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Eight ways to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal without setting foot in the kitchen

By Gregory Furgala
Eight ways to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal without setting foot in the kitchen
(Image: jspatchwork)

Busy? Broke? A stranded expat? Sometimes it feels like there are more hurdles than actual holiday to Thanksgiving. But worry not—we’ve put together a list of Toronto establishments that are willing to do the hard work for you. Even the laziest among us can give thanks.

• Canadiana specialists Oliver and Bonacini are trafficking in classics. No, Canoe isn’t open, and neither is Auberge du Pommier (which would be pretty much perfect for the occasion), but the casual Café Grill is serving turkey alongside all the usual suspects. There are even brussels sprouts for you to avoid, just like when you were a kid. Oct 5–7. Turkey Dinner, $22.95–$29.90. Yonge and Front, Bayview Village and Oakville locations. Find out more »

• Thanksgiving brunch in a castle. What more is there to say? Oct 7. $51.45. Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace, 416-533-1573. Find out more [PDF] »

Barque Smokehouse is offering hickory-smoked turkey by the whole and half bird to take home (for those who’d rather not attempt to smoke a whole turkey themselves). Smoked paprika, guajillo chilies and sugar lend it a sweet Southwest flair, although you’re on your own for fixings (we suggest a little cornbread, say). $40-$75. Oct. 7–8.  299 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-532-7700. Find out more »

 Out in Cambridge, Langdon Hall’s three-course autumn harvest meal really is made up of its own harvest. Produce pulled from chef Jonathan Gushue’s garden is going into dishes like a starter of ham, foie gras, parsley terrine and, naturally, a St. Jacob’s roast turkey with the appropriate trimmings. In addition to the usual Thanksgiving gluttony guilt, you may also have to contend with the feeling that chef Gushue’s meal is better than your mom’s. $55-$65. Oct. 7–8. 1 Langdon Dr., Cambridge, 1-800-268-1898. Find out more »

• Closer to home, locavores can head to Globe Bistro for its three-course Thanksgiving prix fixe. Available Saturday and Sunday, the three courses offer the season’s classic flavours, albeit updated: the pomme purée served alongside the turkey is spiked with bacon, and the requisite autumn root vegetables appear in soup and cake rather than in over-roasted form. $35. Oct. 6–7. 124 Danforth Ave., 416-466-2000. Find out more »

Czehoski is a standout on this list. Why? For a mere $18, not only is it serving turkey alongside all the usual accoutrements (stuffing, mashed sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, etc.), but it’s also including a glass of wine. Oct 7–8. 678 Queen St. W., 416-366-6111.

• The city’s near-broke students, especially those stranded away from home, need not be left out of the feast. For $15, Sneaky Dee’s will dole out a plate covered in turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing and cranberry sauce, with a dinner roll to clean up the inevitable mess. It’s so cheap that we’ll forgive them the extra $3 for a slice of pumpkin pie. Oct. 7–8. 431 College St., 416-603-3090.

• Ok, this one requires a brief foray into the kitchen. The good people at Summerhill Market are packaging up complete Thanksgiving meals, including the traditional turkey with fixings (mashed potatoes, orange cranberry sauce, maple-roasted butternut squash) and the less traditional beef tenderloin with port shallot reduction (who needs tradition when there’s steak?). Order at least 48 hours in advance. $27.50–$35.10. 446 Summerhill Ave., or 1054 Mt. Pleasant Rd. Find out more »

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