, rosewater, persian-honey-vinegar glaze, and crushed pistachios on mascarpone and a french crust!  Even if I'm eating out, I just want to have these tarts around over the holidays for the fam to discover and enjoy :)  Bringing a Tartist creation to Thanksgiving (if you have any foodies in your midst) *will* make you a rock star at dinner.  Orders close November 14th for pick up Wednesday or Thursday 11/24 or 11/25.