It’s a lot of work to put together a Thanksgiving feast. If you’re not interested in waking at dawn to toil in the kitchen to feed the masses, there are many options for easy ways to enjoy the holiday while still getting fed. The key is planning and ordering ahead.
Pre-made dinners
At the Community Food Co-op, it’s possible to order a dinner for four. For $126, the full-meal-deal comes with maple sage turkey breast, Yukon gold mashed potatoes, apple and cranberry stuffing, butternut squash hash, green beans almandine, traditional turkey and cranberry sauce. All of the aforementioned options are available to order à la carte, and plant-based eaters will find a vegan holiday loaf loaded with chickpeas, oats, veggies and mushrooms. Order by 9 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 19, and pick up by Wednesday, Nov. 22. Heating instructions will be included. Info: communityfood.coop.
Act fast to secure a Thanksgiving feast from Bellingham’s Old World Deli. For $165, you can preorder a dinner featuring half of a house-smoked turkey and all the sides. Pumpkin pies can also be had for $20. Orders must be in by end of day on Friday, Nov. 10. If you don’t make it in time, keep in mind Old World has pretty much everything you might need for making next-level charcuterie platters for the holidays — including meat, cheese, artisan crackers, dolmas, olives, smoked oysters and much more. Info: oldworldbellingham.com.
At Shari’s Cafe & Pies in Bellingham, orders are now being taken for a variety of pre-cooked holiday meals — including turkey and ham feasts serving four to six people for $99 (pie included), feasts featuring only the sides for $80 (pie included), and a number of other side options. Order at least 24 hours in advance. Info: Sharis.com.
Classic roast turkey meals for four to eight people can also be picked up at the Whole Foods on Lakeway Drive. Prices run from $100–$400 for the full feasts, and à la carte menu items range from roasted turkey to beef Wellington, lobster tails, braised lamb shanks, ham and lasagna. Pickup dates occur from Nov. 17–23, and orders must be placed a minimum of 48 hours beforehand. Info: wholefoodsmarket.com.
Bellewood Farms is also getting in on the to-go dinners. On the menu for the four-person feast: Roasted turkey with apple and herbs, mashed potatoes, pan-style turkey gravy, classic green bean casserole, savory homemade stuffing and a half-dozen fresh dinner rolls. The prepared meal can be had for $119; add $22 to include a pie. Reservations are due by Nov. 16, and pickup happens Nov. 21 or 22. Info: 360-318-7720.
Sit-down dinners
For the first time, Carnal restaurant on State Street will be hosting “Thanksgiving by Carnal.” Co-owner Skip Williamson said from 3–8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 23 they’ll be offering their own versions of all the classics — including sous-vide and roasted turkey, Brussels sprouts, potatoes and house-made desserts. Cost is $45 for adults, and $25 for youth 12 and younger. Signature cocktails and wine will also be available for purchase. Reservations are required. Info: eatcarnal.com.
A few blocks away on Cornwall Avenue, Hotel Leo will host a Thanksgiving feast. From 2–7 p.m., plated dinners including house-roasted turkey, pecan and apple stuffing, candied yams, almond-roasted green beans, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, rolls and sage gravy can be had. The $75 cost includes personal mini-pies. Reservations for youth 12 and younger are $30. Seasonal drinks and extra sides can be added on. Info: thehotelleo.com/dining.
In Fairhaven, Archer’s Ale House will be serving a small menu from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (including an Irish breakfast). At 2 p.m., there will be a buffet-style, all you can eat Thanksgiving dinner available for a mere $35. Info: thearcheralehouse.com.
On the waterfront, Hotel Bellwether will be hosting its annual Thanksgiving Buffet from noon to 8 p.m. at the Lighthouse Grill. Executive Chef Marcello Mazzonleni and his culinary team have pulled out all the stops. In addition to traditional fare, there will also be a seafood display, herb-roasted beef, roasted salmon, fresh focaccia and more. Prices are $55 for kids 10 and under and $75 for adults (kids 4 and under are free). Reservations are recommended. Info: hotelbellwether.com.
B-Town Kitchen will be serving its annual family-style Thanksgiving dinner from noon to 5 p.m. at its Lakeway Drive locale at Four Points by Sheraton. Start off with a fall harvest salad, followed by five-spiced pork tenderloin, a turkey dinner and ending with caramel apple truffles for dessert. Prices are $47 for adults, $43 for seniors and free to kids 5 and younger. Info: btownkitchen.com.
Just desserts
If you only need dessert to round out your holiday meal, you can’t go wrong with Boundary Bay Brewery’s perennially popular “Drunkin’ Pumpkin Pies.” Made with imperial oatmeal stout and locally grown pumpkins from Vertical Fog Farms in Everson, picking up this sweet treat is a longtime tradition for many community members. Pies are $15 and can be ordered in advance for Thanksgiving pickup or purchased at the brewery to-go while supplies last. Info: bbaybrewery.com.
Pumpkin pie, caramel apple pie, pumpkin cream rolls, pumpkin cheesecake, coconut bliss tart, pot de creme and tiramisu cake are among the seasonal offerings at the Community Food Co-op, and advance ordering is required. Info: communityfood.coop.
Pure Bliss Desserts on Cornwall Avenue has a number of Thanksgiving options, including a Friendsgiving cupcake box, thankful shortbread, a Thanks-vegan box, pumpkin tarts and cheesecakes, and caramel pecan tarts (among ofter offerings). To get your treats in time for the big day, preorder by Saturday, Nov 18 for pickup on Wednesday, Nov. 22. Info: pureblissdesserts.com.
