Gobble This Up

[November 13th, 2002] GENTLE READERS,
Greetings. While our dear Miss D. is on holiday infiltrating the food communities of other cultures (Rome? Greece? New Jersey? Who can tell?), I, her side dish in crime, will be her replacement. How do you do?

In an effort to make new friends and to serve you, the loyal readers of this column, I've done some Turkey Day research, should you desire this year to have all the fixings and none of the mess.

For your convenience, I've compiled a list of some of Portland's restaurant saviors and their Thanksgiving Day plans. All include the standard turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and gravy, except where noted. A double asterisk indicates provender for our vegan friends. Remember that reservations fill up quickly, so get calling, eat well, and don't forget your new best friend when shopping for holiday gifts!

THE BUFFET:

Lucere (1510 SW Harbor Way, 295-6166, 11 am-6 pm)

* $29 adults, $14 kids
* Reservations recommended but not required
* Lucere also offers tableside carvings from 2 to 9 pm, $15.50.

The Heathman Restaurant (1001 SW Broadway, 790-7752, noon-5 pm)

* $29 adults, $14 kids
* Reservations required
* Three-course prix fixe menu 1 to 9 pm, also $29 and $14.

THE SIT-DOWN MEAL:

Higgins (1239 SW Broadway, 222-9070, 1-7:30 pm)

* Prix fixe menu: $40 adults, $20 kids
* Reservations required
* Bar will also be open, serving Higgins' famous burger for turkeyless
heathens.

Jake's Famous (401 SW 12th Ave., 226-1419, noon-9 pm)

* $15.95 to $22.95
* Reservations required
* Get yer stuffed catfish and cowboy steak here.

Mother's Bistro** (409 SW 2nd Ave., 464-1122; 3, 3:15, 6, 6:15 pm)

* Prix fixe menu: $23.95 adults, $11.95 kids
* Reservations required
* Meatless relatives can feast on grilled portobello mushrooms as a main course.

Paley's Place (1204 NW 21st Ave., 243-2403, 2:30-8:30 pm)

* Entrees range from $21 to $28
* Reservations required
* Last year's highlights included veal sweetbreads, juniper-smoked turkey, double-cut pork chop and stuffed delicato squash.

THE EXTRAS

Clay's Smokehouse Grill (2932 SE Division St., 235-4755)

* Turkeys: You bring 'em; they'll smoke 'em. Bring your frozen turkeys to Clay's at least six days prior to Thanksgiving; bring thawed turkeys three days before. Pick up your smoked birds by 11 am Thursday, Nov. 28.
* $1.50 a pound
* Each smoked turkey comes with Clay's smoked gravy.

Todai (340 SW Morrison St., 294-0007; lunch 11:45 am-3 pm, dinner 5:15-8:45 pm)

* $14.95 lunch, $23.95 dinner
* Reservations not required
* This funky buffet includes the turkey, prime rib, lobster and 40 KINDS OF SUSHI!

Whole Foods** (1210 NW Couch St., 525-4343)

* Order pre-cooked Thanksgiving dinners by Sunday, Nov. 24; pick up on Wednesday, Nov. 27.
* Pre-roasted turkey and ham dinners (for six to eight), $99.99.
* Whole Foods offers a vegan holiday meal, which includes a stuffed "field roast" ($49.99, feeds four).