Sigh. Thanksgiving. The pressure! It’s the biggest food holiday of the year, and it’s your turn to host. Again.
Clearly you need a strategy to make your life easier, and here it is: delegate. Why stress? If you’re determined to eat at home, but don’t have the time (or the inclination) to make this massive dinner on your own, do the next best thing and order in.
Whether you’re looking at the whole meal, a few side dishes or dessert, here are some Chicago-area restaurants and gourmet specialty stores that want to help you. They really, really do. And they’re just a phone call—or mouse click—away.
Artisanal Grocery
414 Linden Ave., Wilmette, 847-512-3155
Order deadline: Thursday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m.
Chef Peggy Ryan is back on the North Shore, so that basically means unbridled deliciousness. For Turkey Day, that translates to side dishes like Scallion Mashed Potatoes; Roasted Root Veggies with Rosemary and Roasted Garlic; Spinach-Pine Nut-Focaccia Dressing and Brandied Cranberry-Orange Conserve. Nom nom.
Bennison’s Bakery
1000 Davis St., Evanston, 847-328-9434
Order deadline: Tuesday, Nov. 25
It is all about Jory Downer’s baked goods at this Best of 2014 Award Winner. You can’t go wrong with their Sack Apple Pie, and of course they have Pumpkin, Sweet Potato and Pecan Pies as well. Kids will love the Decorated Turkey Cupcakes, Turkey Cookies and Mini Turkey Cakes, but the Pumpkin–Cream Cheese Galette is very adult. Grab a loaf of the tangy Mîche or Pumpkin Sourdough to use for stuffing or Game Day sandwiches. Touchdown!
Di Pescara
Northbrook Court, Northbrook, 847-498-4321
Order deadline: Thursday, Nov. 20
You’ll find one-stop shopping at Di Pescara, where the entire Thanksgiving menu—from Deviled Eggs to Pumpkin Pie, including turkey and all the trimmings—can be picked up for any size crowd and priced at an über-reasonable $32.95 per person.
Goddess & Grocer
Bucktown: 1649 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, 773-342-3200
Near North Side: 901 N. Larrabee, Chicago, 312-988-9870
Logan Square: 2222 N. Elston Ave., Chicago, 773-292-7100
Order deadline: Friday, Nov. 21 at 12 p.m.
Proprietor Debbie Sharpe is the favorite caterer of every rock star who visits Chicago, and it’s easy to see why. Mini Butternut Squash Risotto Cakes with Crispy Sage? Harvest Veggie Pot Pie? Turkey Sausage and Apple Stuffing? Yes, please. Order a la carte or opt for the full Thanksgiving Dinner for 12. It’s up to you, but I know what the smart call would be…
Honey Butter Fried Chicken
3361 N. Elston Ave., Chicago, 773-231-5060
Order deadline: Sunday, Nov. 23 at 5 p.m.
They’re calling it “Everything But The Bird,” which pretty much sums it up. Schmaltz Smashed Potatoes with Chicken Fat Gravy; Apple, Cheddar and Collard Greens Stuffing; Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Balsamic Marshmallows; Corn Muffin Bread with a tub of Honey Butter; and Cranberry Dumpcake with Apple Cider Whipped Cream are a few of the dishes on offer from chefs Christine Cikowski and Joshua Kulp. Can I get a yum?
Prairie Grass Café
601 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook, 847-205-4433
Order deadline: Thursday, Nov. 20
Of course, chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bumpbaris would be thrilled to serve you in person at the restaurant, but they’re more than happy for you to opt for “Thanksgiving To Go.” Start with Butternut Squash Soup or Organic Mixed Green Salad with Shaved Parmesan, Pumpkin Seeds and Pomegranate, and then progress to a juicy Roasted Turkey with Gravy and Apple-Sage Stuffing with a side of Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Chestnuts. Gild the lily with Mom’s Pecan Pie or a Double-Chocolate Cake. Happy tummies all around.
Sauce and Bread Kitchen
6338-40 Clark St., Chicago, 773-942-6384
Order deadline: Friday, Nov. 21 at 5 p.m.
Much like the name implies, this Green City Market favorite specializes in carbs and sauce. They now have a brick-and-mortar place in Rogers Park. You’ll love their Brioche Clover Rolls and Jalapeño-Cheddar Cornbread for your Thanksgiving breadbasket (and the Pumpkin Sticky Buns for breakfast on Black Friday); Vegetable or Sausage Stuffing; and delectable holiday desserts, like the Persimmon Pudding with Cream Cheese Frosting or the Pumpkin and Chocolate Bundt Cake with Ginger Glaze. My pants are getting tighter and I am just TYPING this, for cripes’ sake.
Three Tarts Bakery
301 S. Happ Road, Northfield, 847-446-5444
Order deadline: Saturday, Nov. 22 at 4 p.m.
It’s Turkey Time at Best of 2014 honoree Three Tarts, which aside from the charming alliteration spells Y-U-M for happy customers. The Cranberry-Blue Cheese-Walnut Torta, Salmon Cheesecake or Swiss Chard and Gruyère Strudel (did I mention CHEESE?) make fabulous starters; the Potato Bread is perfect for next-day turkey sandwiches (especially with the Ma Oliver’s Cranberry Chutney); and the desserts (Apple-Pumpkin Cake, Pumpkin Mousse Pie, Maple Walnut Tart and much more) are all the bomb dot com.
Wisma
24 E. Scranton Ave., Lake Bluff, 847-234-1805
The French Market at Ogilvie Center, 131 N. Clinton St., Chicago, 312-382-1805
Order deadline: Thursday, Nov. 20
Chef John des Rosiers knows a thing or two about comfort foods, and he’s serving them up here for the holidays. So order a few pounds of lightly smoked and roasted Turkey Breast, the updated Green Bean Casserole, Rustic Mashed Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts roasted with brown butter. Just save room for the Bread Pudding with Cranberries and Roasted Walnuts, or the Cheesecake with House Caramel Sauce and Pecans. And a word to the wise: Wear stretch pants.
