We don't want to stress you out, but you do realize that Thanksgiving is oh, less than a month away? If traveling by plane/train/automobile is not in your future, and the idea of making your own turkey is simply laughable, we've got some "Thanksgiving to go" ideas that will ensure you'll enjoy a nice meal that doesn't involve pizza boxes or Chinese takeout containers.
Custom House
Custom House at 500 S. Dearborn St. is offering tantalizing Thanksgiving side dishes that will not only put your pathetic excuse for stuffing to shame, but will also impress any guests you may have. Choose from small ($6-12; feeds two to four) and large orders ($10-18; feeds six to eight), or select three large sides for $48. The menu includes items like Brussels sprouts, green bean casserole, sweet corn succotash, braised cippolini onions, sweet potato puree, mushroom and bacon stuffing, and buttermilk biscuits. Don't forget to pick up some sweet pumpkin cheesecake squares or apple crumble. With sides and desserts like these, who needs a turkey?
To order, call 312-523-0200. Orders can be picked up between 9 a.m. and noon and 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Nov. 26.
Lawry's The Prime Rib
Perhaps the best thing about Lawry's Thanksgiving-To-Go (besides it being fulfilling and delicious) is that 10 percent of the proceeds from Thanksgiving –To-Go will benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository. So you can dig in knowing that someone else will get something out of your meal, too. Menu offerings include complete family style packages with whole turkey and all of the traditional accompaniments, half and whole prime ribs with or without sides and individual dinners of turkey or prime rib. Sides include creamed spinach and creamed corn and desserts like pumpkin and apple pies. Orders must be placed by Monday, Nov. 24 and can be picked up Thanksgiving Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or the evening prior. Call 312-787-5000 to inquire about prices and to place your order. Lawry's is located at 100 E. Ontario St.
Mercat a la Planxa
Craving a Thanksgiving meal with a Spanish flair? Place an order at Mercat a la Planxa, 638 South Michigan Ave. A serving for four is $200 plus tax (includes a half-turkey); a serving for eight with a full turkey is $400 plus tax. The turkey is a 20-pounder, smoke roasted, seasoned and brined with traditional Catalan flavors (cinnamon, star anise, clove and orange). Side dishes include cranberry-orange compote, Pedro Ximenez sherry infused pan gravy, glazed fingerling sweet potatoes, thyme, cippolini onions and smoked paprika, rosemary focaccia stuffing with chestnuts, celery root and bacon, roasted Brussels sprout salad with caramelized shallots, orange-hazelnut dressing, spiced pumpkin soup with molasses crème fraiche and smoked almonds. Reheating instructions will be included with each order.
All orders must be placed by 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23 to guarantee selections. Orders can be picked up starting at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26 in the lower Mercat Lounge and starting at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Nov.27. Call 312-765-0524.
