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Turkey With No Toil
If you want to have a toil-free T-Day turkey (or ham, filet mignon, whatever), numerous restaurants will cook your Thanksgiving dinner for you -- to eat in, or, increasingly, take home. This year's list is longer than ever. But to ensure you get a table, better grab your phone and your best credit card and reserve immediately -- the choicest destinations fill up fast! (Most now require a credit card number, which will be charged if you're a no-show. Can you blame them?)
The restaurants are arranged by geographical area, in hopes that you won't have a long journey while DUIT (Driving Under the Influence of Tryptophan -- the amino acid in turkey that makes you feel sleepy). I haven't personally eaten at all of them, so caveat emptor. (Check www.sdreader.com for capsule reviews.) Since these eateries are also likely to serve feasts for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day (not to mention Easter Sunday and Mother's Day next year), you may want to clip the list for future reference.
Prices quoted below do not include tip or tax unless so noted. "Kiddie prices" generally apply to children between their 5th and 12th birthdays. Toddlers can usually nibble for free. Also note that some prices are for multi-course meals, others merely buy well-laden entrée plates.
Also keep in mind that nearly all large hotels and gambling casinos (not just those listed below) offer Thanksgiving dinners, most often as buffets. And if you're in a restaurant-starved suburb but still can't bring yourself to face the oven, most chain "family style" restaurants (Boston Market, Coco's, Carrow's, Callender's, et al.) will be serving a holiday menu of their customary quality.
Take-Home Turkeys:
Enjoying restaurant vittles at home is a growing option. Choices range from buying a turkey that's more savory than supermarket-roasted birds on up to purchasing the entire feast. These include:
Barnes BBQ, 2625 Lemon Grove Avenue (at Cypress, tucked in the back of Liquor Mart Square), Lemon Grove, 619-462-9206. BYOBird: Tote a fully thawed raw turkey to the Q and they'll smoke-cook it for you for $1.25 per pound. You can pick it up on Wednesday, along with sides of cornbread, pies, veggies, etc. Call immediately (a week ahead of T-Day) to reserve your smoking time.
Big Jim's (see North Coast listing below for location and phone): Southern-style deep-fried whole turkeys to go, with a full dinner to feed eight for $89, to pick up on Thursday morning. Order before Sunday.
Four Seasons Resort Aviara (see North Coast, below): "Room Service" turkeys (10--15 pounds) and trimmings to go, $125 to serve 4--6, $175 for 7--10. Call 72 hours ahead.
Loews Coronado Bay Resort (see South Bay): "Turkey to Go," full dinner for 5, $175, for 7, $225. Reserve 48 hours in advance.
Magnolias, Market Creek Square, 342 Euclid Avenue (off Market Street), Lincoln Park, 619-262-6005: Your choice of a 10--12-pound roast turkey or baked ham plus four large Southern-style side dishes to feed 8--10 people, $13 per person ($130), for pickup on Wednesday. Call immediately (a week ahead of T-Day) to order your dinner.
Mardi Gras Cafe, 3185 Midway Drive, Loma Portal, 619-223-5501: Cajun-style marinated deep-fried turkey is on offer here, for $4.50 per pound (or $3.50 per pound if you bring your own thawed bird), pickup on Wednesday or early Thursday morning. They can also furnish Louisiana-style side dishes. Reserve yours up to the day before you want it.
Pamplemousse (see Gold Coast, below): Gourmet take-out T-Day dinners for six people or more are available from this popular destination at $50 per person. Order before Sunday.
Savory (see North Coast, below): A roasted turkey dinner serving 10--12 is $235 plus tax. Call 72 hours ahead to reserve your feast.
Eat-Out Feasts
North Coast:
Big Jim's Old South Bar-B-Q, 190 North Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, 760-635-1166. Sit-down deep-fried turkey dinner, $14, 11:00 a.m.--4:00 p.m.
Chart House, 2588 South Coast Highway 101, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, 760-436-4044. Regular à la carte menu, turkey entrée, $23, kids $10, 11:00 a.m.--9:00 p.m.
Encinitas Café, 531 South Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, 760-632-0919. Full turkey dinner including dessert, $13, 1:00--8:00 p.m.
Four Seasons Resort Aviara, 7100 Four Seasons Point, Carlsbad, 760-603-3773 for all restaurants. Argyle Cafe (on golf course), brunch buffet, $65 ($70 with champagne), kids $32.50, 10:00 a.m.--3:00 p.m. California Bistro, same prices as above, 10:30 a.m.--5:00 p.m. Vivace Restaurant, five-course menu with many choices, $95 ($120 with matching wines), kiddie menu available, 4:00--9:00 p.m.
Karl Strauss Brewery & Restaurant, 5801 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, 760-431-2739. Turkey dinner (price TBA) and regular à la carte menu, 7:00 a.m.--10:00 p.m.
La Costa Resort and Spa, Costa Del Mar Road, La Costa, 760-438-9111. Blue Fire Grill, buffet $85, kids $42, noon--9:00 p.m. Legends Restaurant, four-course meal, $35, kids $6--$25 depending on age, 9:30 a.m.--3:30 p.m.
Neimans, 300 Carlsbad Village Drive (at Highway 101), Carlsbad, 760-729-4131. Champagne brunch buffet in a historic Victorian seaside mansion (under new ownership), $35, kids $6--$25 on a sliding scale by age, 9:30 a.m.--3:30 p.m. Traditional Thanksgiving dinner plus usual à la carte choices, $18 for turkey entrée, 5:00--9:00 p.m.
Savory, 267 North El Camino Real, Encinitas, 760-634-5556. Chef Pascal Vignau's three-course meal. Choice of entrées includes roast turkey with sausage stuffing or beef tenderloin $37.50--$43, or à la carte meals, 11:00 a.m.--3:00 p.m.
North Inland:
Bernard'O, 12457 Rancho Bernardo Road, Rancho Bernardo, 858-487-7171. Live music and à la carte dinner; turkey entrée, $22, 1:30--7:30 p.m.
Café Champagne, Thornton Winery, 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula, 951-699-0088. Four courses, four entrée choices, $45, kids $20, noon--5:30 p.m.
Centre City Cafe, 2680 South Escondido Boulevard, Escondido, 760-489-6011. Informal atmosphere, affordable ($15 and under), à la carte holiday choices include turkey entrée, 6:00 a.m.--9:00 p.m.
La Bastide Bistro, 10006 Scripps Ranch Blvd. #104, 858-577-0033. Chef Patrick Ponsaty (formerly of El Bizcocho) cooks up four courses, $32.50, kiddie menu $5.50, 11:00 a.m.--10:00 p.m.
The Quail, 1035 La Bonita Drive, Lake San Marcos, 760-744-2445. Buffet with a lake view, $35, kids $20, 11:00 a.m.--7:00 p.m.
Rancho Bernardo Inn, 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive (at Rancho Bernardo Road), 858-675-8500. Ballroom champagne buffet brunch, $44, kids $20 to age 14, a famously lavish spread, 11:30 a.m.--5:00 p.m. Veranda Bar and Grille, 858-675-8555, three-course meal, $42, kids $20, 11:30 a.m.--9:00 p.m. El Bizcocho, 858-675-8550, four courses, $60 adult, $90 with matching wines, kids $18, 2:00--8:00 p.m.
Rancho Valencia, 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, 858-759-6216. Four-course meal with several entrée choices in beautiful surroundings, $75, kids half price, noon--7:00 p.m.
Temet Grill, Temecula Creek Inn, 44501 Rainbow Canyon Road, Temecula, (951) 694-1000. Thanksgiving dinner, $40, kids $20, 10:00 a.m.--4:30 p.m. A la carte dinner 5:00--9:00 p.m., call for details.
Gold Coast:
J. Taylor's at L'Auberge Del Mar, 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, 858-793-6460. Chef Paul McCabe's three-course menu with multiple choices for each course is $50, kids $27, 1:00--8:00 p.m. (early seatings already sold out).
Pacifica Del Mar, Del Mar Plaza, 1555 Camino Del Mar (at 15th Street), Del Mar, 858-792-0476. Three-course dinner, choice of entrées, $36--$47, kids $15, noon--9:00 p.m.
Pamplemousse Grille, 514 Via de la Valle, Solana Beach, 858-792-9090. Chef Jeffrey Straus's three-course dinner with choice of entrées, $50, kids' price TBA, 2:00--8:00 p.m.
Poseidon, 1670 Coast Boulevard (at 15th Street), Del Mar, 858-755-9345. A la carte, with turkey entrée, $24, kiddie menu $10, 11:00 a.m.--7:30 p.m.
Red Tracton's, 550 Via de la Valle, Solana Beach, 858-755-6600. Next to the racetrack, traditional Thanksgiving dinner, $21; for tables of 4 or more, whole turkey carved at table for $30 per person, kids under 8 free, 2:00--8:00 p.m.
La Jolla and Golden Triangle:
Arterra, San Diego Marriott Del Mar, 11966 El Camino Real, Carmel Valley, 858-369-6032. Chef Carl Schroeder's three-course dinner with local-grown produce, choices for each course, $55, kids $28, noon--8:00 p.m.
A.R. Valentien, Lodge at Torrey Pines, 11480 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, 858-777-6635. Chef Jeff Jackson's three-course holiday dinner, $70, kids $35, noon--9:00 p.m.
Elario's Bistro and Sky Lounge, Hotel La Jolla, 7955 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, 858-459-0541. Traditional buffet with a sky-high view, $38, kids $20, including tip and tax, noon--8:00 p.m.
Estancia La Jolla, 9700 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, 858-550-1000. Chef Jesse Frost (formerly of Prince of Wales) presides over a holiday buffet, $40, kids $25, noon--4:00 p.m.
George's at the Cove, 1250 Prospect Street, La Jolla, 858-454-4244. Special à la carte menu of chef Trey Foshee's seasonal specials in the dining room, very expensive; more casual moderate-price menu on the sea-view Terrace, 1:00--9:00 p.m.
La Valencia Hotel, 1132 Prospect Street (at Herschel), La Jolla. Thanksgiving in three venues. Mediterranean Room and Cafe La Rue, 858-551-3765, four-course dinner, $60, kids $30, seatings at 11:00, 1:30, 4:00, 7:00. Sky Room, 858-551-3744, $85, no kids' price, 2:00--4:30 p.m., jacket required, may be sold out.
Marine Room, 2000 Spindrift Drive, La Jolla, 858-459-7222, www.marineroom.com. Chef Bernard Guillas's à la carte holiday menu with a closeup ocean view and adventurous cuisine, very expensive, 11:30 a.m.--7:30 p.m.
Nine-Ten, Grande Colonial Hotel, 910 Prospect Street, La Jolla, 858-964-5400. Chef Jason Knibb rides the range at a four-course Thanksgiving menu with a choice of entrées $46, kids $19, 2:00--8:00 p.m.
The Shores, Sea Lodge, 8110 Camino del Oro, La Jolla, 858-456-0600. Family-friendly atmosphere, buffet $37, kids ages 7--12, $18; under 6, $2 per year, 11:00 a.m.--8:00 p.m.
Top of the Cove, 1216 Prospect Street, La Jolla, 858-454-7779. Three-course turkey dinner with a view, $42, also à la carte menu, 1:00--7:00 p.m.
Torreyana Grille, Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, 10950 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, 858-450-4571. Holiday buffet, $50, kids $18, noon--8 p.m.
Beaches:
The Atoll, Catamaran Resort Hotel, 3999 Mission Boulevard, Mission Beach, 858-539-8635. Brunch buffet, $40, kids $18, 11:00 a.m.--3:00 p.m., includes complimentary paddle-wheeler cruise to Bahia and back. Dinner à la carte (no cruise), turkey $20, kids $12, 5:30--8:30 p.m.
Bahia Resort Hotel, 998 West Mission Bay Drive, Mission Beach, 858-539-7635. Champagne brunch buffet in ballroom, $35, kids $15, includes complimentary paddle-wheeler cruise to the Catamaran Resort and back, 11:00 a.m.--3:00 p.m. Dinner (no cruise) in café, $20, kids $12, 5:30--10:30 p.m.
Baleen, Paradise Point Resort, 1404 Vacation Road, Mission Bay, 858-490-6363. Buffet side dishes, sit-down entrées in charming resort setting, $59, kids $27, 11:00 a.m.--7:00 p.m.
Bali Hai, 2230 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island, 619-222-1181. Family ambiance, traditional buffet, $25, kids $15, age 6 and under $8, 11:30 a.m.--7:30 p.m.
Blue Pearl Cafe, The Dana on Mission Bay, 1770 West Mission Bay Drive, Mission Bay, 619-222-4198. Special à la carte menu, marina view, turkey entrée $19, kids turkey or lobster ravioli $11, noon--8:00 p.m.
Harbor's Edge, Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina, 1380 Harbor Island Drive, Harbor Island, 619-692-2255. Holiday buffet, $33, kids $16, 5:00--10:00 p.m.
Humphrey's by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island, 619-224-3577. Champagne brunch with a marina view, $40, kids $16, 11:00 a.m.--4:00 p.m.
Island Prime, 800 Harbor Island Drive, 619-298-6802. A "C-Level" view and chef Deborah Scott's three-course menu, $50, kids $10, 1:00--7:00 p.m.
Islandia Coastal Grill, 1441 Quivira Road, Mission Beach, 619-221-4810. Four-course dinner, $40, kids $19, 2:00--7:00 p.m.
Jordan (JRDN), 4551 Ocean Boulevard, Pacific Beach, 858-270-5736. Chef Victor Jimenez' three-course dinner with four entrée choices, dining room can seat parties of up to 16, $26, no kid price, 1:00--8:00 p.m.
Kaiserhof, 2253 Sunset Cliffs Boulevard (West Point Loma Boulevard), Ocean Beach, 619-224-0606. Four-course dinner with entrée: choice of turkey, goose, or sauerbraten; bottomless beer glasses; $22--$28, 2:00--8:00 p.m.
Thee Bungalow, 4996 West Point Loma Boulevard, Ocean Beach, 619-224-2884. Three-course dinner in cozy cottage, numerous festive entrée choices including goose, $39, kids $25, 1:00--8:00 p.m.
Tom Ham's Lighthouse, end of Harbor Island Drive, Harbor Island, 619-291-9110. Convivial buffet $23, kids $15, $8 under age 7, 11:30 a.m.--9:00 p.m.
World Famous, 711 Pacific Beach Drive, Pacific Beach, 858-272-3100. Right on the boardwalk, all-day à la carte brunch, moderate, 11:30 a.m.--8:00 p.m.
Mission Valley and the Mesas:
Butcher Shop Steakhouse, 5255 Kearny Villa Road, Kearny Mesa, 858-565-2272. Holiday buffet with turkey, prime rib, etc., $25--$30, kids $15, 11:00 a.m.--8:00 p.m.
94th Aero Squadron, 8885 Balboa Avenue, Kearny Mesa, 858-560-6771. Traditional buffet in a faux farmhouse with airport view, $25, kids $13, 11:00 a.m.--8:00 p.m.
Metropolitan San Diego:
Bertrand at Mister A's, 2550 Fifth Avenue, Uptown, 619-239-1377. A spectacular view, and chef Stephan Voitzwinkler's three-course dinner, $49, kids menu $13, 2:00--6:00 p.m.
Buster's Beach House, 807 West Harbor Drive, Seaport Village, 619-233-4300. Waterfront location, à la carte menu, turkey entrée $17, kids' plate $8, noon--8:00 p.m.
Cafe Pacifica, 2414 San Diego Avenue, Old Town, 619-291-6666. A la carte holiday menu includes turkey entrée at $19, kid plates half-price, 3:00--9:00 p.m.
Hob Nob Hill, 2271 First Avenue, Uptown, 619-239-8176. A la carte holiday menu, with full turkey dinner, many other entrée choices, about $17, kids $7.75, 11:00 a.m.--9:00 p.m.
Hornblower Cruises. Tickets/boarding at 1066 North Harbor Drive, downtown, 619-686-8715; online reservations at www.hornblower.com. Thanksgiving champagne buffet afloat, $64, age 3 and under free, 3:30 (until 6:30 p.m.) only.
Imperial House, 505 Kalmia (at Sixth Avenue), Uptown, 619-234-3525. Four-course dinner by Balboa Park, many entrée choices, $28, kids $18, 1:00--7:00 p.m.
Lael's Restaurant, Manchester Grand Hyatt, One Market Place, Downtown, 619-358-6735. Buffet, $43, kids $22, 11:30 a.m.--6:30 p.m.
McCormick and Schmick's, Omni Hotel, 675 L Street (at Sixth Avenue), Downtown, 619-645-6545. A la carte turkey dinner, $15, kids $9.50, plus regular menu items, 11:00 a.m. --8:00 p.m.
Molly's Restaurant, Marriott Hotel, 333 W. Harbor Drive (at Front Street), Downtown, 619-230-8909. Holiday dinner with choice of entrées (including vegetarian), $49, kids $21, 2:00--8:00 p.m.
Sevilla, 555 Fourth Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter, 619-233-5979. Three-course traditional holiday dinner with Spanish touches, choice of entrées, $25, kids $13, 4:00--11:00 p.m.
Soleil @ K, 660 K Street (Sixth Avenue), 619-446-6088. Traditional dinner, prices TBA, 1:00--4:00 p.m.
Terra, 1270 Cleveland Avenue, Hillcrest, 619-293-7088. Three-course holiday dinner with several choices, including vegetarian entrée, $35, kids $12, seatings at 12:30, 2:30, 4:30, 6:30 p.m.
Westgate Hotel, 1055 Second Avenue, downtown, 619-557-3655 for any of the three venues. Le Fontainebleau offers a four-course formal meal in a formal setting, with entrée choices, $59--$75, kids half-price, 5:30--10:00 p.m. The Versailles Ballroom's buffet features live entertainment, $56, kids half price, 10:00 a.m.--3:30 p.m. Café Westgate holiday dinner with choice of entrées, $45, kids half-price, 11:30 a.m.--10:00 p.m.
Coronado and South Bay:
Coronado Boathouse 1887, 1701 Strand Way, Coronado, 619-435-0155. All-you-can-eat dinner with choice of entrées, $29, kids $13, 2:00--8:00 p.m.
Hotel Del Coronado, 1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado, 619-522-8490. Holiday buffets in both the Ballroom and the gorgeous Crown Room, $72.50, kids $32.50, noon--6:00 p.m. Prince of Wales dinner, $87.50, kids $40.50, 2:00--9:00 p.m.
L'Escale, Coronado Island Marriott, 2000 Second Street, Coronado, 619-522-3150. Buffet, $48, kids $21, 11:00 a.m.--6:00 p.m.
Loews Coronado Bay Resort, 4000 Coronado Bay Road, Silver Strand, Coronado, 619-424-4000. Azzura Point's three-course dinner, $55; four-course feast, $65; no kids' price, 5:00--9:00 p.m. Market Cafe, family atmosphere, brunch buffet, $49.50, kids $24.50, 1:00--7:00 p.m.
Peohe's, Ferry Landing Marketplace, 1201 First Street, Coronado, 619-437-4474. Waterfront view, tropical decor, special holiday menu and à la carte, including turkey dinner, $30, kid portion $7, 11:00 a.m.--8:15 p.m.
East County and Far East:
Alpine Bread Basket, 1347 Tavern Road, Alpine, 619-445-0706. Whole turkey dinner for a group, $16 per person; prime rib or turkey breast $16 per person, kids $6.50, 11:30 a.m.--5:30 p.m.
Barona Oaks Steakhouse, 1000 Barona Road, Lakeside, 888-7-BARONA. Free-range turkey dinners with organic, locally grown vegetables, $21 (plus $7.50 dessert), 5:00--11:00 p.m.
Giovanni's III, 401 West Main Street, El Cajon, 619-442-7768, 9:00 a.m.--midnight. Call for details.
Village Garden, 8384 La Mesa Boulevard, La Mesa, 619-462-9100. All-you-can-eat turkey or ham dinner, $16, kids $10, 10:00 a.m.--5 :00 p.m.
Multiple Locations:
Mimi's Cafe: Oceanside, 760-721-7170; Mira Mesa, 858-566-6667; Mission Valley, 619-491-0284; Santee, 619-562-2644. Turkey dinner, $14, kids $8, plus regular menu, 8:00 a.m.--7:00 p.m.
Here's something you might be interested in.
Turkey With No Toil
Turkey With No Toil
If you want to have a toil-free T-Day turkey (or ham, filet mignon, whatever), numerous restaurants will cook your Thanksgiving dinner for you -- to eat in, or, increasingly, take home. This year's list is longer than ever. But to ensure you get a table, better grab your phone and your best credit card and reserve immediately -- the choicest destinations fill up fast! (Most now require a credit card number, which will be charged if you're a no-show. Can you blame them?)
The restaurants are arranged by geographical area, in hopes that you won't have a long journey while DUIT (Driving Under the Influence of Tryptophan -- the amino acid in turkey that makes you feel sleepy). I haven't personally eaten at all of them, so caveat emptor. (Check www.sdreader.com for capsule reviews.) Since these eateries are also likely to serve feasts for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day (not to mention Easter Sunday and Mother's Day next year), you may want to clip the list for future reference.
Prices quoted below do not include tip or tax unless so noted. "Kiddie prices" generally apply to children between their 5th and 12th birthdays. Toddlers can usually nibble for free. Also note that some prices are for multi-course meals, others merely buy well-laden entrée plates.
Also keep in mind that nearly all large hotels and gambling casinos (not just those listed below) offer Thanksgiving dinners, most often as buffets. And if you're in a restaurant-starved suburb but still can't bring yourself to face the oven, most chain "family style" restaurants (Boston Market, Coco's, Carrow's, Callender's, et al.) will be serving a holiday menu of their customary quality.
Take-Home Turkeys:
Enjoying restaurant vittles at home is a growing option. Choices range from buying a turkey that's more savory than supermarket-roasted birds on up to purchasing the entire feast. These include:
Barnes BBQ, 2625 Lemon Grove Avenue (at Cypress, tucked in the back of Liquor Mart Square), Lemon Grove, 619-462-9206. BYOBird: Tote a fully thawed raw turkey to the Q and they'll smoke-cook it for you for $1.25 per pound. You can pick it up on Wednesday, along with sides of cornbread, pies, veggies, etc. Call immediately (a week ahead of T-Day) to reserve your smoking time.
Big Jim's (see North Coast listing below for location and phone): Southern-style deep-fried whole turkeys to go, with a full dinner to feed eight for $89, to pick up on Thursday morning. Order before Sunday.
Four Seasons Resort Aviara (see North Coast, below): "Room Service" turkeys (10--15 pounds) and trimmings to go, $125 to serve 4--6, $175 for 7--10. Call 72 hours ahead.
Loews Coronado Bay Resort (see South Bay): "Turkey to Go," full dinner for 5, $175, for 7, $225. Reserve 48 hours in advance.
Magnolias, Market Creek Square, 342 Euclid Avenue (off Market Street), Lincoln Park, 619-262-6005: Your choice of a 10--12-pound roast turkey or baked ham plus four large Southern-style side dishes to feed 8--10 people, $13 per person ($130), for pickup on Wednesday. Call immediately (a week ahead of T-Day) to order your dinner.
Mardi Gras Cafe, 3185 Midway Drive, Loma Portal, 619-223-5501: Cajun-style marinated deep-fried turkey is on offer here, for $4.50 per pound (or $3.50 per pound if you bring your own thawed bird), pickup on Wednesday or early Thursday morning. They can also furnish Louisiana-style side dishes. Reserve yours up to the day before you want it.
Pamplemousse (see Gold Coast, below): Gourmet take-out T-Day dinners for six people or more are available from this popular destination at $50 per person. Order before Sunday.
Savory (see North Coast, below): A roasted turkey dinner serving 10--12 is $235 plus tax. Call 72 hours ahead to reserve your feast.
Eat-Out Feasts
North Coast:
Big Jim's Old South Bar-B-Q, 190 North Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, 760-635-1166. Sit-down deep-fried turkey dinner, $14, 11:00 a.m.--4:00 p.m.
Chart House, 2588 South Coast Highway 101, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, 760-436-4044. Regular à la carte menu, turkey entrée, $23, kids $10, 11:00 a.m.--9:00 p.m.
Encinitas Café, 531 South Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, 760-632-0919. Full turkey dinner including dessert, $13, 1:00--8:00 p.m.
Four Seasons Resort Aviara, 7100 Four Seasons Point, Carlsbad, 760-603-3773 for all restaurants. Argyle Cafe (on golf course), brunch buffet, $65 ($70 with champagne), kids $32.50, 10:00 a.m.--3:00 p.m. California Bistro, same prices as above, 10:30 a.m.--5:00 p.m. Vivace Restaurant, five-course menu with many choices, $95 ($120 with matching wines), kiddie menu available, 4:00--9:00 p.m.
Karl Strauss Brewery & Restaurant, 5801 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, 760-431-2739. Turkey dinner (price TBA) and regular à la carte menu, 7:00 a.m.--10:00 p.m.
La Costa Resort and Spa, Costa Del Mar Road, La Costa, 760-438-9111. Blue Fire Grill, buffet $85, kids $42, noon--9:00 p.m. Legends Restaurant, four-course meal, $35, kids $6--$25 depending on age, 9:30 a.m.--3:30 p.m.
Neimans, 300 Carlsbad Village Drive (at Highway 101), Carlsbad, 760-729-4131. Champagne brunch buffet in a historic Victorian seaside mansion (under new ownership), $35, kids $6--$25 on a sliding scale by age, 9:30 a.m.--3:30 p.m. Traditional Thanksgiving dinner plus usual à la carte choices, $18 for turkey entrée, 5:00--9:00 p.m.
Savory, 267 North El Camino Real, Encinitas, 760-634-5556. Chef Pascal Vignau's three-course meal. Choice of entrées includes roast turkey with sausage stuffing or beef tenderloin $37.50--$43, or à la carte meals, 11:00 a.m.--3:00 p.m.
North Inland:
Bernard'O, 12457 Rancho Bernardo Road, Rancho Bernardo, 858-487-7171. Live music and à la carte dinner; turkey entrée, $22, 1:30--7:30 p.m.
Café Champagne, Thornton Winery, 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula, 951-699-0088. Four courses, four entrée choices, $45, kids $20, noon--5:30 p.m.
Centre City Cafe, 2680 South Escondido Boulevard, Escondido, 760-489-6011. Informal atmosphere, affordable ($15 and under), à la carte holiday choices include turkey entrée, 6:00 a.m.--9:00 p.m.
La Bastide Bistro, 10006 Scripps Ranch Blvd. #104, 858-577-0033. Chef Patrick Ponsaty (formerly of El Bizcocho) cooks up four courses, $32.50, kiddie menu $5.50, 11:00 a.m.--10:00 p.m.
The Quail, 1035 La Bonita Drive, Lake San Marcos, 760-744-2445. Buffet with a lake view, $35, kids $20, 11:00 a.m.--7:00 p.m.
Rancho Bernardo Inn, 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive (at Rancho Bernardo Road), 858-675-8500. Ballroom champagne buffet brunch, $44, kids $20 to age 14, a famously lavish spread, 11:30 a.m.--5:00 p.m. Veranda Bar and Grille, 858-675-8555, three-course meal, $42, kids $20, 11:30 a.m.--9:00 p.m. El Bizcocho, 858-675-8550, four courses, $60 adult, $90 with matching wines, kids $18, 2:00--8:00 p.m.
Rancho Valencia, 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, 858-759-6216. Four-course meal with several entrée choices in beautiful surroundings, $75, kids half price, noon--7:00 p.m.
Temet Grill, Temecula Creek Inn, 44501 Rainbow Canyon Road, Temecula, (951) 694-1000. Thanksgiving dinner, $40, kids $20, 10:00 a.m.--4:30 p.m. A la carte dinner 5:00--9:00 p.m., call for details.
Gold Coast:
J. Taylor's at L'Auberge Del Mar, 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, 858-793-6460. Chef Paul McCabe's three-course menu with multiple choices for each course is $50, kids $27, 1:00--8:00 p.m. (early seatings already sold out).
Pacifica Del Mar, Del Mar Plaza, 1555 Camino Del Mar (at 15th Street), Del Mar, 858-792-0476. Three-course dinner, choice of entrées, $36--$47, kids $15, noon--9:00 p.m.
Pamplemousse Grille, 514 Via de la Valle, Solana Beach, 858-792-9090. Chef Jeffrey Straus's three-course dinner with choice of entrées, $50, kids' price TBA, 2:00--8:00 p.m.
Poseidon, 1670 Coast Boulevard (at 15th Street), Del Mar, 858-755-9345. A la carte, with turkey entrée, $24, kiddie menu $10, 11:00 a.m.--7:30 p.m.
Red Tracton's, 550 Via de la Valle, Solana Beach, 858-755-6600. Next to the racetrack, traditional Thanksgiving dinner, $21; for tables of 4 or more, whole turkey carved at table for $30 per person, kids under 8 free, 2:00--8:00 p.m.
La Jolla and Golden Triangle:
Arterra, San Diego Marriott Del Mar, 11966 El Camino Real, Carmel Valley, 858-369-6032. Chef Carl Schroeder's three-course dinner with local-grown produce, choices for each course, $55, kids $28, noon--8:00 p.m.
A.R. Valentien, Lodge at Torrey Pines, 11480 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, 858-777-6635. Chef Jeff Jackson's three-course holiday dinner, $70, kids $35, noon--9:00 p.m.
Elario's Bistro and Sky Lounge, Hotel La Jolla, 7955 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, 858-459-0541. Traditional buffet with a sky-high view, $38, kids $20, including tip and tax, noon--8:00 p.m.
Estancia La Jolla, 9700 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, 858-550-1000. Chef Jesse Frost (formerly of Prince of Wales) presides over a holiday buffet, $40, kids $25, noon--4:00 p.m.
George's at the Cove, 1250 Prospect Street, La Jolla, 858-454-4244. Special à la carte menu of chef Trey Foshee's seasonal specials in the dining room, very expensive; more casual moderate-price menu on the sea-view Terrace, 1:00--9:00 p.m.
La Valencia Hotel, 1132 Prospect Street (at Herschel), La Jolla. Thanksgiving in three venues. Mediterranean Room and Cafe La Rue, 858-551-3765, four-course dinner, $60, kids $30, seatings at 11:00, 1:30, 4:00, 7:00. Sky Room, 858-551-3744, $85, no kids' price, 2:00--4:30 p.m., jacket required, may be sold out.
Marine Room, 2000 Spindrift Drive, La Jolla, 858-459-7222, www.marineroom.com. Chef Bernard Guillas's à la carte holiday menu with a closeup ocean view and adventurous cuisine, very expensive, 11:30 a.m.--7:30 p.m.
Nine-Ten, Grande Colonial Hotel, 910 Prospect Street, La Jolla, 858-964-5400. Chef Jason Knibb rides the range at a four-course Thanksgiving menu with a choice of entrées $46, kids $19, 2:00--8:00 p.m.
The Shores, Sea Lodge, 8110 Camino del Oro, La Jolla, 858-456-0600. Family-friendly atmosphere, buffet $37, kids ages 7--12, $18; under 6, $2 per year, 11:00 a.m.--8:00 p.m.
Top of the Cove, 1216 Prospect Street, La Jolla, 858-454-7779. Three-course turkey dinner with a view, $42, also à la carte menu, 1:00--7:00 p.m.
Torreyana Grille, Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, 10950 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, 858-450-4571. Holiday buffet, $50, kids $18, noon--8 p.m.
Beaches:
The Atoll, Catamaran Resort Hotel, 3999 Mission Boulevard, Mission Beach, 858-539-8635. Brunch buffet, $40, kids $18, 11:00 a.m.--3:00 p.m., includes complimentary paddle-wheeler cruise to Bahia and back. Dinner à la carte (no cruise), turkey $20, kids $12, 5:30--8:30 p.m.
Bahia Resort Hotel, 998 West Mission Bay Drive, Mission Beach, 858-539-7635. Champagne brunch buffet in ballroom, $35, kids $15, includes complimentary paddle-wheeler cruise to the Catamaran Resort and back, 11:00 a.m.--3:00 p.m. Dinner (no cruise) in café, $20, kids $12, 5:30--10:30 p.m.
Baleen, Paradise Point Resort, 1404 Vacation Road, Mission Bay, 858-490-6363. Buffet side dishes, sit-down entrées in charming resort setting, $59, kids $27, 11:00 a.m.--7:00 p.m.
Bali Hai, 2230 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island, 619-222-1181. Family ambiance, traditional buffet, $25, kids $15, age 6 and under $8, 11:30 a.m.--7:30 p.m.
Blue Pearl Cafe, The Dana on Mission Bay, 1770 West Mission Bay Drive, Mission Bay, 619-222-4198. Special à la carte menu, marina view, turkey entrée $19, kids turkey or lobster ravioli $11, noon--8:00 p.m.
Harbor's Edge, Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina, 1380 Harbor Island Drive, Harbor Island, 619-692-2255. Holiday buffet, $33, kids $16, 5:00--10:00 p.m.
Humphrey's by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island, 619-224-3577. Champagne brunch with a marina view, $40, kids $16, 11:00 a.m.--4:00 p.m.
Island Prime, 800 Harbor Island Drive, 619-298-6802. A "C-Level" view and chef Deborah Scott's three-course menu, $50, kids $10, 1:00--7:00 p.m.
Islandia Coastal Grill, 1441 Quivira Road, Mission Beach, 619-221-4810. Four-course dinner, $40, kids $19, 2:00--7:00 p.m.
Jordan (JRDN), 4551 Ocean Boulevard, Pacific Beach, 858-270-5736. Chef Victor Jimenez' three-course dinner with four entrée choices, dining room can seat parties of up to 16, $26, no kid price, 1:00--8:00 p.m.
Kaiserhof, 2253 Sunset Cliffs Boulevard (West Point Loma Boulevard), Ocean Beach, 619-224-0606. Four-course dinner with entrée: choice of turkey, goose, or sauerbraten; bottomless beer glasses; $22--$28, 2:00--8:00 p.m.
Thee Bungalow, 4996 West Point Loma Boulevard, Ocean Beach, 619-224-2884. Three-course dinner in cozy cottage, numerous festive entrée choices including goose, $39, kids $25, 1:00--8:00 p.m.
Tom Ham's Lighthouse, end of Harbor Island Drive, Harbor Island, 619-291-9110. Convivial buffet $23, kids $15, $8 under age 7, 11:30 a.m.--9:00 p.m.
World Famous, 711 Pacific Beach Drive, Pacific Beach, 858-272-3100. Right on the boardwalk, all-day à la carte brunch, moderate, 11:30 a.m.--8:00 p.m.
Mission Valley and the Mesas:
Butcher Shop Steakhouse, 5255 Kearny Villa Road, Kearny Mesa, 858-565-2272. Holiday buffet with turkey, prime rib, etc., $25--$30, kids $15, 11:00 a.m.--8:00 p.m.
94th Aero Squadron, 8885 Balboa Avenue, Kearny Mesa, 858-560-6771. Traditional buffet in a faux farmhouse with airport view, $25, kids $13, 11:00 a.m.--8:00 p.m.
Metropolitan San Diego:
Bertrand at Mister A's, 2550 Fifth Avenue, Uptown, 619-239-1377. A spectacular view, and chef Stephan Voitzwinkler's three-course dinner, $49, kids menu $13, 2:00--6:00 p.m.
Buster's Beach House, 807 West Harbor Drive, Seaport Village, 619-233-4300. Waterfront location, à la carte menu, turkey entrée $17, kids' plate $8, noon--8:00 p.m.
Cafe Pacifica, 2414 San Diego Avenue, Old Town, 619-291-6666. A la carte holiday menu includes turkey entrée at $19, kid plates half-price, 3:00--9:00 p.m.
Hob Nob Hill, 2271 First Avenue, Uptown, 619-239-8176. A la carte holiday menu, with full turkey dinner, many other entrée choices, about $17, kids $7.75, 11:00 a.m.--9:00 p.m.
Hornblower Cruises. Tickets/boarding at 1066 North Harbor Drive, downtown, 619-686-8715; online reservations at www.hornblower.com. Thanksgiving champagne buffet afloat, $64, age 3 and under free, 3:30 (until 6:30 p.m.) only.
Imperial House, 505 Kalmia (at Sixth Avenue), Uptown, 619-234-3525. Four-course dinner by Balboa Park, many entrée choices, $28, kids $18, 1:00--7:00 p.m.
Lael's Restaurant, Manchester Grand Hyatt, One Market Place, Downtown, 619-358-6735. Buffet, $43, kids $22, 11:30 a.m.--6:30 p.m.
McCormick and Schmick's, Omni Hotel, 675 L Street (at Sixth Avenue), Downtown, 619-645-6545. A la carte turkey dinner, $15, kids $9.50, plus regular menu items, 11:00 a.m. --8:00 p.m.
Molly's Restaurant, Marriott Hotel, 333 W. Harbor Drive (at Front Street), Downtown, 619-230-8909. Holiday dinner with choice of entrées (including vegetarian), $49, kids $21, 2:00--8:00 p.m.
Sevilla, 555 Fourth Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter, 619-233-5979. Three-course traditional holiday dinner with Spanish touches, choice of entrées, $25, kids $13, 4:00--11:00 p.m.
Soleil @ K, 660 K Street (Sixth Avenue), 619-446-6088. Traditional dinner, prices TBA, 1:00--4:00 p.m.
Terra, 1270 Cleveland Avenue, Hillcrest, 619-293-7088. Three-course holiday dinner with several choices, including vegetarian entrée, $35, kids $12, seatings at 12:30, 2:30, 4:30, 6:30 p.m.
Westgate Hotel, 1055 Second Avenue, downtown, 619-557-3655 for any of the three venues. Le Fontainebleau offers a four-course formal meal in a formal setting, with entrée choices, $59--$75, kids half-price, 5:30--10:00 p.m. The Versailles Ballroom's buffet features live entertainment, $56, kids half price, 10:00 a.m.--3:30 p.m. Café Westgate holiday dinner with choice of entrées, $45, kids half-price, 11:30 a.m.--10:00 p.m.
Coronado and South Bay:
Coronado Boathouse 1887, 1701 Strand Way, Coronado, 619-435-0155. All-you-can-eat dinner with choice of entrées, $29, kids $13, 2:00--8:00 p.m.
Hotel Del Coronado, 1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado, 619-522-8490. Holiday buffets in both the Ballroom and the gorgeous Crown Room, $72.50, kids $32.50, noon--6:00 p.m. Prince of Wales dinner, $87.50, kids $40.50, 2:00--9:00 p.m.
L'Escale, Coronado Island Marriott, 2000 Second Street, Coronado, 619-522-3150. Buffet, $48, kids $21, 11:00 a.m.--6:00 p.m.
Loews Coronado Bay Resort, 4000 Coronado Bay Road, Silver Strand, Coronado, 619-424-4000. Azzura Point's three-course dinner, $55; four-course feast, $65; no kids' price, 5:00--9:00 p.m. Market Cafe, family atmosphere, brunch buffet, $49.50, kids $24.50, 1:00--7:00 p.m.
Peohe's, Ferry Landing Marketplace, 1201 First Street, Coronado, 619-437-4474. Waterfront view, tropical decor, special holiday menu and à la carte, including turkey dinner, $30, kid portion $7, 11:00 a.m.--8:15 p.m.
East County and Far East:
Alpine Bread Basket, 1347 Tavern Road, Alpine, 619-445-0706. Whole turkey dinner for a group, $16 per person; prime rib or turkey breast $16 per person, kids $6.50, 11:30 a.m.--5:30 p.m.
Barona Oaks Steakhouse, 1000 Barona Road, Lakeside, 888-7-BARONA. Free-range turkey dinners with organic, locally grown vegetables, $21 (plus $7.50 dessert), 5:00--11:00 p.m.
Giovanni's III, 401 West Main Street, El Cajon, 619-442-7768, 9:00 a.m.--midnight. Call for details.
Village Garden, 8384 La Mesa Boulevard, La Mesa, 619-462-9100. All-you-can-eat turkey or ham dinner, $16, kids $10, 10:00 a.m.--5 :00 p.m.
Multiple Locations:
Mimi's Cafe: Oceanside, 760-721-7170; Mira Mesa, 858-566-6667; Mission Valley, 619-491-0284; Santee, 619-562-2644. Turkey dinner, $14, kids $8, plus regular menu, 8:00 a.m.--7:00 p.m.
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