THANKSGIVING

Can't stand the heat? These restaurants can keep you outta the kitchen. Remember, you're not the only one in town terrified of turkey basters, so reserve a Thanksgiving table today!

SWANKY SITDOWNS

Higgins

Check out Higgins' five-course meal, with a choice of turkey, pork loin, salmon or mushroom risotto for the entrée. Desserts have yet to be determined, but apparently that makes no difference—reservations for Thanksgiving dinner are nearly all booked up. 1239 SW Broadway, 222-9070. 1-7:30 pm. Prix fixe dinner $45, $20 kids under 12.

Jake's Famous

Have turkey, ham or a little bit of both this year at Portland's traditional surf-'n'-turf wonderland. Enjoy all the classics you'd make at home (if you could cook), but revel in the creamy deliciousness of Jake's signature clam chowder. 401 SW 12th Ave. 226-1419. 11 am-11 pm. $18.95, $6.95 children.

Paley's Place

James Beard award winner Vitaly Paley celebrates with a menu stuffed with wild king salmon, rabbit, glazed ham, mushroom risotto, steak and, of course, turkey. 1204 NW 21st Ave., 243-2403. 2:30-8:30 pm. Regular menu prices.

The Rheinlander

Add a little Gewürz to your holiday, and opt for der Rheinlander's wienerschnitzel and sauerbraten—or gorge on the old-school Teutonic palace's turkey, pork and ham. Sweet potatoes and fondue served with every meal! 5035 NE Sandy Blvd., 288-5503. 11 am-8 pm. $16-$24.

BOUNTIFUL BUFFET LINES

Camp 18 Restaurant

Kitschy logging decor and a big stuffed mountain lion are the main course at this Oregon Coast pit stop; traditional Thanksgiving turkey, ham and sweet potatoes are simply tasty side dishes. 42362 Highway 26, 1-503-755-1818. 11 am-7 pm. $16.99, $7.99 children ages 7-12.

The Heathman Restaurant

This swanky dining room spoils you this Thanksgiving with global bounty. Check this out: seafood bar, sushi stations, dim sum (!), citrus cured pork rack, barbecued steelhead, pear frangipane tart and mousse au chocolat. For a few extra bucks, they'll probably throw it all in a vat and let you roll in it. 1001 SW Broadway, 790-7752. 11 am-4 pm buffet, 11:30 am-7:30 pm prix fixe dinner. $41, $14 kids under 12.

McMenamins Kennedy School

Enjoy the traditional faves under the glow of the Kennedy School's gymnasium lights. Sigh. Fill your plate with roasted turkey, spiced ham, rolls, sweet potatoes and pecan pie. Dodgeball, anyone? 5736 NE 33rd Ave., 249-3983. 1-7 pm. $18.95, $9.95 children. Reservations required.

Mother's Bistro

Work on your extra layer of fat with Queen Chef-Mum Lisa Schroeder's creamy soups, roasted turkey, sweet-potato-apple casserole and fresh cranberry-orange sauce. Yum. 409 SW 2nd Ave., 464-1122. Feedings at 1 pm, 4:30 pm and 7 pm. $29.95, $14.95 children under 12.

Portland City Grill

Pumpkin-hazelnut fried rice and whipped honey-glazed ham outshine the turkey and pork medallions in the originality department. Go seaward with the cedar plank-roasted salmon with blood-orange ponzu and chili glaze, and save room for the chocolate-macadamia torte. 111 SW 5th Ave. 450-0030. Noon-8 pm. $29.95 buffet, $21.95 turkey sit-down dinner.

Rivers

Chow down like a pilgrim on Rivers' Heritage Heirloom turkeys and artisan roasted beef and pork. Hit up the made-to-order omelette bar and breakfast bar before 5 pm, when Rivers shifts the menu to "small plates" only. 0470 SW Hamilton Court, 802-5850. 11 am-5 pm. $29, $15 kids under 12.

Salty's on the Columbia

Choose your poison: seafood or land food. Salty's offers crab, prawns and blackened salmon, as well as prime rib and turkey. For dessert? We'd opt for those made-to-order Belgian waffles. 3839 NE Marine Drive, 288-4444. 11 am-6 pm. $34.95, $1.50 per year of age up to 10.

Veganopolis

Vegans and veg-heads, relax. This downtown cafe has your fleshless holiday needs covered. Check out the by-the-pound dinner with lentil loaf, tofurkey, cran relish, potatoes and enough desserts and pie to make you sick. Can't dine in? Pick up your vegan-friendly dishes on the way to your family's meat feast. 412 SW 4th Ave. 226-3400. Buffet from noon-6 pm. Prices around $12.95 per pound.

WWeek 2015