www.montereycountyweekly.com NOVEMBER 16-22, 2023 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 47 EATS A few things are certain— almost—when it comes to Thanksgiving dinner. First, while some establishments close for the day, others embrace the meal in a big way. Second, there will be turkey. Chefs will take the opportunity to use up the squash in their pantry. Finally, it’s good to let someone else do the cooking—and the cleaning. There are restaurants and grocery stores, such as Elroy’s in Monterey, offering take-away dinners. But here are some of the places friends and families can reserve a table, sit and enjoy a multi-course Thanksgiving (venues serving buffet meals—and some of these are among best restaurants—can be found in a longer version of this story at mcweekly.com). We can’t fit entire menus in this space, but we can give some highlights. CARMEL Grasing’s Restaurant Obligatory gourd: Butternut squash soup. Stuffing: Sage, sausage and cornbread. Don’t want turkey?: Try the sea bass, veal, prime rib or gnocchi. Why go?:It’s the only dinner offering huckleberry in a dessert. Pacific’s Edge Obligatory gourd: Butternut squash bisque. Stuffing: Sourdough. Don’t want turkey?:There’s ham, salmon or a vegetarian option. Why go?:The view is amazing. Shearwater Tavern Obligatory gourd: Pear and butternut squash soup. Stuffing: Sourdough. Don’t want turkey?:The regular menu entrees are available. Why go?:It’s a hidden gem, with plenty of parking. CARMEL VALLEY Covey Grill Obligatory gourd: Butternut squash soup. Stuffing: Chestnut and sourdough. Don’t want turkey?:Try the steak, salmon or vegetarian lasagna. Why go?:Pecan pie. Lucia Obligatory gourd: Pumpkin and barley salad. Stuffing: Apple and sausage. Don’t want turkey?:No matter. There’s beef, fish, lamb, pasta and more. Why go?:You can’t—it’s booked solid. But they also have a buffet dinner. MONTEREY Estéban Restaurant Obligatory gourd: Squash and roasted pepper bisque. Stuffing: Chorizo, chestnut and sourdough. Don’t want turkey?:You can substitute. Why go?:The great patio. Jacks Restaurant Obligatory gourd: None. Hope you like beets. Stuffing: Traditional. Don’t want turkey?:Check the menu. Why go?:Great cocktails. Old Fisherman’s Grotto Obligatory gourd: None. Stuffing: Fruit, nut and sourdough. Don’t want turkey?:Sub from the menu. Why go?:It’s a tradition. Peter B’s Brewpub Obligatory gourd: Nope. Stuffing: Traditional. Don’t want turkey?:Sub from the menu. Why go?:Football on the TVs. Sardine Factory Obligatory gourd: Butternut squash bisque. Stuffing: Sage dressing Don’t want turkey?:There are options from the regular menu. Why go?:It’s the Sardine Factory. PACIFIC GROVE Fandango Obligatory gourd: Sorry. Stuffing: Chestnut. Don’t want turkey?:There’s also roast beef, ham, salmon or pasta. Why go?:Old -world charm, of course. Wild Fish Obligatory gourd: Nope, vichyssoise instead. Stuffing: None (there’s no turkey here). Don’t want turkey?:No problem. Swordfish or roasted eggplant. Why go?:It’s the only swordfish dinner on offer. The Big Meal Turkey, stuffing, squash—all are part of sit-down Thanksgiving meals at area restaurants...well, mostly. By Dave Faries INDOOR AND OUTDOOR DINING AND TAKEOUT Eat + Drink ’23 JOIN US NIGHTLY FOR DINNER AT 5pm TWO HAppY HOURS DAILY 5-6pm & 8-9pm Call or go to sardinefactory.com for details, reservations. 701 Wave Street, monterey, 831-373-3775 BEST RESTAURANT IN mONTEREY! OPEN EVERYDAY for DINNER at 4:30pm Offering all your favorites plus wine, cocktails, bottle and draft beers. 763 Wave St., Monterey 831.373.3778 thewhalingstation.com ’23 Best Steak and Martini Fisherman’s Wharf’s Newest Restaurant Serving Fresh Seafood, Pasta, Steaks, Sandwiches Open Daily at 11:30am Great views at the end of the Wharf #1 www.rockfishmonterey.com • 831.324.4375 Monterey’s MOST Recommended Pizzeria Open at 4pm Mon-Thurs • Open at 3pm Fri Open at 12pm Sat.& Sun. 725 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey giannispizzamonterey.com 831-649-1500 BEST PIZZA ’98-’23 WOOD FIRED PIZZAS, BURGERS, PASTA, SALADS, SANDWICHES AND MORE 11:30AM MON-FRI, 10AM SAT & SUN melvilletav.com 484 Washington St., Downtown Monterey 831.643.9525 HAPPY HOUR FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS Daily 4-6pm WEEKEND BRUNCH WITH BOTTOMLESS MIMOSAS 57 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey 831-373-1851 www.abalonetti.com ’23 OPEN FOR INDOOR DINING AND TAKE-OUT Everyday 11:30am-8:30pm Monterey County’s Best Calamari Indoor, Outdoor Dining & Take Out Tapas (Happy) Hour 4:30-6pm Nightly NOW OPEN FOR BRUNCH SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10am-2pm 700 Munras Ave., Monterey | 831-375-0176 | estebanrestaurant.com BEACH HOUSE RESTAURANT + BAR @ LOVERS POINT ★ Indoor dInIng & Take-ouT daIly, 4:30pm 620 Ocean View BlVd. Pacific GrOVe 831-375-2345 • beachhousepg.com lovers poInT Beach cafe Is also offerIng Take-ouT daIly, 9am-4pm
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