Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar; Photo: Leila Kwok
With Thanksgiving dinner, you want to go big, with the turkey, all the sides, and of course, spiced pumpkin pie. Understandably, you might be tired of cooking at home and want someone else to take care of the stress of hosting a gathering.
Food establishments around the city are doing Thanksgiving in style, with a multitude of different ways to celebrate, from feasting on multi-course meals in the restaurant, to picking up a prepped meal that can easily be reheated for serving family and friends. Many are also offering non-turkey and vegetarian options, if you are in the mood for a meal that’s less traditional.
Below is a selection of places to consider for your Thanksgiving meal this year:
Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio
Photo: Ancora – False Creek – tomahawk
The two locations of Ancora are featuring two distinct Thanksgiving-inspired menus. The Ambleside one has three inventive à la carte items available October 9 to 11: a bacon wrapped turkey roulade with sourdough stuffing, smoked pomme purée, turkey chicharron, togarashi spiced cranberry jam, and turkey jus; a kabocha panna cotta; and a special autumnal cocktail with Woodford Reserve bourbon, Kraken Black Spiced Rum, Pierre Ferrand dry curacao, crabapple bitters, and an orange twist. Meanwhile, the False Creek location is featuring from October 8 to 11 a 55 oz tomahawk for sharing, with comes with a housemade chimichurri sauce, Brussels sprouts, and caramelized roasted yams. A spiced orchard latte with Kraken and Boulard calvados will warm you up.
The Belgard Kitchen
Photo: The Belgard Kitchen
In the soaring space of the Settlement Building, the Belgard Kitchen is preparing a Thanksgiving dinner on October 11 that will be wonderfully satisfying. The reasonably priced meal ($35 per person with $5 donated to Mealshare and the IRSSS) consists of turkey two ways, twice baked rosemary and goat cheese bread pudding, mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and a surprise dessert.
Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
Photo: Leila Kwok
For a lavish Thanksgiving spread, order Boulevard’s Thanksgiving To-Go package ($375, feeds 10; $230, feeds 5; extra if you want to pick it up hot). Your meal will begin with corn bread and spiced butternut squash soup, before the main event: brined and sage roasted turkey breast and slow roasted legs with brioche, apple, chestnut, and thyme stuffing; Yukon Gold whipped potatoes; roasted Brussels sprouts; honey glazed carrots; cranberry sauce; and Madeira scented giblet gravy. And of course, there’ll be a pumpkin tart. Orders must be received by October 6 for October 8 to 10 pick-up.
In restaurant dining occurs October 9 and 11 and invites with a three-course menu ($74 per person): butternut squash velouté, roasted Fraser Valley turkey with sides, and a pumpkin tart with vanilla Chantilly and milk chocolate.
Cibo Trattoria
Photo: Cibo
Executive chef Jesse Zuber at Cibo Trattoria (Moda Hotel) has crafted a lovely two-course Thanksgiving meal ($55 per person). It consists of brined and slow roasted turkey and a host of sides: maple roasted sweet potatoes, green salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, roasted corn, sausage or vegetarian stuffing, and house-baked honey glazed rolls. It also comes with gravy and cranberry sauce. Apple pie or pumpkin pie finish the meal.
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Pacific Rim, and Vancouver Airport, and Waterfront
Photo: Fairmont Waterfront – ARC Thanksgiving bottomless brunch
If you’re looking for a classic, elegant way to celebrate Thanksgiving, Fairmont’s various properties will take care of you in style. Notch8 in the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver has a three-course turkey dinner ($75 per adult, $37.50 per child 12 and under) October 10 and 11. On October 10, they also have a Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet ($79 per adult, $39.50 per child 12 and under). Expect themed items like turkey eggs benedicts and pumpkin-spiced buttermilk pancakes. Their sumptuous turkey to-go is also available. The package ($499 for 10 guests) comes with free range Fraser Valley turkey and sides like preserved fruit bread stuffing and Yukon Gold mashed potatoes. Dessert is a pumpkin cranberry cheesecake tart. Orders must be placed by October 4 at 5pm for October 10 pick-up.
Botanist at the Fairmont Pacific Rim is hosting a three-course Thanksgiving brunch ($78 per person) from October 9 to 11. The meal includes a glass of sparkling wine and hand-crafted cocktail to start, and then a choice of “Morning Stretch” (e.g., homemade burrata salad with salt roasted beets, olive crumb, and white balsamic), “Main Event” (e.g., slow roasted turkey with pomme purée, roasted fall vegetables, and traditional gravy), and “Sweet Ending” (e.g,. warm brioche bread pudding with cinnamon ice cream.
Fairmont Vancouver Airport’s Globe@YVR Restaurant also has their own to-go packages. The large one ($399) feeds 8-10 people and comes with Fraser Valley slow roasted turkey with sides like traditional stuffing and Yukon Gold whipped potatoes, as well as gravy and cranberry relish. Dessert is pumpkin pie or pecan pie with vanilla Chantilly cream. Otherwise, they offer a smaller Harvest Dinner to Go for 2 people ($99). Orders must be placed by October 4 for pick-up October 9 to 11. Or, if you’d rather dine in, they have a prix-fixe menu ($90 per person) October 9 to 11, which includes cauliflower velouté and cider-brined turkey breast with a turkey thigh ballotine.
You’ll want to bring out your fanciest stretchy pants for ARC Restaurant’s Thanksgiving Bottomless Brunch ($59 per adult, $39 for children 6-12, and kids 5 and under are free) October 9 to 11. The restaurant, located at Fairmont Waterfront, is serving unlimited brunch small plates, like a roasted turkey skillet, a cold smoked salmon benedict, and a beef short rib poutine. They’re also featuring a four-course Thanksgiving dinner ($69 per adult, $39 for children 6-12, and kids 5 and under are free) October 10 and 11. Enjoy nutty squash soup, arugula salad with grilled pear, traditional roasted turkey with sides, and pumpkin spiced sticky toffee pudding with vanilla bean ice cream for dessert.
Fanny Bay Oyster Bar
Photo: Fanny Bay
For a change from the usual turkey, Fanny Bay Oyster Bar has a Thanksgiving menu for 2 people ($99) running from October 8 to 11. You’ll start with 6 fresh west coast oysters before supping on a hot seafood platter with sides appropriate for the holiday, like roasted Brussels sprouts. You’ll end with a pumpkin-spiced crème brûlée.
Glowbal
Photo: Glowbal
For a chic downtown Thanksgiving dinner, visit Glowbal on October 10 and 11. Their special prix-fixe menu ($65 per person) comes with local squash soup, slow roasted Rossdown Farms turkey, and a pumpkin tart with salted caramel gelato.
H Tasting Lounge
Photo: H Tasting Lounge
The Westin Bayshore wants to help you have a stress free Thanksgiving with H Tasting Lounge‘s Turkey Takeout package. Orders must be received by October 6 for pick-up on October 10. The meal ($300) feeds 6-8 guests and comes with a slow-roasted Rossdown Farms free range turkey, plus sides: apple and thyme stuffing, buttermilk and chive mashed potatoes, honey glazed root vegetables, and roasted garlic and parmesan Brussels sprouts. Sage pan gravy and cranberry relish complete your feast. Oh, and save room for pumpkin pie with caramel whipped cream. If you’re hosting a smaller gathering, you can order the Carvery To-Go ($55 per person, minimum of 2 people).
Hydra Estiatorio Mediterranean
Photo: Hydra
For a Greek spin on Thansgiving, order Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner to Go from Hydra. Regular orders must be placed by October 4 for pick-up October 9. The package comes with whole roasted herb-brushed turkey, and various accompaniments like forno-roasted Brussels sprouts, pita and tzatziki, Greek salad with feta, and wild rice and bacon stuffing.
Maenam
Photo: Octane Collective
Maenam is giving Thanksgiving a Thai spin, for those craving something different than the traditional turkey dinner. Their family-style Turkey Tasting Menu ($125, feeds 2-3 people) is available for dine-in or take-out and is comprised of turkey tom kha coconut soup, turkey roulade with gola curry, stir fried chanterelles, Brussels sprouts salad, and pumpkin mor kaeng custard with cranberry compote.
Another option is their Freebird Fall Feast ($70, feeds 2-3 people), which comes with a salt-cured roast chicken done Asian-style, crispy sticky rice, and pumpkin mor kaeng custard with cranberry compote. Book dine-in and take-out in advance. All Thanksgiving meals are available October 5 to 10.
P2B Bistro & Bar
Photo: P2B
P2B Bistro in the Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront is offering two ways of marking Thanksgiving. The first is a Thanksgiving Dinner To Go (2 people $79, 4-6 people $179, 6-8 people $289), which comes with oven roasted turkey and accompaniments like sage cranberry stuffing and Yukon gold mashed potatoes. Dessert is either pumpkin or apple pie. Order by October 8 for an October 9 to 11 pick-up (meal is hot at pick-up). Otherwise, dine in October 9 to 11 and choose from à la carte options, like a traditional turkey dinner, a turkey sandwich, butternut squash ravioli, and deep dish pumpkin pie.
Pacific Yacht Charters
Photo: PYC
Pacific Yacht Charters and PYC Catering take all the work out of Thanksgiving with a sumptuous menu. Choose between roast Hallmark Farms free range turkey with turkey gravy and cranberry apricot sauce or boneless prime rib roast for your protein. Sides include brown butter mashed potatoes, lemony green beans, and savoury autumn cornmeal stuffing. Apple plum crumble and spiced sugar pumpkin pot de crème are for dessert. Available to serve 2 or 4 people (turkey: $140 for 2, $240 for 4; beef: $180 for 2; $300 for 4). Orders must be placed by October 6 at noon for curbside pick-up October 9 and 10, 11am to 3pm at 1370 East Georgia Street. Delivery also available for a charge.
Parq Vancouver: Honey Salt, the Victor, and JW Marriott Parq
Photo: Honey Salt
Honey Salt has a package ($300 for 8+ people) for impressing your family and friends with your “cooking” skills. You’ll get a herb roasted fresh Rossdown farms turkey and sides like Klippers organic honey roasted carrots and sourdough stuffing, as well as pumpkin pie with vanilla whipped cream to finish. Orders must be received by October 7 for pick-up October 10 and 11.
Otherwise, a three-course dinner ($49 per person) at Honey Salt is another great option, with fresh baked corn bread, watercress and endive salad, herb roasted fresh Rossdown farms turkey with all the sides, and pumpkin pie with butter crust and vanilla whip to satisfy your sweet tooth. It’s available October 9 to 11.
Photo: The Victor
The Victor has their own take on a Thanksgiving feast ($68 per person, $39 per person for wine pairings), offered October 9 to 11. You’ll first be served the Victor’s cheese and onion bread, then choose between roasted kobacha squash soup or roasted beet and pear salad for your starter, before having either roasted Rossdown Farms free range turkey with sides, prime rib of beef with classic sides, or roasted squash and burrata risotto. Pumpkin bundt cake with pecan praline, vanilla Chantilly, and spiced custard will be a particularly cozy finish.
Finally, the chefs at JW Marriott Parq have a Thanksgiving meal ($52 per person, minimum of 4 people) for eating at home. It comes with three salads, like a Greek salad, maple brined turkey and crisp confit turkey leg with corn bread stuffing, and three sides of your choice (e.g., garlic fried rice, creamy mac n cheese, and caramelized root vegetables. Four desserts, including pumpkin cheesecake, accompany the meal. Orders must be placed by October 6 for October 9 and 10 pick-up.
Provence Marinaside
Photo: Provence Marinaside
Provence Marinaside, a popular restaurant located along the Yaletown seawall, offers both an in-dining and at-home option for your Thanksgiving meal. Their Turkey-To-Go ($42 per person) comes with everything you need for a satisfying Thanksgiving dinner: carved turkey, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, a French baguette, and mini pumpkin pie. You just reheat it before serving. A select number of turkey dinners will also be available for reserved dine-in guests on October 11 and 12. Orders for the Turkey-To-Go must be received by October 6 for pick-up October 8 and 9.
The Sequoia Company of Restaurants
Photo: Cardero’s
The four restaurants in the portfolio of the Sequoia Company of Restaurants (Cardero’s, The Sandbar, Seasons in the Park, and The Teahouse) are offering Thanksgiving à la carte menu on October 10 and 11 that are equally delicious, but individually unique.
Cardero’s in picturesque Coal Harbour features items like butternut squash soup with spiced apple chutney; oven roasted turkey with mash, herb stuffing, autumn vegetables, cognac pan jus, and cranberry orange sauce; and pumpkin cheesecake.
The Sandbar on Granville Island also is offering selections, like oven roasted turkey with the fixings; a fall salad with quinoa, beets, dried cranberries, apples, goat’s cheese, and honey chive dressing; and traditional pumpkin pie with caramel sauce and Chantilly cream.
The always serene Seasons in the Park offers gorgeous views of Queen Elizabeth Park while you sup on hand carved white and dark turkey meat with garlic mashed potatoes, Brussels Sprouts, cranberry herb stuffing, honey glazed carrots, pan jus, and cranberry sauce.
And finally, nestled in Stanley Park, the Teahouse seduces with a traditional turkey dinner with all the sides, and dulce de leche apple pie for additional comfort.
Torafuku
Photo: Leila Kwok
Torafuku is launching a new fall omakase on October 6; it consists of seven-courses ($60 per person, 2 people minimum), which would make your Thanksgiving particularly tasty. The dishes can also be ordered individually. Courses that lead up the main include a Brussels sprout salad with cauliflower, broccoli, green goddess dressing, crispy quinoa, and herbs; and a New Zealand kampachi crudo with ginger white soy dressing, basil seed, negi, and shiso. For your main, choose between steak Diane, roast duck, and steelhead trout papillote, each with a side (e.g., duck fried rice with the roast duck). Dessert is either Basque cheesecake or white chocolate ganache.
Water St. Café
Photo: Water St. Cafe
This long running Gastown favourite is celebrating Thanksgiving with a three-course menu ($59 per person) available October 10 and 11. The Water St. Cafe‘s meal begins with a caprese salad with an wild mushroom arancini, and then proceeds to your choice of appetizer, either lemon honey spinach salad, crispy cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, or maple butternut squash bisque. Your entrée selections are saffron carrot risotto, 10 oz prime rib with traditional sides, or roasted turkey and confit turkey leg with whipped potatoes, orange glazed carrots, charred green beans, and apple apricot stuffing. Dessert is a choice between fresh fruit sorbet or pear tarte tatin.
