Thankful Meals
If you're anything like me and have to do a double-take when you see the word "Thanksgiving" in print already, you might need some help planning for the fast-approaching day. Following are a few restaurants and caterers who contacted me with their holiday campaigns:
Chateaubriand (310 N. Carrollton Ave., 207-0016) will be open Thanksgiving Day, featuring a prix fixe meal. Order a bottle of this year's Beaujolais Nouveau wine from Georges Duboeuf, which is slated to debut at Gerard and Eveline Crozier's new French steakhouse during a Burgundian feast on Thursday, Nov. 15. Call for reservations for either dinner.
Chateau Sonesta (800 Iberville St., 586-0800) will open for a Thanksgiving Day brunch. Tabasco-infused Cajun fried turkey, oven-basted turkey, giblet gravy and crepes will grace the menu. Children choose from baked macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets, sandwiches and vegetables on their own buffet table.
You'll find another buffet brunch, as well as a prix fixe Thanksgiving dinner from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., at Midi South of France (614 Canal St., 527-6712). The Jacque Gauthe jazz trio will accompany Midi's brunching.
Foodies Kitchen (720 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 837-9695) will be busting at the seams with gourmet-to-go Thanksgiving fare, like duck and mushroom gumbo, roast turkey injected with thyme and Ponchatoula honey, oyster dressing with homemade andouille, and bourbon-chocolate pecan pie. Orders must be placed by Nov. 18. Call for a complete holiday menu.
The Ritz-Carlton (921 Canal St.) needs just 48 hours advance notice to whip up a "Turkey-To-Geaux" for you and seven guests. Among side dishes and dessert, the $250 dinner includes an apricot glazed turkey, gravy and cranberry marmalade. To order, call 524-1331 ext. 3200.
And I have to mention it for all the home cooks, because (dare I admit?) I used it once: There's a Butterball Turkey Talk-Line staffed with home economists and dieticians. One hopes that there will be a mother or grandmother available in moments of culinary crisis, but at least this one's free: 1-800-BUTTERBALL. You can also get help on-line at www.butterball.com.
Market Watch
As you might know, the Crescent City Farmers Market is now operating three times each week at three different locations. On weeks when I don't have room to include their entire schedule, I encourage you to log on at www.crescentcityfarmersmarket.com or call 861-5898 for the latest updates. -- Roahen
