Poof! Turkey!

By Barbara J. Nosek

Just a wild guess here, but it’s a pretty good bet you have more exciting things to do on Thanksgiving—for many, a day of freedom—than fuss and cuss at a big bird and a bunch of side dishes that refuse to be ready at the same time, let alone turn out just right.

Rejoice! A fully cooked TG dinner can be just a short drive and a popped trunk away.

Even a casino is helping the cause. Call MGM, 702.891.3418, before November 19 and then on TG day at the Conference Center valet, “Thanksgiving dinner is in the bag!”

What will come out of that bag is first and foremost a nicely roasted plumper from Distal Turkey Ranch. These babies are certified organic, range raised and nourished with a low fat vegetarian diet. Reach in again and pull out, oh my, sage and raisin oatmeal stuffing, Yukon mashed potatoes, yams with crème fraîche and pecan molasses, corn pudding, sautéed Brussels sprouts with onions, green bean almandine, roasted giblet gravy, gingered orange cranberry relish, a trio of salads, and your choice of two decadent desserts.

Oh . . .  and if you have to ask . . . yes, this feast for four fetches $350. Even so, expect the 200 available dinners to trot away in a hurry.

Other possibilities spread through the neighborhoods. For starters, Memphis Championship BBQ generally offers pick up service for individual turkeys, individual hams and full TG dinners.

Traditionally, sides are chosen from a collection that includes creamed corn, green bean casserole, candied yams, mashed potatoes and giblet gravy, cole slaw, baked beans, cranberry sauce, fruit salad, and sage or corn bread dressing. And clearly some of those dishes draw on their pedigree associated with owner Mike Mills who holds unbroken world records from the definitive Memphis BBQ competition.

By far one of the most scenic places to pick up Thanksgiving dinner is the J.W. Marriott in Summerlin where multi-credentialed executive chef Bruce Knapik oversees the ready-to-go bonanzas. Just call before November 21, 702.869.7381, tap your credit card for $152, and then on TG day pick up at the valet entrance and off you go.

And with what? Mmmm. A 14-16 pound turkey, giblet gravy, sage stuffing, roasted turnips and sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts with honey-glazed carrots, Yukon mashed potatoes, field greens and dressing, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls—and two freshly baked pies, pecan and pumpkin.

And even closer to home, for most people anyway, some supermarkets offer takeaway TG dinners. Or, there’s always the Bobbie at Capriotti’s!!!

Whatever. One quick run to the pick-up place and dinner is done. Give thanks.