TOP PICK

Ciano (45 East 22nd Steet; 212.982.8422): Here at Shea Gallante’s standout Italian in Flatiron the massive roaring fireplace in the back of the main dining room creates an elegant and warm ambience.  But it’s not just for atmospherics, the fireplace here is also used to warm and toast bread. But it’s the flavor-filled, rustic-style Italian cooking that has been winning Chef Gallante praise at Ciano.  And he has put together quite the Valentine’s Day menu to celebrate this special occasion (4-course prix fixe includes selection of assaggini to start; $95 per guest).   

OTHER TOP CHOICES FOR VALENTINE’S DAY FIREPLACE DINING

One if By Land, Two if By Sea (West Village)

The Place (West Village)

The House (Gramercy Park)

Casa La Femme (West Village)

21 Club (Midtown West)

Asellina (Murray Hill)

La Petite Maison (Midtown West)

Lambs Club (Midtown West)

Crown (Upper East Side)

Per Se (Midtown West)

Yes, we love us some stinky cheese. In fact one of our favorites, Epoisses, is so deliciously pungent it has been banned from public transportation vehicles all over France.  So, it’s even better when you can get your stinky cheese fix at someone else’s place.  Starting February 10th and going through through the 17th, Tour de France Restaurant Group celebrates the 5th year of its much-anticipated Winter Stinky Cheese Festival. This year they’re going all-out with a huge Kick-Off Party on Thursday, Feb 9th at the 404 event space (404 10th Avenue at 33rd Street; tickets can be purchased here) where there’s going to be a little Beer vs. Wine smackdown as Café D’Alsace’s Beer Sommelier Gianni Cavicchi and Nice Matin’s Wine Sommelier Aviram Turgeman leads a panel of guest judges (including myself) who will ultimately determine if wine or beer pair best with the stinkiest of cheeses.  Attendees can expect to taste dishes including Raclette from French Roast and L’Express; Bleu Cheese Ice Cream from Pigalle; Short Ribs with Epoisse, Caramelized Onions & Burgundy Wine Sauce by Marseilles; Stinky Kenaffe from Barbounia; Goat Cheese Tarte from Café D’Alsace and Stinky Cheese Tortelloni with butter & truffle oil from Nice Matin all served with craft beers and wines.  Starting Friday, head to Nice Matin, Marseilles, Café D’Alsace, French Roast (Uptown & Downtown), Le Monde, L’Express, Maison and Pigalle to try some Stinky Cheese-centric appetizers, entrees and desserts. Guests can vote on their favorite pairings via the Tour de France Facebook page to be entered into a raffle to win a $200 gift card to the Tour de France Restaurant Group (there will be 5 winners in total).  Click here to check out all the menus.

#25 Connecticut-Style Lobster Roll from the Red Hook Lobster Truck (@LobsterTruckNY)

 Before the Midtown East food truck crackdown, @MartinWalkerUK and I would meet up for lunch and check out different food trucks in the area. Our best bite was from the Red Hook Lobster Truck. May have something to do with the massive chunks of succulent, buttery lobster. Gets me every time. I’d rather pay $16 for a lobster roll that is stuffed full of lobster than $10 for one that skimps.

#24 Imperialist Hot Dog at Social Eatz

The Bulgogi Burger is what grabbed media attention this year for Social Eatz. But on a visit back in June with @MartinWalkerUK and our friend Kristi, it was their Imperialist Hot Dog (organic chicken served on a toasty bun smothered in sweet and spicy relish) that won us over.  So much so that we ordered 2 of ‘em.  Here, Martin wants you to take a look.

#23 Little Oyster Sandwiches at The Dutch

With how trendy The Dutch is, one may be surprised by how great the food is….but that’s what we’ve come to expect from chef and owner Andrew Carmellini.  Last year, our list of best bites would have included the lamb meatball sliders at Locanda Verde. This year our fave snack of the summer was these little bad boys — fried crispy oyster served on a soft bun with a bit of iceberg lettuce and a smear of pickled okra mayo.

#22 Lamb Hock at Roka (Oia, Santorini)

If you can’t already tell, we had some amazing meals on our trip to Athens, Santorini and Mykonos back in June.  One of the standouts was this little, cozy off-the-beaten-path taverna in Oia (thanks David Flaherty of Grapes & Grains for the recommendation). Everything we tried at Roka was incredible, but it was the Lamb Hock in mustard sauce that I was thinking about for days.

#21 Stuffed Bone Marrow at Bibou [BYOB] in Philadelphia

This was one of our top overall meals of 2011. A cozy French bistro that allows you to bring in your own bottles of wine. We took advantage of the opportunity and brought with us a bottle of 1975 Chateau Latour that drank beautifully. Jill ordered the Stuffed Bone Marrow and to this day calls it “the best bone marrow dish she’s had in her life.” And apparently she is not alone.  Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate has also made a similar claim.  Presented on the half bone with the marrow melting into the crispy stuffing and with a simple potato and green salad side, this dish is heaven on earth.  We were celebrating my birthday and not taking pictures that evening, and this pic below comes from SeriousEats, specifically Liz Bomze. Check out her article on Bibou here.

#30 Off-Menu Chicken Tenders at Hillstone

You may not know it, but some of NYC’s best bites are hidden gems…literally. “Secret” off-menu items exist at many restaurants, available to regulars and whoever else is lucky enough to find out about them. We always ask our server if there is anything else we should know about that may not be on the menu. Chicken tenders are typically a kid’s menu item, but these aren’t your garden variety frozen breaded tenders. We’re talking plump, juicy pieces of chicken with a unique, light tempura-esque coating. Make sure you get both the hickory bbq and honey dijon sauce. We like to combine the two.

#29 Crispy Eggplant Flatbread at The Plaza Food Hall

The Plaza Food Hall is a welcome addition to our Midtown neighborhood. They’ve got a little something for everyone and just about everything we’ve tried so far has been quite tasty and perfectly prepared. Some of our standouts include the Classic Burger, American House Smoked Kobe Pastrami, the Bucatini Amatriciana pasta and the Shrimp Dumplings.  But the item we order each and every time is the Crispy Eggplant Flatbread (and sometimes we order 2). I’m not even a big eggplant fan, but this flatbread has got it going on with some caramelized onion, taleggio cheese for a little bite and topped with spinach salad. It all just texturizes beautifully with a nice crunch here and there. The one pictured below barely lasted long enough for us to snap a pic.

#28 Mezze Platter at Brotherhood of Thieves (Nantucket)

We had some pretty damn good meals during our Labor Day visit to Nantucket. Our go-to spot was Brotherhood of Theives, a whaling bar that rocks some pretty good craft beers and some serious food. Great burger, delicious French onion soup, a bad-ass lobster roll and some serious fried calamari were just some of the items we enjoyed. But the standout was the mezze platter. I’m usually bored by a mezze platter after the first few bites. But this one was different. The pita was housemade and served piping hot. The white bean puree was whipped fresh, the olives were wonderfully marinated, and the feta cheese, falafel and minted yogurt beautifully rounded out this platter. If you’re in Nantucket, a pit stop at the Brotherhood for a craft beer and this mezze platter is a must.

#27 Arroz Negro Paella at Socarrat Chelsea

We had some pretty phenomenal paella during our visit to Barcelona back in October 2010.  Earlier this year, we hit up Socarrat Paella Bar in Chelsea to get our fix. We went with their signature squid ink paella with black bass, squid ink, shrimp, squid and scallops, and damn was it good. I could eat that sweet, crusty rice all day.

#26 Tea-Smoked Oysters at Desnuda

Desnuda was just one of the stops on a spontaneously epic food tour of the East Village earlier this year with friends Martin and Josh (aka, NYC Foodie, Foodie Magician). This is our go-to wine bar/cevicheria, where we sip on Nicaraguan beer and white wine, listen to some great chill-out Latin American tunes and enjoy some hand-crafted ceviche.    For the tea-smoked oysters, they use a gravity bong  and pack the glass bowl with souchong tea leaves and Sichuan peppercorns, light it, then catch the smoke in a small glass and places it over a raw oyster. Let it sit for a minute or two and then enjoy the smokeshow. Check it out.

Related: #41-50 on the Top 50 Bites of 2011

                    #31-40 on the Top 50 Bites of 2011

#40 Mexcian Falafel Handbag Sandwich at Crisp and Crisp on Wheels

Many of the bites on this list represent our tried and true go-to’s and this is one of ‘em. I probably had this Mexican falafel sandwich from Crisp via Seamless Web and Crisp on Wheels (when parked on 51st b/t Park & Mad) at least 20 times this past year. Middle Eastern meets Mexican as the falafel is paired with cilantro pesto, avocado, corn, salsa, nachos with jalapeño dressing. 

#39 Authentic Belgian Frietjes (frites) with Housemade Dipping Sauces at Eulogy Belgian Tavern (Philadelphia)

These very well may be the best friggin’ frites we’ve ever had. Most people head to Eulogy for the unreal beer selection, but it’s these authentic double fried Flemish Belgian style frites that we crave and keep comin’ back for. All the housemade dipping sauces are brimming with the flavor. Don’t miss the spicy bourbon sauce!

#38 Foie Gras with Cinco Cebollas at Casa Mono

This dreamy, seared foie gras is piled high above two crostini and covered in balsamic vinegar. Pierce through the slightly crispy surface and through the beautifully fatty foie and continue down further where creamy leeks, a flower of red onion, long sliced green onions, pickled cipollinis and  scallions await your fork. Do yourself a favor and sit at the bar where you can watch the chefs at work and smell the searing foie as it’s being prepared.

#37 The Funghi Mussels at Flex Mussels

One of our Friday night go-to’s is sitting at the bar and having dinner and drinks at the Flex Mussels on UES. They do mussels 23 different ways, but our favorite is the Funghi with wild mushrooms, double smoked bacon, garlic and cream. They bring you out a massive steaming pot that is chock full o’ chunks of bacon, mushrooms, a not-too-thick cream and 20-25 mussels. The smokiness from the bacon and the umami from the mushrooms in this garlicky sauce is a match made in heaven. You’re gonna want to order a side of fries and ask for extra bread to mop up the soupy amazingness waiting for you at the bottom.

#36 Pat LaFrieda Short Rib Burgers at Home via Fresh Direct

We were lucky enough to get our hands on 10 lb’s worth of Pat LaFrieda’s much balleyhooed black label blend a couple of summers ago.  For three weeks, we grilled some of the most amazing burgers we’ve ever had. We were psyched to see LaFrieda begin offering his burger blends via Fresh Direct in Summer 2009. Ever since, at least one Sunday a month we stay in and grill up some of these bad boys. Our trick is to re-form the patties adding some kosher salt and pepper. I’ve got my grill down to a science and the finished product is a beautiful medium rare that we’d put up against any burger in the city.

#35 Souvlaki from Thanassis (Athens, Greece)

We got a tip from our flight attendant as we were just about to land in Athens back in May. She said “run, don’t walk” to Thanassis in central Athens for all-around great Greek classics, including the best kebob and souvlaki Athens has to offer. We did just that and for all of $8 US, we got a Greek salad, a side of tsatsiki, a kebob and a souvlaki and damn if it wasn’t the best souvlaki we’ve ever had.

#34 King Crab Fried Rice with Black Truffles at Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill (Las Vegas)

The Cosmopolitan Resort & Casino served as our playground of food and drink for 4 days while we were held over in Vegas due to Irene. I can safely say I’ve never ever had a fried rice dish like this before. While not inexpensive at $55, this fried rice was loaded with mushrooms, truffles and juicy crabmeat. It had this sweet earthiness to it that truly blew us away. It didn’t hurt that we were buzzin’ from some amazing cocktails down in the lobby bar. Don’t miss this dish if you’re in Vegas. If you don’t see it on the menu, ask if they’re serving it. Thank us later.

#33 Sugar Pumpkin Risotto with Braised Chestnut & Duck Confit at Monkey Bar (lunch menu)

The new team at Monkey Bar has taken things up several notches and I’m happy to work a block away and to live just 2 blocks away. It’s become our go-to place for meeting friends and family for a cocktail and bite to eat at the bar, and on slower days at work I’ve started to explore the lunch menu a bit. Executive Chef Damon Wise  is churning out some superb dishes, and I’ve been taken by his pasta offerings of late.  In particular, the seasonal Sugar Pumpkin Risotto w/ Duck Confit made for a quite pleasing lunch experience a few weeks back.  It combines just about everything I love about Autumn into one bowl. The rich gaminess of the duck confit together with the sweet sugary pumpkin flavor is something special to behold. We’re looking forward to checking out more of Monkey Bar’s menu in coming months, like the pork belly with crispy oyster and kimchi.

#32 Oyster Pan Roast with Uni Butter Crostini at The John Dory Oyster Bar

We’ve been all about bar seating and small plate grazing in 2011 and this is why we love the John Dory. One of our top small plates of the year is their oyster pan roast w/ uni toast.  Imagine a thick layer of uni spread over a crunchy piece of toast that’s hovering over a rich, creamy oyster soup garnished with herbs, a drizzle of olive oil and a bit of paprika.  Now, take your uni toast for a little dive into said rich, creamy oyster soup and you will be in heaven. What truffles are to the land, this small plate is to the sea!

#31 Spicy Pork Kimchi at Ariyoshi Izakaya

Ok, so here’s another small plate standout from 2011.  The server recommended the spicy pork kimchi and are we ever so grateful she did. It’s probably the best spicy dish we had in all of 2011. If you like your food with a kick, you should make it over to Ariyoshi and give this pork kimchi a try.

Related: #41-50 on the Top 50 Bites of 2011

#50 Crispy Cauliflower with Currants, Pine Nuts & Lemon at Balaboosta

If all veggies tasted this good, I’d reconsider becoming a vegetarian…well, not really, but this is a dish that any Lachanophobian would be thankful for.

#49 Any Greek Salad with Feta & Side of Tsatsiki at Anywhere in Athens or the Greek Isles (pictured here from Taverna Katina in Oia, Santorini)

So simple, yet so delicious. In Greece, the  tomatoes are sweeter, juicier and more delicious than any we have here. And no lettuce in sight.  This is the authentic Greek salad we came to know and love over 8 days in Greece. The tsatsiki is garlick-y and irresistible. In fact, I want to be in Greece right now sitting along the water at Ammoudi Bay, drinking a Mythos beer and eating a Greek salad filled with those delicious tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onions and peppers covered with oregano, salt and pepper and lying in a bed of delicious EVOO. There’s something about the beautiful blue water, the simplicity of the food, the meze, the fresh fish and of course, the authentic Greek salad.

#48 The Meatballs at Rao’s Las Vegas

We were stuck in Vegas during Hurricane Irene, so we did a little food tour during our 6-day extension. In fact, I’m pretty sure we could produce an episode of The Layover for Bourdain. They’re called “Frankie’s Meatballs” and Frankie Pellegrino, co-owner of Rao’s, was there at the bar while we were tasting these juicy pillows of goodness featuring a trifecta of beef, veal and pork.

#47 Off-the-Menu Whole, Crispy Lobster Sauteed in Truffle Butter & Topped with Shaved Truffles at Nobu Hamptons

Lobster, truffle and then more truffle…it was like “Wonder twin power activate! Form of decadent flavor explosion.”

#46 Goat Masala Pizza at Girl and the Goat (Chicago)

After our first bite of this flatbread we knew we were in for one amazing dinner with our friends Leena and Suneel in Chicago. Spicy masala sauce, caramelized cipolline onions, smoked goat, cheddar, Gouda, and tomme-style cheese. Holy freakin’ deliciousness!

#45 Duck Confit Poutine at the Brindle Room

This gut-busting, rib-sticking dish of rich deliciousness features a few of our favorite things — french fries, cheese curds, gravy, duck and more duck. It’s perfect for weather like…well, actually like weather we’re having as we speak.

#44 Nathaniel’s 60 Second Steak at The Pearl (Nantucket)

This appetizer featuring Foie Gras Truffle Jus + Sunny Side Up Quail Egg truly blew us away. I can speak for the both of us when I say we’ve never had a more tender bite of steak, and to top it off it’s sitting in a bowl of this crack-like foie gras truffle jus on a piece of toasted brioche.

#43 Arroz con Crema at Zarela (now closed)

We have had many a margarita-fueled good time at Zarela and were saddened to hear of its closing in the Spring of 2011.  We snuck in for one last visit and a taste of Zarela Martinez’s signature standout dish — the creamy white casserole known as Arroz con Crema y Poblanos. It’s like Mexico’s answer to Southern-style comfort food. Imagine grits with a smoky, tangy creamy flavor. I hope she brings this dish back at the new restaurant we hear Zarela is opening near Union Square.

#42 Queso Fundido De Hungos at El Vez (Philadelphia)

Everytime we visit Philly, we make it a point to stop in at this Stephen Starr Mexican spot for a couple of apps and margaritas. Each and every time we order the Queso Fundido De Hungos (truffled wild mushrooms, chihuahua cheese, huitlacoche, fresh flour tortillas). It’s earthy, rich and spreadabl-y delish.

#41 Lamb Burger at The Breslin

When we’re looking for a place to chill on a weekend, the Ace Hotel is our spot. It’s not uncommon for us to start at the John Dory with some oysters and a glass of wine and then move on over through the lobby to The Breslin.  There, we typically take seats at the bar grab a beer or cocktail and order up a couple of the amazing lamb burgers that arrive on a board with “thrice cooked” fries and housemade cumin mayo. This burger delivers a mix of delicate and robust flavors, both earthy and rich, that emanate from the glimmering medium-rare center. The creamy feta cheese and thin red onions add a nice touch of Mediterranean flare and flavors. Damn, I want one of these bad boys right about now.

Related: #31-40 on the Top 50 Bites of 2011

We’re heading to the new location of The Smith in Midtown East where they’re offering a 3-course Thanksgiving Day Dinner for $45/person with loads of choices and lots of fixings. 

Our Tried & True Thanksgiving Spots

Atlantic Grill (UES & Lincoln Center) — Offering a $45 prix-fixe dinner. The menus differ slightly at each location. UWS location at 49 W. 64th St.; 212-787-4663; UES location at 1341 Third Ave.; 212.988.9200 Click here for menus >>

Blue Water Grill (Union Square) — Offering a $45 prix-fixe feast. Also special wines by the glass and bottle. 31 Union Square West at 16th St; 212-675-9500 Click here for menu >>

Primehouse NY (Gramercy) — Offering a turkey dinner prix-fixe in addition to the regular menu ($45/adult). 381 Park Avenue South at 27th Street; 212-824-2600 Click here to see menu >>

Dylan Prime (Tribeca) — Dylan Prime does a great turkey dinner in a plush, comfortable setting. This year they are offering a Thanksgiving-style prix-fixe between 1-9 p.m. for $50 per person. Corkage is $20/bottle if you want to BYO.  62 Laight St; 212-334-4783 Click here to see menu >>

Top Value Thanksgiving Dinner Options (Less than $50/person)

Arte Cafe (UWS) – Offering a four-course Thanksgiving meal for $39.95. Even better, the second helping of turkey is on the house. 1657 Broadway; 212-501-7014

Blue Fin (Times Sq) — Offering a $45 Turkey prix-fixe in Times Sq. W Hotel, Times Square, 1567 Broadway at 47th St; 212-918-1400  Click here to see menu>>

Cafe D’Alsace (UES) — This Upper East Alsatian bistro is featuring a 3-course Thanksgiving Day Prix-Fixe for just $39.50/person. Choose from among appetizer options like wild mushroom soup and duck confit petatou and entrees like a traditional turkey plate and grilled striped bass. Also, be sure to ask for Beer/Wine Sommelier Gianni Cavicchi who will set you up with perfect pairings for the occasion. 1695 2nd Ave at 88th St; 212-722-5133  Click here for menu>>

Ed’s Chowder House (Lincoln Square) — Offering a 3 Course Prix Fixe Menu For $42 in additions to a la carte menu. Special Discount Available For Children. 44 West 63rd Street at The Empire Hotel; 212-956-1288

Ellabess (Nolita) — Offering a $45 3 course prix fixe. They’re also doing a Thanksgiving Drive to Support the Bowery Mission. 11/13-20 bring canned goods and receive a coupon for a free snack. 153 Elizabeth St at the Nolitan Hotel; 212-925-5559

Il Bastardo (Chelsea) –  Offering a 4-course Thanksgiving meal for only $40. First: choice of soup or salad. Second: lasagne. Third: Oven roast turkey “second serving on the house.” Fourth: Pumpkin cheese Cake. 191 7th Ave; 212-675-5980

Isabella’s (UWS) — Offering a 3-course turkey feast with appetizer options like wild mushroom bisque with black truffle compote amd pumpkin ravioli. 359 Columbus Ave at 77th St; 212-724-2100  Click here to see menu>>

Jo’s (Nolita) – Offering a 4-course turkey dinner for $45.  Seatings start at 3pm. 264 Elizabeth St; 212-966-9640 Click here to see menu >>

La Bottega at The Maritime Hotel (Meatpacking District) — Offering a  a three-course menu featuring rustic-Italian cuisine with a turkey day twist for a fixed price of only $45/person. Also available as a to-go option. 363 W. 16th St; 212-242-4300   Click here to see menu >>

La Mangeoire (E 50′s)   – $45 Prix Fixe Menu including Traditional Roasted Turkey, Cinnamon Scented Sweet Potato Puree Apple-Walnut-Raisin stuffing. Serving from n0on til 8:30 p.m. 1008 2nd Ave at 53rd St; 212-759-7086   Click here to see menu >>

Neely’s BBQ Parlor (E 60′s) — Only $29.95 for a 3-Course traditi0nal Thanksgiving dinner featuring a slow-smoked turkey. 1125 First Ave; 212-832-1551  Click here to see menu >>

Palm Steakhouse (not available at Palm One or Palm Too, available at Theater District & Tribeca) — Traditional Thanksgiving dinner for $49/person.  Click here to see menu >>

Park Avenue Bistro (Lower Midtown) — Thanksgiving Day Park Avenue Style between 1pm & 9pm for $40 per person. Join us for “The Feast” – Gourmet stuffing w/sage & sweet sausage, Homemade orange cranberry and more. 377 Park Avenue South; 212-689-1360  Click here to see menu>>

Pera Mediterranean Brasserie (E 40′s nr Grand Central) – Feast Featuring Traditional Turkey, Lamb Roast, Seafood And All Things Pumpkin. Full A La Carte Menu or $49 3-Course Prix-Fixe Will Be Available. 303 Madison Ave. (btw 41st & 42nd); 212-878-6301  Click here to see menu>>

Red Rooster (Harlem) –  Upstairs, a Thanksgiving prix-fixe menu will be available for lunch and dinner for walk-in guests (12-10 p.m.) and will include cornbread, Pumpkin Soup with Stilton Fondue and Blackened Catfish & Black-Eyed Peas. Downtstairs there will be a Thanksgiving brunch buffet from noon – 3 p.m. ($45) and a dinner buffet from 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. ($55). 310 Lenox Ave in Harlem b/t 125th & 126th St; 212-792-9001 Click here to see menu>>

Socarrat Paella Bar (Chelsea) — For something a bit different, Socarrat is offering a three–course Prix-Fixe Thanksgiving Dinner ($35) that includes a Thanksgiving Paella with juicy chunks of turkey, wild mushrooms and Macintosh apple soffrito, roasted butternut squash, chestnuts, onions and celery topped with crispy deep fried turkey skin and  served with  gravy and cranberry sauce on the side. 259 W 19th St; 212-462-100

Spice Market (Meatpacking District) – Prix-fixe menu for $34/person including roasted turkey breast, butternut squash soup, chestnut sausage stuffing, gingered cranberry sauce and crispy Brussels sprouts. The restaurant will be open from 12 noon to 1 a.m. 403 W. 13th St; 212-675-2322 or head to www.spicemarketnewyork.com for reservations.

Tre (Lower East Side) — Offering a  a special holiday prix-fixe menu for $36/person.  173 Ludlow Street; 212.353.3353  Click here to see menu>>

Great & Affordable Thanksgiving Dinner Options ($50-74/person)

Alfama (E 50′s)– Offering a 3-course $65 Thanksgiving dinner. Options for entree include turkey or roasted filet of salt cod. Add wine pairings for $35 more. 214 E. 52nd St.; 212-759-5552. Click here to see menu >>

Back Forty (E Village) – Offering a three-course dinner for $55/person. The price includes an app, an entree, a dessert, and three sides per table to share. 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.; 212-388-1990;190 Ave B at 12th St.

Bar Boulud (W 60′s) – $65 3-course Thanksgiving dinner from 11:30 a.m. til 9 p.m. $65 per person/$35 for children 12 and under. 1900 Broadway b/t 63rd & 64th St; 212-595-0303  Click here to see menu>>

Becco (Theater District) – Offering a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner menu in the Theater District for $59.95/person. 355 W. 46th St; 212-397-7597  Click here for more info>>

Benoit (W 50′s) — Chef Philippe Bertineau will be presenting a three-course prix fixe menu. Seasonal offerings will include traditional Vermont-raised turkey with foie gras and chesnut stuffing, cranberry chutney, and heirloom potato fricassee. $59/person; noon – 10 p.m. 60 W. 55th St; 646-943-7373  Click here to see menu>>

BLT Steak (E 50′s) – From 2-10 p.m. BLT Steak is offering a $68 price fixe with a choice appetizers, Turkey, Prime Rib, or Halibut and all the Thanksgiving fixing and holiday desserts.  106 E 57th St; 212-752-7470 Click here to see menu>>

Bryant Park Grill (W 40′s)  – Thanksgiving Dinner nearby the Pond and ice skating in Bryant Park. Holiday hours are 12-9. Adults $70/children $35.  25 W 40th St; 212-840-6500 Click here to see menu>>

Circo (W 50′s) — Thanksgiving feast Italian style. Offering a special 4-course menu at $69 per person. Children’s menu also available at $19. 120 W 55th St; 212-265-3636  Click here to see menu>>

DBGB (Bowery) – Offering a three-course prix fixe (with à la carte options available as well) and a two-course kids option for $26 (noon–9 PM; $55 per person). 299 Bowery; 212-933-5300

DB Bistro Moderne (W 40′s) — 3-course $68 prix-fixe for Thanksgiving. $35 for children under 12.  55 W 44th St; 212-391-2400  Click here to see menu>>

Kittichai (Soho) – Offering a 5 course Thai inspired Thankgiving dinner for $55/person. 60 Thompson St; 212-219-2000 

The National (Midtown) — Offering a 3-course prix-fixe menu for $65/person (kids under 12 $25). 557 Lexington Ave at 50th St; 212-715-2400  Click here to see menu>>

New York Central Restaurant (Grand Central) — Offering a three-Course Thanksgiving Lunch ($45/person, 12pm-4pm) and Dinner Menu ($69/person, 4pm-10pm).  Park Ave at Grand Central; 646-213-6865  Click here to see menu>>

Perilla (Greenwich Village) — 3 courses; 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.; $70/person. 9 Jones St; 212-929-6868  Click here to see menu>>

Rock Center Cafe (Midtown) — Offering a 3-course feast for Turkey day with a slew of appetizer (pork belly, crab & risotto cake, jumbo shrimp and more) and entree (turkey, short rib, red snapper, pork chop, tagliatelle, prime rib and more) options. 20 West 50th St; 212-332-7620  Click here to see menu>>

Wall & Water (Financial District) –  For $60/person, feast on a traditional  Thanksgiving meal created by Executive Chef Maximo Lopez May at Wall & Water on November 24th from noon to 9 p.m. (complimentary spiced apple cider included).  As parents enjoy their meal, children are welcome in the Children’s Lounge located in the restaurant’s Private Dining Room where a variety of games, puzzles and coloring will be offered. 75 Wall St; 212-699-1700  Click here to see menu>>

High-End Thanksgiving Dinners ($75-100/person)

Aldea (Flatiron) – Chef/Owner George Mendes does his riff on a Thanksgiving feast with a 3-course prix-fixe for $85. Options include foie gras terrine, turkey with chorizo stuffing, pork belly and more. Offered from 2-8 p.m. 31 W. 17th St; 212-675-7223  Click here to see menu >>

Bar Americain (W 50′s) — Go all-americain for Thanksgiving at this Bobby Flay restaurant. 3 courses; 5 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.; $80/person; Maple-glazed turkey with cranberry-Pinot Noir chutney, rack of pork with apple butter; 212-265-9700

Boulud Sud (Lincoln Center) — Offering a 3-course $75 prix-fixe menu for Thanksgiving. 20 W 64th St; 212-595-1313  Click here to see menu>>

Colicchio & Sons (Meatpacking District) – 4 courses; 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.; $115/person; Winter salads; seasonal pasta like potato gnocchi with white truffle (supp); turkey, salmon or rib-eye; 85 Tenth Ave; 212-400-6699  Click here to see menu>>

Fatty ‘Cue (West Village) — Dinner will be offered in two seatings: one at 4pm and one at 7pm for $85 per person (not including tax and gratuity) with the option of adding wine pairings or Fatty-style pairings (mix of cocktails, liquor, wine) for an additional charge. Reservations strongly recommended by calling the restaurant. Vegetarian option also available. 50 Carmine St; 212-929-5050   Click here to see menu>>

The Harrison (Tribeca) –  Offering A $75 Prix-Fixe Menu With Three Courses Featuring Traditional Thanksgiving Dishes, As Well As Items From the Autumn Menu. 355 Greenwich St; 212-274-9310 Click here for menu >>

Hearth (East Village) – 3 courses; 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.; $75/adult, $35/children. Marco Canora’s three-course holiday menu includes starters such as chicken soup with farro, escarole and chicken dumplings and traditional mains such as roasted & braised turkey with caramelized leek, sage stuffing, cranberry puree and sage salt, served with family-style sides.
403 E. 12th St.; 646-602-1300  Click here to see menu>>

The Lambs Club (W 40′s) – Celebrate Thanksgiving at The Lambs Club with a special 3-course prix fixe dinner. $85pp; $35 for children 12 and under; 12pm to 8pm. 132 W 44th St; 212-997-5262

The Red Cat (Chelsea) — Offering a $75 Prix-Fixe Menu With Three Courses Featuring Traditional Thanksgiving Dishes. 227 Tenth Ave; 212-242-1122  Click here to see menu>>

Saxon + Parole (Bowery) — $75 per person including Brad Farmerie’s take on a turkey dinner, and complimentary Egg Nog at Madam Geneva after dinner. 316 Bowery; 212-254-0350   Click here for menu >>

The Shop at Andaz 5th Avenue Hotel (E 40′s) – Starting at 2pm with last seating at 9pm,  offering a three course prix-fixe menu, $75 for adults and $35 for children. 485 5th Ave; 212-601-1234

Tenpenny (E 40′s) — Four course Thanksgiving Menu served Lunch And Dinner. $75 per person. 16 E 46th St; 212-490-8300 

High-Roller Thanksgiving Dinner Options (More than $100/person)

Aureole (Bryant Park) — Celebrate Thanksgiving at Aureole with a special 3-course prix fixe dinner including an Organic Farm Raised Turkey. $115/person; $55 for children 12 and under; 1:30pm to 9pm. Or splurge on the Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet, 8:30am to 12pm. As the parade makes its way down 42nd Street, you will have front seat views. Brunch menu includes 2 courses, assorted pastries, Bloody Marys and Mimosas, coffee, tea and juice. $250 per person, all inclusive. 135 W 42nd St; 212-319-1660    Click here to see menu>>

Cafe Boulud (UES)— Offering a Pre-Fix Menu For $110 For Three Courses, $50 For Children. Open From Noon to 8 p.m. Private Dining Available For Large Groups. 20 E 76th St; 212-772-2600  Click here to see menu>>

Eleven Madison Park (Madison Sq Park) — 4 courses; noon to 8 p.m.; $175/person; Dishes include Chicken Velouté with veal sweetbreads, Loup de Mer, and Apple Crumble with roasted apple ice cream; 11 Madison Ave; 212-889-0905  

Gilt (E 50′s) – Offering a 4 course set tasting menu priced at $155 per person on Thanksgiving Day. Seating times are from 3pm -8pm. The Palace Hotel; 455 Madison; 212-891-8100   Click here to see menu>>

Gotham Bar & Grill (Greenwich Village) — 4 courses; 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.; $120/person; Roasted free-range turkey, duck confit sour cherry stuffing.  12 E 12th St; 212-620-4020  Click here to see menu>>

Le Cirque (E 50′s) — 4 courses; 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.; $110/person; Dishes include Chestnut Pappardelle, Roasted Pheasant with sunchokes and apple, and Foie Gras, Rabbit, and Bacon Terine; 151 E 58th St; 212-644-0202   Click here to see menu>>

Monkey Bar (E 50′s) — Chef Damon Wise will be offering a creative three-course menu for the holiday. Dishes include a chicory salad, oyster and pork belly stuffing and of course, roast turkey. $115/adult, $55/child (ages 12 and under); 3-8 p.m. 60 E 54th St; 212-288-1010 

Take-Away Options for Serving at Home

Brother Jimmy’s Cajun Fried Turkey Thanksgiving Dinner — Includes a 14-16lb Turkey (serves 8-10 people) together with Cornbread Stuffing, Collard Greens, Cranberry Relish & Candied Yams with Walnuts. Choose One Dessert: Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie or Apple Crumb Price. All for $225.  Orders must be placed by November 17th.  For more information or to place your order call 212-244-3503 ext 206 OR Email turkeys@brotherjimmys.com

The Plaza Food Hall Thanksgiving to Go — Orders need to be placed by November 20th.  Main — Roasted Heritage Bread Turkey – 8-10 pound.  Salad (Choose 1) — Mixed Greens with Cucumber, tomato, red onion, shallot vinaigrette / Caesar Salad with Romaine, trevsiano, parmesan dressing / Baby Spinach Salad with Dried cranberries, toasted pecans, Maytag blue cheese, aged sherry vinaigrette.  Sides (choose 3) Caramelized Brussels Sprouts Granny smith apple, bacon / Chestnut Mac and CheeseWhipped Sweet Potatoes with Maple, marshmallow / Roasted Cauliflower with Gruyere, golden raisins / Cornbread Stuffing / Creamy Spinach with Goat cheese, roasted garlic / Smashed Red Potatoes with Dijon, sour cream. ALL MEALS INCLUDE Cranberry Relish, Turkey Gravy, 1dozen Dinner Rolls, Loaf sliced Multigrain Bread (for left-over turkey sandwiches). Two PiesApple, Pumpkin, Pecan, Berry.

Neely’s BBQ Parlor – This is a complete Thanksgiving dinner featuring a Deep Fried Turkey & Gravy, just heat & serve. $160.00 Serves 4 – 5. Dinners can be picked up until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23rd. More info here >>

Wall & Water — Let Wall & Water cook your Thanksgiving day turkey for you.  All you need to do is to reserve the turkey 72 hours in advance, pick it up, warm it up, and then impress family and friends! 

Pennsylvania Amish, Cage Free, Organic Turkeys
Served with homemade stuffing and traditional gravy

Bird Specs:
Pounds                 Servings                               Selling price
10 #                        4-6 People                          $180
14 #                        7-9 People                          $250
18 #                        10-12 People                      $330

Order Specs:
·         72 hr minimum pre order window
·         Full payment due when ordering
·         Specific one hour window for pick up

Serving specs:
·         Consume same day as pick-up
·         Reheat turkey at 325 degrees for 1 hr, in the same vessels as delivered (covered)
·         Reheat stuffing at 325 degrees for 1 hr, in the same vessels as delivered (covered)
·         Reheat gravy in a pot until it boils, and serve immediately

Order by emailing ian.grant@andaz.com
Minimum of 72 hours in advance
Payment needed when placing order
Confirmations will be emailed from Ian Grant