Savory Eats: Thanksgiving 2017

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Joanna Adduci is a Northport resident, currently working as a writer. She has a B.S. in Journalism from St. John's University and is active within her community working as a blogger and musician. She enjoys cooking, traveling, hiking and performing with her dad in their LI-based cover band, Next Generation. Joanna can be reached by e-mail at: joanna.adduci10@gmail.com.
    As the weather changes and the holidays approach, many families are looking for alternatives to long days spent in the kitchen, and tiring clean ups. If you’re not into spending the holidays at home, or just prefer not to do the cooking this year, consider dining out. This Thanksgiving, plenty of beloved local establishments are staying open to provide you with your beloved homemade turkey and sides. 
    Whether you’re looking for something upscale or comfortably casual, many neighborhood eateries are encouraging diners to eat out this Thanksgiving season. Mill Pond House in Centerport, H20 Seafood and Sushi, Cinque Terre Ristorante in Huntington Station, and Thyme in Roslyn are only some of the places worth checking out. 
    Mill Pond House, nestled on the water in Centerport, is offering a full Thanksgiving dinner for guests. Available as an a la carte menu for adults, and set children’s menu, Mill Pond House is the perfect place to indulge in a beautiful setting with friends and family. The menu includes raw bar options, caviar, starters, pastas, entrees, lobster, grilled prime meats and Chef’s homemade fixings. (Personally, I would order the Crispy Half Long Island Duck or Sesame Crusted Yellowfin Tuna.)
    Thyme in Roslyn is a great option for Nassau County diners. Their regular menu includes salads, starters, soups, burgers, entrees and sides. I personally prefer their Long Island Duck Breast with caramelized pear or Braised Short Rib Papardelle. This is an equally beautiful setting to celebrate a cherished holiday with family and friends, and offers diners a diverse mix of dinner selections. 
    Cinque Terre Ristorante in Huntington Station is serving up a traditional Thanksgiving meal with a la carte options for diners. If you’re in the mood for something non-traditional, the restaurant is also offering Italian dishes such as Fritto Misto, filet of sole and lasagna. For families that prefer to dine later in the day, this may be a good choice, as the restaurant is open until 9pm. 
    H20 Seafood and Sushi, with locations in Smithtown and East Islip, is serving up a traditional Turkey Dinner (complete with stuffing, gravy, cranberry relish) as well as their regular menu offerings. Starters, salads, sushi, raw bar, oysters, mussels, fish, lobster, meat and more – this place is a seafood lover’s paradise. My menu favorites include the Montauk roll, Crunchy Crustacean roll, Warm Goat Cheese salad, and Grilled Flat Iron Steak.
    This year, skip the stress and opt for going out with the family. Choose to avoid the grocery store, endless hours of meal prep and praying that you won’t overcook the turkey. Choose a restaurant that suits your family and focus on what’s important. In the end, the holidays are supposed to be about spending time with the people you love, right? But hey, a good meal without the long, tiring cleanup doesn’t hurt either.