Over-the-Top Thanksgiving Menus
Nov. 18, 2013— -- While many people can't imagine missing out on Mom's cooking for Thanksgiving, another contingent of Americans are happily making reservations for Turkey Day. And at some restaurants across the country, chefs are rising to the occasion with over-the-top prix-fixe menus designed for the fanciest among us.
Here are the ones that made our jaws drop.
In New York, Restaurant Marc Forgione is rolling out a three-course menu with red-carpet-worthy culinary creations such as smoked lobster bisque with foie gras butter, roast organic turkey breast with dark meat ballotine and natural jus, and cranberry sauce studded with mint and pink peppercorns, for $95 per person.
"Thanksgiving for me growing up was always a big affair," chef Marc Forgione told ABC News. "The menu we are serving includes modern interpretations of the things we would eat at the Forgione house."
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Not to be outdone, Betony's three-course dinner costs $115, with chef Bryce Shuman serving up smoked foie gras with kabocha and buckwheat, and poached hen's egg with black trumpets. That's served before the big bird and lavish sides are even offered.
And for $175 per person, Restaurant Daniel will provide guests in the main dining room with three courses, featuring his own interpretation of a traditional Thanksgiving feast. Think sunchoke veloute with black trumpet and hazelnut, a duo of organic heritage turkey with gibley stuffing and, for dessert, la citrouille with pecan praline, burnt meringue and cassis sorbet. Just like what you'd prepare if you were cooking at home, right?
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In the Windy City, well-heeled diners would do well to snag a seat at David Burke's Primehouse for his $58 three-course dinner. There they can partake of two variations of Thanksgivukkah dumplings -- lobster and beef short rib -- as well as peppered wagyu carpaccio before tucking into turkey breast and leg confit with giblet gravy.
Lucky Los Angelenos have reasons to get dressed up too.
The family-style feast being served at Craft finds chef Ray England and pastry chef Shannon Swindle looking to the sea for inspiration, sprinkling their $115 prix-fixe with diver sea scallops, lobster fritter with celery root remoulade, chestnut agnolloti and, naturally, turkey.
Meanwhile, Scarpett's $95 feast is an all-day affair. Italian-influenced takes on Turkey Day classics include baked cicotta cavatelli with butternut squash, cornbread with prosciutto and thyme, and turkey three ways. Now, that's the way to mangia.
