Let's talk this through, shall we? Forkers might be curious about who's cooking this holiday. Some may have no plans. And there are those who'd rather not cook (or prefer to avoid their dysfunctional family). Unless you're an Asian restaurant, most mom-and-pop places will be closed. Loftier dining rooms will capitalize on your hunger. If you know another option, get that comment down. For optimal scanning, we're listing alphabetically. FYI–Monday was the last day to place to-go orders for AnQi and Clay Oven, so call them maybe next year.
Brasserie Pascal
11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; $35 per person; gratuity will be added to parties of 6 or more. (949) 640-2700.
The first of many three-course menus, options include escargot, herbs of Provence crusted prime rib, Callebaut chocolate souffle with Cointreau cream and sides like sweet corn bread.
]
Charlie Palmer
1-6 p.m.; $75 per adult, $35 per child under 12, exclusive of tax and gratuity. (714)444-5900
The three-course menu features choices such as Maine lobster chowder,
roasted heirloom beet salad, slow-basted organic turkey, poached
Scottish salmon, pumpkin tart and more. For a complete menu, click here.
French 75
$40 per person; $50 with endless sparkling wine. Live seasonal music offered. (949) 494-8444
We're eyeing the roasted quail with truffle demi and tomato ragout. Or maybe a side ($9) of their duck confit brie mac 'n cheese. For sure, we'd end with the pumpkin souffle topped with Cointreau cream. Yes, turkey, salad and soup are all offered as well.
Leatherby's Cafe Rouge
2-8 p.m.; $48 per adult, $19.95 for children under 12, exclusive of tax and gratuity. (714) 429-7640
The
three-course menu includes roasted diver scallop, parsnip soup, organic
free range turkey and all the trimmings, roasted salmon, braised short
ribs and corn-fed pork porterhouse, plus a choice of dessert. A cheese
course is an additional $10. For a complete menu, click here.
Lucille's BBQ
Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. $20.99 for an individual Thanksgiving dinner.
Did you think we would avoid chains? Well, we're including this family-friendly one for good measure. Your own plate of smoked turkey, Jack Daniels-sauteed apples and green bean casserole await. Their big meal for 10+ guests runs $150 (more if you prefer ham) and is available to order until the 20th. A menu can be found here.
Lumberyard
$48 for adults, kid's menu $24; plus 7.75% tax and 18% gratuity. (949) 715-3900
Lobster and shrimp spring rolls, slow braised boneless Angus short rib, and almost flourless chocolate torte branch out from the standard. Don't worry, though. Your preferred bird is at the top of their entree list. The listing is found here.
Pinot Provence
$45 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity. (714) 444-5900
The three-course menu includes brown butter butternut squash soup, roasted turkey with the trimmings, petite filet, scallops, rack of lamb, pumpkin or pecan pie and more. For a complete menu, click here.
Sapphire Laguna
11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; $48-$65 per person; (949) 715-9888.
Offering both a sit-down menu and a to-go option (to-go orders must be placed by 1 p.m. on Wednesday), those staying to dine will find an eclectic mix of classic and modern offerings. Cured wild king salmon carpaccio, kurobuta pork shank and crispy skin barramundi are non-traditional, plus apple-raisin strudel and Oaxacan spiced chocolate pot de creme for your sweet tooth.
Their grand dinner, priced at $345 (yes, check the website) serves 6 to 8 guests. Parmesan-Asiago cheese rolls, sage pan gravy, cranberry-orange relish, fall fruit and nut stuffing, and creamy mashed taters accompany your whole-herb (pre)roasted Diestel Hen Turkey. Add on a dessert pie and choice of three sides, and you're done! We're eyeing the pumpkin ravioli with hazelnut cream and butter fried sage OR three mushroom dressing with prosciutto, pine nuts and rosemary.
Did we mention their “a la carte” pantry menu? Click here for more info.
Savannah Chop House
From 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; $29.95 per person, kids $9.95. (949) 493-7107
This
three-course includes options like shrimp cocktail alongside chilled
chipotle, a trio of pies served altogether (topped with Tahitian vanilla
Creme Anglaise and cinnamon whipped cream– yes!), and one mother of a
roasted turkey plate: cider-brined, herb roasted with thyme gravy. Plus
candied sweet potatoes with southern cornbread-sausage, sage and apple
stuffing-infused buttermilk whipped potatoes and a cranberry Cabernet
sauce.
Scott's Restaurant & Bar
$55 per adult, $15 for children under 12, exclusive of tax and gratuity. (714) 979-2400
The three-course dinner offers a variety of choices, from Scott's famous calamari, butternut squash soup, homemade traditional turkey with all the trimmings, slow-roasted prime rib to pumpkin cheesecake, to name a few. Family-style sides are $9 each, and wine pairing is an additional $25. For a complete listing, click here.
TAPS Fish House & Brewery
Served 12 – 8 p.m.; $42.99 for adults, $14.99 kids. (714) 257-0101.
Have you experienced their elaborate Sunday brunch before? This may not hit the 100+ options they typically serve, but you know it will be hearty. There wasn't a listing of items, but that's why you pick up the phone. We wish (hope?) this includes a pint of house brew.
Follow Stick a Fork In It on Twitter @ocweeklyfood or on Facebook! And don't forget to download our free Best Of App here!
A contributing writer for OC Weekly, Anne Marie freelances for multiple online and print publications, and guest judges for culinary competitions. A Bay Area transplant, she graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona. Find her on Instagram as brekkiefan.