Happy Thanksgiving from the staff at LAArtParty. If you are looking for a stress-free holiday…Eat Out. Here are some options for you.

As Chez Jay celebrates 60 amazing years, they want to thank all of their family, friends and longtime guests with a feast like no other this Thanksgiving! This iconic restaurant and bar located in the heart of Santa Monica is preparing a special Thanksgiving Dinner that cannot be beat, so embark on a delicious journey that begins with a Starter featuring a choice of seasonal Squash Soup or House Salad. Next, savor the Main Course offering a choice of Turkey or Salmon ($35.00 per person), or Prime Rib ($45.00 per person), accompanied with Mashed Potatoes, Peas with Carrots and Onions, Stuffing, Gravy, and Cranberry Sauce, then gobble up a sweet and final treat by enjoying Chez Jay’s Pumpkin Cheesecake or Pecan Pie (served à la carte). Combine this hearty and heartful feast with a special bottle of Wine, Bottle or Draft Beer, or sip something a little stronger from the Chez Jay Bar as the bartenders can prepare anything from a classic Martini to a perfect Manhattan, catering to the pleasure of each and every guest. So, join Chez Jay on this special holiday where this Thanksgiving where guests will be leaving this Thanksgiving Dinner feeling warm, happy and satisfied!
Chez Jay will offer their Turkey or Salmon Thanksgiving Dinner ($35.00 per person), or Prime Rib Thanksgiving Dinner ($45.00 per person) on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28th, 2019 from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm; The Backyard at Chez Jay is also hosting a Thanksgiving dinner (for a reduced price), be sure to call for more info, or to RSVP. Chez Jay, 1657 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401; 310.395.1741; www.ChezJays.com

Spend this Thanksgiving at Old Town Pasadena’s very own Mi Piace and celebrate with a big Italian family feast! Executive Chef Gil Saulnier is preparing a special Thanksgiving Dinner Menu that will be available from 12:00 noon to 11:00 pm and will include traditional turkey day dishes, as well as some savory specials to satisfy every guest at the table. Begin this year’s feast with the Roasted Bone Marrow served with Cowboy bacon shallot jam and toasted ciabatta or share the spectacular Seafood Platter featuring a half-dozen Fanny Bay oysters, Alaskan crab leg, lobster tail, and jumbo shrimp, served with mignonette, cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, and fresh lemon. For the Entrées, guests can stay true to the Holiday tradition while indulging in the Traditional Oven Roasted Turkey – a plate full of roasted organic turkey, mashed potatoes, haricot vert, yams, cranberry sauce, Italian sausage, porcini mushrooms, signature chestnut stuffing, and house-made corn bread. Venture out and try specialty items like the Mediterranean Oratta made of a grilled herb-stuffed whole sustainable Sea Bass, tomatoes, capers, kalamata olives, radicchio, and arugula salad; the Slow Braised Lamb Shank prepared Mediterranean style and accompanied with braised vegetables and baby white potatoes, or the decadent Maine Lobster & Mussel Spaghetti served with a whole fresh Maine lobster, New Zealand green-lipped mussels, San Marzano tomatoes, orange zest, and lobster broth saffron sauce.

Maine Lobster & Mussel Spaghetti; photo by Acuna-Hansen

On top of the special Thanksgiving Dinner Menu, guests craving any of Mi Piace’s classics can enjoy the Italian eatery’s traditional Breakfast Menu that will be available from 8:00 am to 11:00 am; the Lunch Menu which will be offered from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, and the classic Mi Piace Dinner Menu, which will also be offered from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Pair all of this deliciousness with any one of Mi Piace’s award-winning wines, or try one of Mi Piace’s New Fall Cocktails such as The Italian Job made of Angel Envy Bourbon, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, Amaro Montenegro, Miracle Mile toasted pecan bitters, and apple wood smoke, or the Holy Grail comprised of Evan Williams Black Label Bourbon, Moscatel Pisco, egg whites, bee pollen, ginger, and lemon juice. Be prepared to enjoy and be very thankful for this big beautiful Italian-style celebration at Mi Piace this Thanksgiving!

Mi Piace will be open from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm. Mi Piace will offer a special Thanksgiving Dinner Menu from 12:00 noon to 11:00 pm, as well as their regular Breakfast Menu from 8:00 am to 11:00 am, Lunch Menu from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, and classic Dinner Menu from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28th, 2019; Mi Piace, 25 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626.795.3131; www.MiPiace.com

Also in Pasadena…The Raymond 1886 is welcoming family and friends into their Historic Craftsman Cottage located in the heart of Pasadena this Thanksgiving where they will be offering an elevated twist on a traditional family-style feast with new Executive Chef Jason Francisco’s Thanksgiving at The Raymond Dinner Menu. 
Guests will begin with a Starter including the Creamy Butternut Squash Soup with crème fraiche and crispy sage, or the Apple Gorgonzola Salad containing apples, gorgonzola, red onions, candied pecans, crispy bacon, and bibb lettuce in a golden balsamic vinaigrette.

Thanksgiving is traditionally centered around turkey and the Entrées will not disappoint featuring Mary’s Turkey Breast accompanied with a rosemary chestnut stuffing, old fashioned gravy, and cranberry licorice sauce. Those who prefer something unique can indulge in additional Entrees like the Braised Venison Wellington served in a puff pastry with shaved asparagus and a pomegranate reduction, or the vegan Cauliflower Steak served with spaghetti squash Aglio e Olio, brussels sprout leaves, and pumpkin seed pesto. It is also not be a proper Thanksgiving without the all the sides, so The Raymond 1886 is serving up some Complimentary Sides including Chef Francisco’s Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Garlic Herb Potatoes, Roasted Heirloom Carrots and Creamed Corn. Finally, finish this fabulous feast with new Pastry

Chef Mignon Jones’ Desserts with a choice of either the Pumpkin Cheesecake with pumpkin seed brittle, or her Apple Pie served with cinnamon crisps as the perfect finish. The Raymond 1886 will offer Thanksgiving at The Raymond for $85.00 (per adult) and $42 (children ages 12 and under); The Raymond 1886 will be open on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28th, 2019 from 12:00 noon to 7:00 pm; The Raymond 1886, 1250 South Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626.441.3136; www.TheRaymond.com